🐕 Medium · Spain
The Spanish Water Dog is a versatile, curly-coated herding and water dog from Spain with high intelligence and an exceptionally large need for exercise and occupation.
The Spanish Water Dog was used as an all-round herding, guard, and water-retrieving dog and is correspondingly intelligent, watchful, and very closely bonded to its family. It is often reserved toward strangers but considered eager to learn and to work.
This breed needs a great deal of physical and mental stimulation, for instance through swimming, herding-style games, or dog sports; otherwise it develops unwanted behaviors. Little exercise does not suit this working dog.
The curly to corded single coat is not brushed but fully clipped once or twice a year; between clippings it is very low-maintenance. The ears should be checked regularly because of the dense coat.
The high need for exercise and occupation and its pronounced eagerness to work quickly overwhelm inexperienced or less active owners.
The breed is considered robust, though hip dysplasia and some hereditary eye diseases such as PRA are documented.
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This information is for general guidance and does not replace veterinary or breeder advice. Temperament and health vary individually within every breed.
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