Spanish Water Dog

Affectionate, highly intelligent, loyal and playful, the Spanish Water Dog embodies pretty much all of the traits you’d hope to find in a BFF. And if you like to stay active, you’re in luck—this dog’s energy levels are sky-high. They need daily exercise, for long intervals, whenever possible. Otherwise, prepare yourself for sleepless nights as your woolly pet looks for ways to release their energy, like using your favorite pair of heels as their new chew toy.

Spanish Water Dogs need socialization, or exposure to all kinds of people and social scenarios, early on in their lives—it helps to curb their natural herding instincts and tendency to shy away from strangers.

They won’t bark at every leaf that blows across your yard—we’re looking at you, Cairn Terrier—but they will alert their family when people come to the front door or when they think something’s not quite right, making them an effective watchdog. But a Spanish Water Dog’s temperament is not aggressive, nor are they prone to bite. However, their adorableness might fool an intruder into thinking they are harmless, as they will protect their family if warranted.

Originally bred for high-intelligence tasks like herding and hunting, Spanish Water Dogs benefit from mental stimulation. Engage them in a game of hide-and-seek or searching for hidden treats, and they’ll be even more enamored with you (a feat you might not have though possible).

These dogs are happiest with an active job, whether it’s dog sports, farm chores or finding their parent’s keys. When not working, they’ll match your energy. If you’re always on your feet, they will be, too. If you are a couch potato, they’ll be snuggled beside you.

These pups are eager to please, but they’re intelligent and hard-working dogs, which means they know they’re pretty smart and may think their way is better. This can often look like stubbornness and an unwillingness to follow your lead—a frustrating trait for a first-time dog parent. What Spanish Water Dog needs is an experienced, gentle, confident and patient leader to guide them.

The Spanish Water Dog breed may look like a happy-go-lucky Muppet with a ton of thick hair, but surprisingly, they don’t need much grooming or bathing to keep them looking their best. But they do need plenty of daily activities and stimulation, a balanced diet, and regular nail trimming and teeth brushing to help keep them healthy for a lifetime.

Spanish Water Dogs have a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, and they’re also prone to a few health issues. It’s good to know what those potential health problems may be in advance, so you can keep your puppy healthy for longer. Spanish Water Dogs were formally recognized relatively recently, in 2015, so breeders are still learning about potential health issues. If you’re concerned about the health of your dog, consult with your veterinarian or contact the official AKC parent club, the Spanish Water Dog Club of America.

• Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is an inherited condition affecting how the hip bones fit together and causes the dog pain. Reputable breeders will perform tests to ensure the dog’s hips are healthy. Prevention and treatments for the condition include lifestyle changes, joint supplements, medication and, in more severe cases, surgery.
• Ocular Conditions: Eye conditions range from minor infections such as conjunctivitis to more serious corneal traumas that require ongoing care, to inherited eyelash development issues (distichiasis) or age-related conditions (glaucoma) which may ultimately require surgery. Responsible breeders will test their dogs’ eyes every year to ensure they’re in good health.
• PRCD form of Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA-PRCD is a degenerative eye disease that can eventually lead to blindness. There is no treatment for PRA-PRCD, but a dog can adjust to vision loss. The good news is that responsible breeders can avoid it by testing the DNA of their dogs before breeding them.
• Compensative Autoimmune Thyroiditis: This form of hypothyroidism, found in many dog breeds, means the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Symptoms include lethargy, hair loss and obesity. Treatment is a daily hormone replacement pill. Breeders conduct a full thyroid panel to avoid this condition, believed to be genetic.
• Congenital Hypothyroidism with Goiter (CHG): Rare in canines, this potentially lethal disease, caused by inadequate thyroid hormone production, was found in related Spanish Water Dog puppies in 2010. Aggressive treatment with hormone replacement pills is only partially successful; if left untreated, the disease is fatal. Caused by a recessive gene, DNA testing is required to avoid this condition.

No one really knows where the Spanish Water Dog originated. Theories include Moors bringing them from North Africa to the Iberian Peninsula or Turkish traders introducing them to Spain through merchant boats. That may explain why the Spanish Water Dog is also known as an Andalucian Turk, with other nicknames including Perro de Agua Español (Spanish for “Spanish Water Dog”), Perro Turco (Turkish dog) or a Turco Andaluz (Turkish Andalusian), and they may be related to the Portuguese Water Dogs.

Once in Spain, country farmers used Spanish WaterDogs to drive herds to pasture and hunt and retrieve fowl. A third activity involved swimming to boats to retrieve fish and fishing tackle.

Wherever they came from, one thing is certain: This ancient breed is still a hardworking, multi-purpose herding dog.

Recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 2015, the Spanish Water Dog continues to find employment as sheepherders, retrievers and K-9 patrol dogs, thanks to their intelligence, agility and athleticism. They’ve also earned a reputation for being loyal companions.

So, where is the best place to find the Spanish Water Dog breed today? You can find a list of reputable breeders at the American Kennel Club’s website. Depending on the breeder, the cost of a Spanish Water Dog averages between $1,500 to $2,500. For these prices, you’re likely getting a Spanish Water Dog screened for temperament and health issues and possibly pedigree papers. You can also contact a Spanish WaterDog rescue organization to adopt a dog or scan your local animal shelters’ listings for the breed.

Spanish Water Dogs are energetic, loyal dogs who are perfect companions for experienced and active pet parents. Yes, they need lots of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy, but you’ll save plenty of time on grooming. These fluffy friends will reward your patience with love and devotion.