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Spanish Water Dog Facts
- Group
- Working
- Affiliations
- UKC
- Height
- 17" - 19.5"
- Weight
- 30-50 lbs.
- Lifespan
- 14 years | Add yours
- Exercise Requirement
- Training Requirement
- Grooming Requirement
- Colors
- Breed Characteristics
Alternate Names
Perro de aqua Wspanol, turco de Andaluz.
Origin
The Spanish water dog originated in Spain.
Date Of Origin
This breed developed centuries ago. No solid record was kept to date this breed.
History
This curly-coated breed is probably an old variety of barbet or other water dog. The dogs have been used to retrieve from water and to herd sheep. The dog is an amazing swimmer and can dive underwater! Over centuries, similar dogs were kept by goat and sheep-herders in southern Spain bur it wasn?t until the 1970?s that they were considered a distinct breed. In about 1975, two enthusiasts, Antonio Garcia Perez and Santiago Montesinos travelled around the countryside of Southern Spain, through the remote villages and farms of the mountainous region of Andalusia and bought or borrowed a number of dogs from the shepherds that they felt most fit the type they were looking for to establish a breeding program.
In 1980 the Spanish Water Dog Club (Spain) was formed in order to promote the breed and help get it recognized in its own country.
In 1985, after a lot of hard work and displaying the breed at various venues and dog shows the Spanish Kennel Club accepted it and gave it official status. It was provisionally recognized by F?d?ration Cynologique Internationale until 1999, when it was permanently recognized.
Description
The Spanish water dog is strong, medium size, and deep chested. It is longer than it is tall. The curly coat has a woolly texture and forms cords when long. It can be white, black, or chestnut, or white and black or white and chestnut (parti-color). The eye color can be hazel to chestnut, harmonizing with the color of the coat. If not a natural bob-tail, the tail is docked.
Temperament
This is a fun-loving, active dog. It is faithful, obedient, and hard working.
Uses
This breed has been used as a herder and water retriever for centuries in Spain. Recently it has become more popular as a companion.
Health Concerns
Eye problems, hip dysplasia.
Additional Information
This breed does best with an active owner in a rural environment. Be prepared for the financial aspect of owning this breed.
Sources
The Howell Book Of Dogs
Publisher: Wiley Publishing Inc, 2007
Website: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/
Author: Liz Palika
Dog Bible
Publisher: BowTie Press, 2005
Website: http://www.bowtiepress.com/bowtie/
Authors: Kristin Meuh-Roe, Jarelle S. Stein
The New Encyclopedia of the Dog
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Publishing, 2000
Website: http://www.dk.com
Author: Bruce Fogle
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