Small Water Dogs: Breed Overview, Needs, and Essentials

Small water dogs are a delightful and energetic group of breeds that thrive in aquatic environments. They originated from ancient times, with some breeds dating back over 2,000 years.

These dogs have a natural instinct to love water, with some breeds even requiring regular swimming sessions to stay happy and healthy. Their coats are often water-resistant, making them perfect for families who enjoy water activities.

Their small size, typically weighing between 10-40 pounds, makes them ideal for apartment living or small homes with yards. With proper care and attention, small water dogs can live up to 12-15 years or more.

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Barbets, Portuguese water dogs, and Spanish Water Dogs are all small water dogs with unique characteristics. They were bred to hunt waterfowl and love to swim.

These breeds have curly, wavy, or single-coated coats that require regular grooming to prevent tangles and mats. Daily exercise is also essential to keep them happy and healthy.

Their intelligence and trainability make them excellent companions, but they can be high-energy dogs that require a lot of physical and mental stimulation. They're best suited for active families or individuals who enjoy dog training and sports.

Their webbed feet and sturdy bodies make them natural swimmers, and they can thrive in households with pools or regular water activities.

The Barbet is a cheerful and tireless breed, perfect for an active family. They were bred to hunt waterfowl and are naturally inclined to be social.

Barbets require regular daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need to get out of the house and get moving to burn off energy.

Their curly coats are a beautiful feature, but they do require daily grooming to prevent tangles and mats. This will become a regular part of your routine with a Barbet in the family.

Barbets are loyal companions, but they do need consistent training and socialization. They take to new commands quickly, making them a joy to work with.

On average, Barbets live for 12-14 years, making them a long-term companion. With proper care and attention, they will bring joy and love into your life for many years to come.

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The Lagotto Romagnolo is a lively breed that's eager to please and easily trainable. They're known to be good family dogs as long as they're socialized early.

These dogs require daily mental stimulation with play or training to keep them happy and healthy. Problem-solving is one of their favorite activities, so doggie puzzle toys can be a great way to give them the brain-enriching stimuli they crave.

Their curly, water-resistant double coat can get matted after a swim, so regular grooming is a must. They're also prone to ear infections, so keep an eye on those floofy ears.

With a life expectancy of around 8 years, the Lagotto Romagnolo has a shorter life span than some other breeds. Despite this, they're very sweet companions and big couch potatoes.

They tend to drool profusely and shed a lot, so be prepared for some extra dog hair and slobber.

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The Portuguese water dog's appearance is quite impressive. Their lineage goes back almost 800 years, making their origins somewhat murky.

Their coat comes in two varieties: curly or wavy, with hair that's medium to long and single-coated. The coat comes in shades of brown, tan, black, and white, with the latter being the rarest by a hefty margin.

Some Portuguese water dogs will have bi- or even tri-colored coats, with black and tan being the most common. Another common coloration is for either all-black or all-brown varieties to sport a splash of white on their chins, referred to as "milk chin".

Traditionally, their coats are cut in one of two styles: the "lion cut" or the "retriever cut". The lion cut cuts the muzzle, hindquarters, and base of the tail short, leaving all the rest long.

They have webbed feet to aid in swimming, and their bodies aren't quite square, being slightly longer than they are tall. Female dogs come in at 17–21 inches tall, with male Portuguese water dogs a bit taller at 20–23 inches.

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Barbets are friendly companions who were bred to hunt waterfowl, making them cheerful and tireless dogs.

Lagotto Romagnolos are affectionate and lively, but they can be a handful due to their high energy levels and need for daily mental stimulation.

Spanish Water Dogs are intelligent and proud of their jobs, but they can be a bit aloof with strangers and require regular exercise to keep them happy.

These breeds are all social and love being included in family activities, making them great companions for active families.

Barbets and Lagotto Romagnolos are both prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears, so regular ear cleaning is a must.

Lagotto Romagnolos have a shorter life span than some breeds, usually living until around 8 years old, but with proper care and attention, they can live up to 15-17 years.

Spanish Water Dogs have unique coats that form cords when grown out, and they require regular checking for matting and gentle removal with fingers.

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These breeds are all highly trainable and take to new commands quickly, making them great for first-time dog owners who are willing to put in the effort.

With their curly coats, Barbets and Lagotto Romagnolos require daily grooming to prevent tangles and mats.

Spanish Water Dogs, on the other hand, have low grooming needs due to their corded coats, but they still need regular checking and trimming to keep them manageable.

Overall, these breeds are all intelligent, social, and loving companions that require regular exercise, attention, and care to thrive.

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The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a small but energetic breed. They're the smallest of the retriever family, and they're intelligent, too.

They're built for swimming and playing, and they love water. In fact, they're great companions for families who enjoy the beach or a lake.

These dogs are smart, but they can be a bit stubborn at times. They learn quickly, but they need consistent training and positive reinforcement.

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Tolling Retrievers are moderate shedders, so be prepared for regular grooming. They come in a range of red and gold hues, and they're a beautiful sight to see.

With a life expectancy of 12-14 years, these dogs are a long-term commitment. But if you're up for the challenge, they'll reward you with loyalty and affection.

The Schipperke breed is a Belgian favorite that's been popular on barges, earning them the nickname "little captain" in Flemish.

Their history on barges is no surprise, given their love of water. They're also known as "canal boat dogs".

Their energetic nature makes them an exciting dog to enjoy the outdoors with.

Living with Small Water Dogs can be a delightful experience. Portuguese Water Dogs are adaptable to apartment living as long as you take them out for a run or a game of fetch every day.

They require mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom. Supplying a variety of toys can help keep them engaged, and with patient positive reinforcement training, you can teach them which things are okay to chew on.

Portuguese Water Dogs are generally safe to have off a leash or in the front yard with supervision, as they have a low prey drive and won't chase after squirrels.

Living with a small water dog requires attention to their mental and physical stimulation needs. They need daily exercise, such as a run or a game of fetch, to stay happy and healthy.

A big, fenced backyard is a bonus, but even apartment living can work if you're willing to put in the effort. If you do have a pool or lake nearby, your pup will be in heaven.

If you're considering competition sports, make sure to get your pup checked out by a vet first. They're generally safe to have off a leash or in the front yard with supervision, thanks to their low prey drive.

Supplying a variety of toys is key to preventing boredom. By giving them a choice of toys and teaching them which ones are okay to chew on, you can prevent destructive behavior.

Their hair never stops growing, so you'll need to groom your small water dog every six to eight weeks to prevent it from matting up and looking like a giant cotton ball.

You'll also need to brush them every other day to keep that wavy or curly hair from getting tangled and clingy.

If your dog takes a dip in a chlorinated pool, saltwater body, or lake with algae, give them a quick hosing down to prevent their hair from holding onto smells.

Spanish Water Dogs have a unique, curly, wooly coat that requires daily attention to prevent matting.

First-time owners may want to work with an experienced breeder or groomer to learn how to care for their coat.

These dogs are social and affectionate, but they can be wary of strangers, so early socialization is key.

They love to play, run, and chase things, and they're extremely curious, so you'll need to puppy-proof your home thoroughly.

Sticking to a daily routine can make life easier for both you and your small water dog, as they're smart and quick to pick up on a schedule.

Crate training is also a good idea, especially for young puppies who can't be left unsupervised until they're completely housebroken.

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Health is a top priority for any dog owner, and small water dogs are no exception. Portuguese Water Dogs and Spanish Water Dogs are generally healthy breeds, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.

Hip dysplasia is a common problem in both Portuguese Water Dogs and Spanish Water Dogs, which can lead to joint damage and mobility issues.

Spaying or neutering your small water dog can have a significant impact on their health. Research suggests that delaying spaying or neutering until your dog is at least 18 months old can help prevent joint problems.

However, it's essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best approach for your dog. They can help you weigh the benefits and risks of spaying or neutering, as well as address other health concerns.

Some health issues are genetic, and it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks. Portuguese Water Dogs can be prone to cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, which can cause night blindness and even total blindness.

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Your veterinarian can conduct a simple DNA test to determine if your dog is a carrier of these genes. They can also assess your dog's vision by checking their response to light and navigating obstacles in different lighting conditions.

If you're a new puppy owner, be sure to have your veterinarian conduct all the recommended tests and screenings. This will help ensure your dog stays healthy and happy throughout their life.

Here are some common health issues that can affect small water dogs:

The Portuguese Water Dog has a rich history dating back to 1297, when a monk first wrote about a dog resembling the modern breed.

These dogs thrived on the coasts of Portugal and Spain for centuries, with possibly apocryphal accounts of the Spanish Armada using them for ship-to-ship communications.

Their numbers declined in the 19th century as technology replaced their jobs, but a Portuguese shipping magnate named Vasco Bensaude helped reverse this trend in the 1930s.

The breed was nearly extinct by the 1930s, but Bensaude's efforts led to a resurgence in the breed's numbers.

The Spanish Water Dog has a similar history, with a believed origin in the Iberian Peninsula in the 10th century with Turkish traders.

They were highly versatile and used for various tasks, including retrieving waterfowl and herding livestock.

The Portuguese Water Dog was finally recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1981, while the Spanish Water Dog received official recognition in 2015.

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The American Water Spaniel is a rare dog breed that originated in Wisconsin. They're a unique combination of a Spaniel and Retriever, making them perfect for life in the wet marshes of the Great Lakes. Their love for water is unmatched, and they're just as happy playing in the water as they are working in it. They're well-suited for their natural habitat and can thrive in their element. The American Water Spaniel is a breed that's truly at home in the water.

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The Portuguese Water Dog has a rich history dating back to 1297, when a monk first wrote about a dog resembling the breed we know today.

The breed thrived on the coasts of Portugal and Spain for centuries, with some accounts even suggesting they were used by the Spanish Armada for ship-to-ship communications.

By the 1930s, the dog was nearly extinct due to the decline of the fishing industry and the rise of technology.

A Portuguese shipping magnate named Vasco Bensaude helped reverse this trend by seeking out the dogs from fishing villages.

The breed was first brought to the U.S. in the 1960s by two Americans, Deyanne and Herbert Miller, Jr., who were descendants of Bensaude's kennels.

The Portuguese Water Dog Club of America was founded in 1972, and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1981.

The Spanish Water Dog, on the other hand, has a history that dates back to the 10th century, when they arrived in the Iberian Peninsula with Turkish traders.

This ancient breed was highly versatile and was used for various tasks, including retrieving waterfowl and herding livestock.

The Spanish Water Dog didn't gain popularity in Spain until the 1970s, and they were officially recognized by the AKC in 2015.

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The Newfoundland breed has a rich history that dates back to its original purpose of helping fishers haul their nets. They were bred specifically for this task, and their physical characteristics reflect that.

Their thick coat is designed to keep them warm in chilly waters, making them well-suited for the job. This coat is a key feature of the breed.

Originally bred to assist fishers, Newfoundlands now primarily help with water rescues.

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The Portuguese water dog is a medium-sized breed with a sturdy build, weighing between 35 to 60 pounds.

Their height ranges from 17 to 23 inches, making them a great companion for families and seniors.

One of the most distinctive features of the Portuguese water dog is their curly, medium-length coat, which requires regular grooming.

The breed comes in a variety of colors, including black, brown, and white, with possible patterns such as bicolor, black and tan, and tricolor.

They are generally good with children, dogs, and families, making them an excellent choice for first-time pet owners.

Their high intelligence and trainability make them a pleasure to work with, but they do require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy.

Here are some key traits of the Portuguese water dog breed:

Their hypoallergenic coat and low drool amount make them a great choice for people with allergies.

Small water dogs are relatively low-shedding, making them a great choice for people with allergies or who prefer less dog hair.

These dogs require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their coats.

Their intelligence and trainability make them easy to teach tricks and commands.

With their high energy levels, they need daily exercise to stay happy and healthy.

They are generally small in size, weighing between 10-40 pounds, and standing between 10-18 inches tall.

Spanish Water Dogs are perfectly content with being the only dog in the home.

They may need some time to get used to other pets, but they can usually learn to leave them alone and respect their space.

Owning a small water dog requires some essential items to ensure their comfort and safety. A dog crate is a must-have for training and travel, as it provides a safe space for your dog to relax and feel secure.

Small water dogs need regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur. A slicker brush and a pin brush are two essential tools for this task, and should be used regularly to prevent matting.

Your small water dog will need regular nail trimming to prevent overgrowth, which can be painful and uncomfortable for them. Trimming their nails every 4-6 weeks will help maintain their overall health and well-being.

Small water dogs are highly intelligent and need regular mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Providing them with puzzle toys and interactive games will keep them engaged and entertained.

A small water dog's diet should consist of high-quality dog food that is rich in protein and low in fat. Feeding them 2-3 times a day will help maintain their energy levels and support their overall health.

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