Spanish Water Dog Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Spanish Water Dog is a medium-sized, curly-coated herder and retriever from Spain, used on farms for herding sheep and goats and retrieving from water. It is intelligent, loyal and tireless, with a distinctive woolly coat.

Origins and appearance

The breed developed in Spain as a versatile farm dog, herding livestock and helping hunters. Spanish Water Dogs are medium-sized and athletic, with a woolly, curly coat in solid colors or parti-colors, which may cord if left uncombed, a sturdy body and a natural bobtail or a long tail.

Temperament

They are intelligent, loyal and energetic. They bond closely with family and can be reserved with strangers. They are alert and may bark. They have a herding instinct. They need tasks and can be destructive when bored.

Exercise

They need an hour or more of daily exercise, with running, swimming and play. They excel at herding, agility and obedience. They need mental work. A secure fence is needed.

Training

They are intelligent and eager. Use positive methods, variety and early socialization. Teach polite greetings and a reliable recall. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The coat is usually clipped once or twice a year and needs little brushing if kept short, or regular combing if grown out. See curly coat dog grooming guide. It sheds very little. Clean ears, trim nails and brush teeth.

Health considerations

The breed is generally healthy, but topics include:

• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Progressive retinal atrophy, with a DNA test
• Hypothyroidism. See hypothyroidism in dogs
• Ear infections. See dog ear infections
• Hereditary conditions, such as juvenile hyperplasia
• Allergies

Living with a Spanish Water Dog

They suit active owners with space and a job for the dog. They are poorly suited to sedentary homes.

A typical day

A Spanish Water Dog wants a long outing, training, rest and play, with swimming if possible. Evenings are for relaxing near family.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are bouncy and bright. Begin socialization, handling and training. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for grooming costs, food and vet care. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They tolerate cool water well, but need shade and water in heat. They travel well when exercised.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include underexercising, skipping coat care, ignoring ear care and expecting a quiet dog.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip, eye and DNA tests, and the parents' temperaments. The breed is uncommon in some countries, so expect a wait.

Clipping the coat

Most owners shear the coat once or twice a year, leaving a woolly texture that grows out gradually. Brushing is minimal while the coat is short, but a combed-out coat needs regular care to avoid mats.

A herding mind in a water dog's body

Spanish Water Dogs often herd people, other pets and even toys. Teach calm behavior, reward quiet and provide tasks like scent games or herding balls.

Daily care checklist

Plan on an hour of exercise, a short training session, coat checks, ear checks and nail trims. Provide puzzle toys and a secure yard.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Spanish Water Dog suits active owners who want a clever, loyal, low-shedding companion. It may not suit sedentary homes. For a related water dog, see the Portuguese Water Dog.

The takeaway

Spanish Water Dogs are curly, clever and loyal, and they need exercise, coat care and training.