Spanish Water Dog

The Spanish water dog actually originated in Turkey. The dogs made their way to Spain’s Iberian peninsula aboard Turkish ships that carried sheep. In the Andalusia region of Spain, the Spanish water dog was used to herd and protect flocks of sheep and goats, to retrieve quarry for hunters and to assist the local fishermen. In January of 2015, the American Kennel Club recognized the Spanish water dog as a member of the herding group.

The Spanish Water Dog (SWD) is medium-sized, robust, muscular and athletic dog that are slightly longer than tall. Their heads are large and round, with broad muzzles. Their ears are triangular and set at medium height of the head. Their coats are furry and curly. The coat needs to be brushed regularly otherwise the coat can form cords. Check the ears regularly to prevent ear infections.

Personality

The SWD is a smart, protective and happy dog breed. SWDs are affectionate towards their owners or families, but are usually suspicious of and aloof toward strangers. They need plenty of exercise and are not suited for apartment living. Like most herding breeds, they are independent-minded and sometimes stubborn.

Breed Characteristics

Spanish Water Dog Build Information

The athletic and sturdy Spanish water dog is medium in size, standing at an average height of 16 to 20 inches at the shoulders and weighing between 30 and 49 pounds. The curly, water resistant coat forms long cords when it is left to grow naturally. The coat may be solid black, brown, beige, white, bicolored and parti colored. The earflaps hang downward and the tail is usually docked on puppies that are bred in the United States.

Behaviour and Personality

The Spanish water dog is an affectionate and loyal family member that gets along with children and other pets, but its strong herding instinct will prompt the dog to herd these members of the household. The Spanish water dog is an intelligent and diligent worker. It is wary with strangers and has a strong protective instinct, making it a natural, effective watchdog. The Spanish water dog makes an excellent companion for those who enjoy fishing and hunting, and it loves to swim.

Appearance

A Spanish water dog’s coat should never be brushed or combed, but shearing the coat every six months will be helpful in maintaining a neat appearance. As the coat grows out, the hair will form cords. The only regular grooming maintenance to be done at home is to brush the teeth every other day to prevent periodontal disease and to keep the ears clean and dry to prevent ear infections.

Spanish Water Dog Common Health Conditions

Spanish water dogs live average lifespans of 10 to 14 years. The breed is hardy, but a few known genetic health conditions to affect the Spanish water dog are hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease, cataracts and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Spanish Water Dog Pet Insurance

When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.

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Breed Talents and Facts

One of the newest breeds to gain official recognition in the American Kennel Club is the Spanish water dog, which will make an intelligent, devoted and athletic companion for your family. The Spanish water dog is believed to have originated in Turkey. The Spanish water dog is also called a perro de agua Espanol, a Turco Andaluz and a Turkish dog. The Spanish water dog is a devoted and happy companion with strong instincts for herding, hunting and guarding. The Spanish water dog stands 16 to 20 inches tall and weighs 30 to 49 pounds. The Spanish water dog has a moderate energy level. The Spanish water dog requires moderate grooming. The average lifespan for a Spanish water dog is 10 to 14 years.