Spanish Water Dog facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Spanish Water Dog

Other names	Perro de Agua Español
Origin	Spain
Traits Weight Male 18–22 kg (40–49 lb) Female 14–18 kg (31–40 lb) Height Male 45–50 cm (18–20 in) Female 41–46 cm (16–18 in)
Classification / standards FCI standard
Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Spanish Water Dog, known in Spanish as the Perro de Agua Español, is a special type of water dog that comes from Spain. These active and intelligent dogs have a long history of helping people.

For many years, they worked as herding dogs with sheep and cattle. They also helped hunters find birds in wet areas and even assisted fishermen along the Cantabrian coast. Today, many Spanish Water Dogs are cherished family pets.

Historically, there were different groups of these dogs in Spain. One group from the northern regions, called the Norteño, was officially recognized as its own breed, the Cantabrian Water Dog, in 2011.

A Look Back: The History of the Spanish Water Dog

Where Did They Come From?

For many years, Spanish Water Dogs lived in different parts of Spain. Each group had slightly different looks and sizes. For example, dogs from northern Spain, in areas like Asturias and Cantabria, were often smaller and lighter in color. These northern dogs were officially recognized as a separate breed, the Cantabrian Water Dog, on March 22, 2011.

Other groups of these dogs could be found in the wet marshlands of western Andalusia. Some of these dogs had coats made of long, thin cords. The largest and strongest dogs came from the southern mountains of Andalusia, where they were mainly used for herding animals.

Official Recognition

The Spanish Water Dog was officially recognized by Spain's main dog club, the Real Sociedad Canina de España, in 1975. Later, in 1999, a big international dog organization called the Fédération Cynologique Internationale also fully accepted the breed. The Spanish government officially recognized them by law in 2001.

What Makes the Spanish Water Dog Unique?

Appearance and Build

The Spanish Water Dog is a medium-sized dog. They are strong and active, built a bit longer than they are tall. About half of these puppies are born with naturally short tails. If a dog comes from a country where tails are not shortened, having a long tail is perfectly fine in dog shows.

Spanish Water Dogs can have coats that are black and white, solid white, or brown and white.

They have strong, elegant heads. Their skulls are flat, and their muzzles are about the same length as the top of their heads. Their noses, eyelids, and paw pads usually match the darkest color of their fur, or are even darker. Their eyes are expressive and can be hazel, chestnut, or dark brown, depending on their coat color. Their ears are triangular and sit at a medium height on their heads.

Their Special Coat

One of the most unique things about the Spanish Water Dog is its curly, woolly coat. When it grows long, it can form cool cords, almost like dreadlocks! This coat should look natural, not perfectly trimmed. Instead of regular grooming, it's usually shorn (cut short) at least once a year, like a sheep. All Spanish Water Dog puppies are born with curly hair.

A Spanish Water Dog with a solid brown coat.

Their coats can come in many colors! They can be solid black, beige, brown, or white. They can also be two colors, usually with white as the second color. However, you won't see Spanish Water Dogs with three colors, or with black and tan or brown and tan markings. These color combinations are not part of the breed's official standards.

A Spanish Water Dog with a solid black coat.

Size and Weight

These are medium-sized dogs. Here are their typical measurements:

• Males
  • Height (at the withers): 44–50 cm (17–20 in) (about 17-20 inches)
  • Weight: 18–22 kg (40–49 lb) (about 40-49 pounds)
• Females
  • Height (at the withers): 40–45 cm (16–18 in) (about 16-18 inches)
  • Weight: 14–18 kg (31–40 lb) (about 31-40 pounds)

Keeping Your Spanish Water Dog Healthy

Spanish Water Dogs typically live for about 14 years. Like all dog breeds, they can sometimes have certain health issues. Responsible breeders work hard to keep these dogs as healthy as possible.

A healthy Spanish Water Dog enjoying the outdoors.

Some health concerns that have been found in the breed include:

• Problems with their hip joints (called hip dysplasia)
• Eye conditions that can affect their vision (like progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts)
• Issues with their thyroid gland (like hypothyroidism)
• A condition affecting hormone production (called hypoadrenocorticism or Addison's disease)
• Digestive problems (like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency)
• Allergies
• Extra eyelashes (called distichia)
• A problem with the eyelid (called cherry eye)
• A neurological condition (called neuroaxonal dystrophy)