Spanish Water Dog
Also known as: Perro de Agua Español
The Spanish Water Dog is a breed originating from Spain, known for its distinctive coat and versatility. The Spanish Water Dog comes from Spain, and typically weighs Males. Individual Spanish Water Dogs vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Spain
- Weight
- Males
- Height
- Males
- Other names
- Perro de Agua Español
About the Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish Water Dog is a breed originating from Spain, known for its distinctive coat and versatility. Males typically weigh 50-65 pounds and stand 17-20 inches tall.
Overview
The Spanish Water Dog or Perro de Agua Español is a Spanish breed of water dog . It was traditionally used for a variety of tasks: as a herding dog for sheep or cattle; as a gundog to find and retrieve game in marshlands ; and as an aid to inshore fishermen on the Cantabrian coast. : 571 In the twenty-first century it is kept principally as a companion dog . : 571 Three sub-populations of the breed were identified in the late twentieth century: the Marismeño (''marsh dog'') of the Marismas del Guadalquivir at the mouth of the river of the same name; the Serrano (''sierra dog'') of southern Andalucia ; and the Norteño (''northern dog'') of Cantabria and Asturias . : 573 This last was recognised in Spanish law in 2012 as a separate breed, the Cantabrian Water Dog .
History
The Perro de Agua is a traditional dog population of Spain. It was always a minority breed, present in smaller numbers than some other Spanish dogs. : 571 The population is thought to have remained fairly stable until the 1970s and 1980s, when – as a consequence of changes to methods of both agriculture and fishery – numbers fell sharply, to the point that the dogs were considered to be at risk of extinction . : 571 Until this time there had been no scientific study of the breed; in the 1980s a study of the dogs in the province of Malaga was carried out, and further work was done by researchers at the Universidad de Córdoba in the 1990s. : 572 Three sub-populations of the breed were identified, on the basis both of observed differences in physical size and of differences in the distribution of coat colours; the characteristics of the head were found to be similar in all of the dogs. : 572 The sub-groups were: the Marismeño (''marsh dog'') of the Marismas del Guadalquivir , at the mouth of the river of the same name in western Andalucia ; the Serrano (''sierra dog'') of southern Andalucia; and the smaller Norteño (''northern dog'') of Cantabria and Asturias . : 573 The Perro de Agua Español was recognised by the Real Sociedad Canina de España , the Spanish kennel club , in 1975; : 571 it was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1999; and was recognised in Spanish law by Royal Decree in 2001. : 571 : 21173 The Norteño sub-population of Cantabria and Asturias was recognised in Spanish law in 2012 as a separate breed, the Cantabrian Water Dog . : 573
Characteristics
The Perro de Agua is a medium-sized, athletic, robust dog that is slightly longer than tall. Approximately half are born with natural bobbed (short) tails. The head is strong and carried with elegance. The skull is flat and the top is parallel with the top of the muzzle. The nose, eye-rims and paw pads are the same colour as the darkest part of the coat or darker. The eyes are set fairly wide apart, and are hazel, chestnut or dark brown in colour, depending on the coat colour. The ears are set at medium height on the skull, and are triangular. It has a distinctive curly coat which is woolly in texture and may form cords when long. It may be solid black, beige, brown, or white; bicolour where the second colour is white; or particolour. Tri-coloured dogs are strictly prohibited by the international standards for the breed, as are black-and-tan or brown-and-tan colour combinations. It is a medium-sized dog. The approximate measurements are:
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Spanish Water Dog?
The Spanish Water Dog is a medium-sized, athletic, robust dog that is slightly longer than tall. It has a strong head, flat skull, and parallel top with the muzzle. The breed is known for its natural bobbed tails, with approximately half being born with this feature. The nose, eye-rims, and paw pads are the same color as the coat.
Is the Spanish Water Dog a good family dog?
As a companion dog, the Spanish Water Dog is suitable for families with children. However, it requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Early socialization and training are essential to ensure the dog adapts well to family life. General breed-type guidance suggests that Water Dogs are intelligent and active, making them a good fit for active families.
What health problems do Spanish Water Dog have?
Recent health testing has uncovered issues such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and certain genetic disorders. The breed's life expectancy is approximately 14 years. Regular health checks and genetic testing can help identify potential issues early on. General breed-type guidance suggests that Water Dogs are prone to certain health issues, and owners should be aware of these when considering the breed.
How much does a Spanish Water Dog puppy cost?
The cost of a Spanish Water Dog puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. As a rare breed, prices may be higher than those for more common breeds. On average, a Spanish Water Dog puppy can cost between $1,000 to $3,000. However, prices may be higher or lower depending on individual circumstances.
Where do Spanish Water Dogs come from?
The Spanish Water Dog comes from Spain. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Spanish Water Dog, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.