Spanish Water Dog Breed Overview and Guide

The Spanish Water Dog is a versatile breed that thrives on mental and physical stimulation. They are highly intelligent and active dogs that require regular exercise and training.

Originally bred to assist fishermen in Spain, this breed has a strong instinct to work and please their owners. They excel in roles such as herding, hunting, and even as therapy dogs.

Their thick coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, making them a great choice for owners who enjoy spending time with their pets.

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The Spanish Water Dog is an intelligent and versatile working dog. He's a natural herder, hunter, and guardian, making him a loyal companion.

He's a medium-sized dog, typically standing between 15-20 inches tall, depending on gender. His weight also varies, ranging from 31-49 pounds, depending on whether he's a male or female.

This breed has a distinctive wooly coat that curls and forms cords, which should be at least one inch in length but no longer than 4¾ inches. He's a rustic-looking dog, and his coat should look like it's been sheared completely and evenly, rather than groomed or clipped for aesthetic purposes.

His lifespan is relatively long, typically ranging from 12-14 years.

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The Spanish Water Dog is a medium-sized breed with a unique appearance. They have a sturdy build with powerful muscles, making them well-suited for their working heritage.

Their distinctive curly coat is a defining feature of the breed. It's wooly in texture and can form cords or mats if not properly maintained. In fact, the breed standard requires that the coat be presented naturally, without brushing or trimming, to showcase its natural texture and appearance.

The Spanish Water Dog comes in a variety of colors, including black, brown, beige, white, and parti-color. The AKC breed standard recognizes tan points as the only acceptable markings, but in reality, the breed can come in a range of color combinations.

Here are the recognized colors and markings for the Spanish Water Dog:

In terms of size, males typically grow to be between 17-20 inches tall, while females are slightly smaller, ranging from 15-18 inches. Males can weigh between 40-49 pounds, while females typically weigh between 31-40 pounds.

The breed's lifespan is relatively long, with an average of 12-14 years. With proper care and attention, Spanish Water Dogs can make wonderful companions for active families or individuals.

The Spanish Water Dog's gait is truly impressive, with a smooth, free, and easy movement that showcases its agility. Its well-balanced stride allows it to cover a lot of ground effortlessly.

The dog's fore and hind legs move straight and parallel with the center line of its body, creating a harmonious and efficient movement pattern. This parallel movement is a key characteristic of the breed.

As the dog's speed increases, its feet converge towards the center line of gravity, demonstrating its ability to adapt to different situations. This adaptability is essential for a breed that's bred to perform tasks.

The topline of the dog remains firm and level, even at high speeds, showcasing its excellent balance and poise. This stability is crucial for a breed that needs to be agile and nimble.

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The Spanish Water Dog is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Their coats should never be brushed, combed, or blown out to maintain their rustic appearance.

They require occasional baths, but be gentle when washing them, using a mild shampoo and working it through gradually. Squeeze the excess water from their coat instead of rubbing it with a towel or blow drying them.

Regular checks for matting are essential, especially behind their ears, around their neck, and on their rear. Use your fingers to separate the mats, not a comb or brush.

Their coats will start forming characteristic cords after a few months, which is a good sign! However, they may start matting, so keep an eye out and gently work out the mats with your fingers.

You should shear their coats one or more times a year, and trim their nails regularly. Ears and eyes should be cleaned as often as they are dirty.

Spanish Water Dogs are intelligent and need consistent positive reinforcement training throughout their life. They respond well to clicker training and need something to engage their minds.

They are slow to mature and require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Daily walks and playtime are essential, and they'll love activities like playing fetch, hiking, swimming, and agility training.

A high-quality diet is crucial, and you should research the best food for your Spanish Water Dog. They may develop allergies, so always consult with your vet about their dietary needs.

As they age, their nutritional needs will change, so be sure to adjust their diet accordingly.

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The Spanish Water Dog's lifespan is around 12-14 years, and while they're generally a healthy breed, they do have some health concerns to be aware of.

Hip dysplasia is a common issue in Spanish Water Dogs, and it can be managed with the help of a veterinarian. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can also help prevent it from developing.

Some less common diseases that can affect Spanish Water Dogs include hormone diseases such as hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism, and hypoadrenocorticism.

Eye diseases like glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy can also occur, and pet owners should be on the lookout for symptoms like hair loss, weight gain, and lethargy.

Neurological diseases like neuroaxonal dystrophy and epilepsy can affect Spanish Water Dogs, and gastrointestinal issues like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency can also occur.

To keep your Spanish Water Dog healthy, regular check-ups and vaccinations are essential. You should also talk to your vet about flea and tick prevention, depending on where you live.

Here's a list of potential health issues to watch out for:

The Spanish Water Dog is a wonderful breed that makes a great family pet. They are highly intelligent and love to work, which means they thrive on task-oriented play and exercise. This breed is not for the novice dog owner, as they need a firm owner who can take charge and fill the role of pack leader.

They are loving, loyal, and highly intelligent, making them a terrific part of the family. Their smarts, responsiveness, and loyalty to their owners mean they can be a joy to train. However, they do have strong herding and guarding instincts, which means they may try to herd children during playtime.

Early socialization is crucial for this breed, as it helps them adapt to different environments and situations. Expose your puppy to new sounds, environments, and people to help them become more confident and calm. They may be wary of strangers at first, but with time and patience, they will warm up.

As a herder, they have a strong work ethic and love to be busy. This means they need regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They are not typically vocal, but may bark to get your attention. They are also moderately wary of people they don't know, but with socialization, they will become more confident.

Spanish Water Dogs are great companions for children, but it's essential to supervise interactions and teach children how to properly interact with pets. They are also a great friend to other dogs and pets they know well, but may require training to manage their herding instincts.

Purchasing a Spanish Water Dog can be a significant investment, with prices ranging from $1500 to $2500 for a single puppy. This is due to the breed's popularity as a working dog.

The cost can vary depending on factors such as demand and the breeder's experience and resources.

If you're looking to bring a Spanish Water dog puppy into your family, you'll want to start by finding a reputable breeder. You can check out the American Kennel Club marketplace or the Spanish Water Dog Club of America for a list of trusted breeders.

Researching a breeder is crucial to ensure you're getting a healthy puppy. A good breeder will be transparent about the health of their dogs and willing to answer any questions you may have.

If a breeder seems evasive or secretive about the health of their dogs, it's a major red flag. You want to make sure you're getting a puppy from a breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their animals.

Here are some reputable resources for finding a Spanish Water dog breeder:

You can expect to pay a high price for a Spanish Water Dog puppy, typically ranging from $1500 to $2500.

This price can vary depending on demand, with prices increasing if the breed is in high demand when you're looking to get a puppy.

A breeder's level of experience and resources can also impact the price, with more experienced breeders charging more for their puppies.

Owning a Spanish Water Dog comes with a range of expenses beyond the initial cost of the puppy.

You'll need to factor in the cost of food and treats, which can vary depending on the size of your breed.

Treats are a great way to reward your dog, but they can add up over time.

You'll also need to budget for supplements, which can help keep your dog healthy and happy.

A collar, tag, leash, and bedding are essential items for any dog owner.

Toys are also a must-have, and you'll need to replace them regularly to keep your dog engaged and entertained.

Grooming products are another ongoing expense, as Spanish Water Dogs require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

You'll also need to budget for medications, such as wormers and vaccinations.

Neutering or spaying your dog is a one-time expense, but it's an important part of responsible dog ownership.

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A microchip is a small, one-time expense that can provide peace of mind and help ensure your dog's safe return if they ever get lost.

Pet insurance is an essential investment for any dog owner, and the cost will depend on the size of your breed.

Here are some of the other expenses you'll need to consider: