Spanish Water Dog

Spanish Water Dog

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About Spanish Water Dog

Embrace life with a bit of Mediterranean flair with the Spanish Water Dog. These curly-coated charmers are smart as a whip and versatile. Originally, they were workhorses bred to herd sheep and goats in the Spanish countryside, and their brainy, active nature still reflects this history.

With a distinct, shaggy curl that screams "personality," your Spanish Water Dog's coat will be an instant conversation starter. They come in shades of white, black, and brown, and their coat isn't just unique, it's also hypoallergenic! Instead of traditional grooming, the coat will simply form natural, light corded locks and occasional trimming is only necessary.

Amazingly adaptable, they make wonderful family dogs, and they're equally content whether they're living it up in a cozy apartment or exhibiting their athletic prowess in a backyard. With their sharp intelligence, they excel in obedience training, but they'll need plenty of physical and mental stimulation- think long walks, interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and maybe even agility trials.

What makes the Spanish Water Dog so special? They are about as loyal as you can get, making strong bonds with their families. You'll find they make a loving and lively addition to your home. So, if you are prepared to provide plenty of activities and training, you'll be rewarded with a loyal companion who's always up for life's adventures.

Interesting Facts

1

The Spanish Water Dog, known locally as the Perro de Agua Español, is a versatile breed that has been used in Spain for centuries to herd sheep, goats, cattle, and even pigs. Today, they are still working dogs and are also used for search and rescue missions, as well as for bomb detection.

2

One unique aspect of Spanish Water Dogs is their coat. Wavy or curly, it forms natural cords when it's long, and interestingly, it is never brushed or combed. Instead, it is traditionally sheared once per year, like a sheep's wool.

3

Despite their need to be active and have a job to do, Spanish Water Dogs are also noted for their excellent temperament indoors. They readily adapt to the family environment and get along well with children and other pets, making them both excellent working dogs and family pets.

4

As their name indicates, Spanish Water Dogs are excellent swimmers. Their webbed feet help them to easily navigate water, assisting their tasks related to fishing in their historic roles and making them fantastic companions for families who love water activities.

5

Spanish Water Dogs are highly energetic and require regular physical and mental stimulation. They excel in dog sports such as agility, dock diving, and herding trials, showcasing their versatility and intelligence.

6

Spanish Water Dogs have a strong guarding instinct, making them excellent watchdogs. They are naturally protective of their family and home, alerting owners to any unfamiliar sights or sounds with their keen senses.

7

The breed is known for its high intelligence and problem-solving abilities. Spanish Water Dogs excel in canine sports such as agility and obedience trials, where their quick learning and responsiveness are highly valued.

8

Spanish Water Dogs are believed to have originated from ancient breeds brought to the Iberian Peninsula by Turkish traders. These dogs played a crucial role in developing various European herding and water-working breeds.

9

In Spain, Spanish Water Dogs were traditionally used in a variety of environments, from mountainous regions to coastal areas. Their adaptability made them invaluable to shepherds and fishermen across different landscapes.

10

Spanish Water Dogs have a distinctive, rustic appearance which is perfectly suited to their working lifestyle. Their robust and agile build allows them to perform various tasks with stamina and efficiency, making them highly versatile workers.

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Breed Characteristics

Good with Children
4/5
Good with Other Dogs
3/5
Shedding
1/5
Grooming
4/5
Drooling
2/5
Coat Length
3/5
Good with Strangers
3/5
Playfulness
4/5
Protectiveness
4/5
Trainability
4/5
Energy
4/5
Barking
3/5

Physical Characteristics

Life Expectancy
12-14 years
Height
Male: 45-51 cm
Female: 45-51 cm
Weight
Male: 19-23 kg
Female: 15-19 kg
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    Spanish Water Dog - Complete Breed Guide & Characteristics | PawChamp