Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish Water Dog, or Perro de Agua Español, originates from the Iberian Peninsula. The breed's history is not definitively known, but it's believed to have ancient roots, potentially dating back over a thousand years. It was traditionally used by Spanish shepherds as a versatile farm dog, capable of herding, hunting, and even assisting with fishing. Throughout the 20th century, the breed was at risk of extinction, but it was revived through concerted efforts by enthusiasts in the 1970s.
- Origin
- Iberian Peninsula
- Alternate Names
- Perro de Agua Español, Turco Andaluz, Andalusian Turk
- Life Expectancy
- 12-14 years
- Average Male Height
- 17.5-19.75 inches
- Average Female Height
- 15.75-18 inches
- Average Male Weight
- 40-49 pounds
- Average Female Weight
- 31-40 pounds
- Coat Length
- Medium
- Coat Type
- Curly, Corded
- Coat Colors
- Black, Black & White, Brown, Brown & White, White & Black, White & Brown, White with Black Nose, White with Brown Nose, Beige with Black Nose, Beige with Brown Nose, Beige & White with Black Nose, Beige & White with Brown Nose, White & Beige with Black Nose, White & Beige with Brown Nose
- Coat Pattern
- Tan Points
Genetic Predispositions and Health
Spanish Water Dogs are generally healthy, but like any breed, they are prone to certain health conditions. These include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, and exercise-induced collapse. They can also be susceptible to degenerative myelopathy, progressive rod-cone degeneration, and neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD).
Personality and Behavior
Spanish Water Dogs are intelligent, active, and hardworking. They are often eager to please and quick to learn, which makes them excellent working dogs and good candidates for obedience and agility training. They can be reserved with strangers, but are generally good with children and other pets if they are socialized properly from a young age. The breed has a strong herding instinct and may try to herd other animals or even people.
Fun Facts
The Spanish Water Dog is a versatile worker. It has been used not only for herding but also as a search and rescue dog and in water sports.
The breed is known in its native land as the "dog that does everything," reflecting its multifaceted working capabilities.
The Spanish Water Dog's coat can naturally form into cords when it grows out, giving it a distinctive look similar to that of a Puli or Komondor.
In 1985, the breed was officially recognized by the Real Sociedad Canina de España (Royal Canine Society of Spain), and later by international organizations such as the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the United Kennel Club (UKC). The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized it in 2015 in the Herding Group.
References
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/spanish-water-dog/
https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/SPANISH-WATER-DOG-336.html
https://www.ukcdogs.com/spanish-water-dog
https://www.purina.co.uk/find-a-pet/dog-breeds/spanish-water
https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/breed/spanish-water-dog