Spanish Water Dog

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Breed Details

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Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Spanish Water Dog is a medium size, ancient herding and general farm dog, originating in Spain. Also known as Perro de Agua Espanol, Turco Andaluz and Turkish Dog, the SWD has a distinct curly coat. This dog is a versatile breed that can not only function as herding dog but also perform gundog function and be a fisherman's assistant.

It is a medium size, athletic and robust breed that stands between 17-20 inches and weighs around 40-49 lbs. Well balanced body is slightly longer than tall and comes with strong head and flat skull. Nose is same colour or slightly darker that coat colour. Hazel or chestnut colour eyes are very expressive. Triangular shaped drooping ears are set at moderate height. Slightly elongated body is robust and rustic in appearance. Back is straight and powerful with a level topline, broad and deep chest will well sprung ribs and slightly tucked-up belly. The always curly coat is wooly in texture and comes in solid black, beige, brown, white, bi-colour and particolour.

This breed is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by FCI, UKC, AKC(FSS), KC(UK) and NZKC.

Color

The SWD is found in many different colors which include different shades of solid black, white, chestnut, white and black or white and brown and particolor although particolor dogs and black and tan or brown and tan dogs are strictly prohibited by current world wide breed standards.

Coat

The SWD always comes in curly coat that may form cords when long. The coat is wooly in texture. It should not be clipped or groomed and should look natural.

Personality

The SWD is a very intelligent and multipurpose dog breed with herding, hunting and guarding skills. This diligent and dignified dog is very energetic and has high stamina. It is affectionate and loyal to its family, never shy but wary of strangers. This obedient and very faithful dog is a very hard working breed and will need constant mental and physical stimulation. They are self-appointed guardians of the family and house. Due to strong herding instincts, these dogs should not be left alone or unsupervised with very young children as the dog may try to herd them. It is a well balanced and loving family pet but does need early age socialization and training to curb its very high protective and territorial instincts. The SWD makes an excellent guardian of the family and very energetic family pet with proper training.

Care

Grooming needs will vary for this breed depending upon what role the owner is going to give this dog. As a working dog, the coat should be shaved once in a while. Show dogs SWD should not be subjected to clipping and the dog should appear natural. The coat should be checked for matting which may form in the cords. Bathing should be done only when necessary with a neutral shampoo.

Training

Training should start early in the dogs' life. This breed will need an experienced trainer who can understand this dogs behavior and train it with positive and consistent training sessions.

Activity

The SWD is a high energy dog with lots of need for exercise. This dog will need to be taken for daily walks and should be provided with opportunities to play and run in secure open spaces. A medium size yard will take care of this dogs playing and running needs.