Spanish Water Dog

Breed Group: Sporting

"No, that's not a perm!"

Hypoallergenic

Breed Profile

The Spanish Water Dog is a medium-sized herding and hunting dog from Spain that makes a great sporting assistant, as well as a gentle family guardian. Their distinctive coats are curly, but they are generally easy to maintain. These dogs can't wait to get outside and perform.

Behavior

The Spanish Water Dog was bred to be a herder and has strong protective instincts, making them well-suited to a variety of tasks. They love their families and consider themselves their guardian. (But beware, they might just herd your children!) Proper training is important early on for these dogs, as they are definitely wary of strangers.

Coat

The Spanish Water Dog's coat is always curly . They are wooly in texture, and their hair may form cords when long. They are found in a variety of colors, including solid black, brown, white, or bi- or tri-colored patterns of black, tan, or white. It's actually recommended to not brush these dogs, and to bathe them only occasionally.

Lifestyle

The Spanish Water Dog loves having a job to do. They make wonderful hunters, water-sports dogs, and even search and rescue, but they also make a great family pet with proper training from a young age. They have a strong guarding instinct and will protect their territories courageously. Spanish Water Dogs may try to herd small children, so supervision is necessary, and training is a must.

Activity

The Spanish Water Dog is a versatile breed that craves exercise. They are active and energetic, so they need plenty of exercise to keep their minds and bodies satisfied. They love being allowed to romp and play, so they need a big, safe yard to run around in regularly. These dogs are fast, athletic, and might just take you on a walk instead of the other way around.

Characteristics

Space Needs
Activity Needs
Intelligence
Playfulness
Grooming Needs
Trainability
Watchdog Ability
Affection
Barking
Cat-friendliness
Dog-friendliness
Child-friendliness