Spanish Water Dog
Find Spanish Water Dog Breeders Near You
Connect with certified breeders who have Spanish Water Dog puppies available.
Find Spanish Water Dog BreedersGet to Know Spanish Water Dogs
- Naturally Corded, Non-Brushed Coat: The Spanish Water Dog’s coat is meant to form curls or cords naturally and should not be brushed. This unique coat evolved to protect the dog while working in water and harsh terrain.
- True All-Purpose Working Dog: Historically, they herded livestock, guarded property, retrieved from water, and assisted fishermen. Few breeds match their versatility across land and water tasks.
- Exceptional Intelligence and Problem-Solving: Spanish Water Dogs are quick learners with strong reasoning ability. They thrive when given jobs, puzzles, and structured activities that challenge their minds.
- Strong Loyalty to Family: They form deep bonds with their people and are often reserved with strangers. Early socialization is essential to ensure confidence and stability.
- Excellent Water Ability: As the name suggests, they are powerful swimmers with natural retrieving instincts. Their coat and stamina make them well-suited for water work in varied conditions.
Breed History
The Spanish Water Dog is an ancient breed originating in Spain, where it was developed as a versatile working dog for farmers, shepherds, and fishermen. Used extensively for herding sheep and goats, retrieving from water, and guarding rural property, the breed was valued for intelligence, adaptability, and endurance. For centuries, these dogs worked in relative isolation, which helped preserve their functional traits and strong work ethic. Today, the Spanish Water Dog continues to excel in herding, obedience, agility, and active companion roles while retaining its traditional working abilities.
Personality and Behaviour
- Highly Trainable and Focused: They are eager to learn and excel when training is structured and purposeful, particularly in advanced obedience or working sports.
- Protective but Balanced: Naturally watchful and loyal, they are good watchdogs without being unnecessarily aggressive when properly socialized.
- Energetic and Engaged: They require regular mental and physical outlets to prevent boredom-related behaviors.
Care
- Exercise: Daily vigorous exercise, such as herding-style play, swimming, or agility, is essential for overall well-being.
- Grooming: The coat should be clipped evenly once or twice per year and never brushed; regular checks for debris are important.
- Training: Consistent, positive, and mentally stimulating training helps channel intelligence and prevent frustration.
Spanish Water Dog Summary
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Exercise
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GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Spanish Water Dog Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | One of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation PennHIP Evaluation. Results registered with OFA. |
| ACVO Eye Exam | Eye Examination by a boarded ACVO Ophthalmologist. Results registered with OFA. Gonioscopy recommend as part of the eye exam. |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | Evaluation from an approved lab. Results registered with OFA. Minimum age of 2 years at evaluation |
| prcd-PRA DNA Test | DNA based test from an approved lab. Results registered with OFA |
| Congenital Hypothyroidism with Goiter | DNA based test from an approved lab. Results registered with OFA |
| Early Onset PRA | DNA-based eo-PRA test from an approved lab. Results registered with OFA |
| Elbow Dysplasia | (Optional) OFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation |
| Neuroaxonal Dystrophy | (Optional) DNA-based NAD test from an approved lab. Results registered with OFA |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Spanish Water Dog Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Spanish Water Dog is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Spanish Water Dog
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Spanish Water Dog puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Spanish Water Dog, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Spanish Water Dog is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
