Content
- Spanish water dog: origin
- Spanish water dog: physical characteristics
- Spanish water dog: personality
- Spanish water dog: care
- Spanish water dog: education
- Spanish water dog: health
O Spanish water dog he was a sheepdog for generations but his nobility and loyalty made him one of the most beloved companion dogs in the Iberian Peninsula. In this form of the Animal Expert, we will explain all you need to know about the Spanish Water Dog: physical characteristics (through indications from the FCI), personality that it normally has, care it requires and the training that it must follow, among many other details.
If you are in love with this breed, if you have a Spanish Water Dog or if you are thinking of adopting one, don't hesitate, read this sheet and find out everything about this wonderful dog and the qualities he can offer us. Don't forget that it's also important to see the most common illnesses and related details.
Source
- Europe
- Spain
- Group VIII
- Rustic
- muscular
- provided
- toy
- Small
- Medium
- Great
- Giant
- 15-35
- 35-45
- 45-55
- 55-70
- 70-80
- more than 80
- 1-3
- 3-10
- 10-25
- 25-45
- 45-100
- 8-10
- 10-12
- 12-14
- 15-20
- Low
- Average
- High
- Balanced
- very faithful
- Active
- Houses
- hiking
- Hunting
- Shepherd
- Sport
- Cold
- Warm
- Moderate
- Long
- Fried
Spanish water dog: origin
The Spanish Water Dog has as its predecessor the old dog barbet which also originated other breeds, such as poodle (poodle) and different breeds of water dogs (Spanish, Portuguese, French or Romagna, among others). Its presence in the Iberian Peninsula exists at least since 1100 BC, but it is not known exactly what is the exact origin and if there were other races in its development.
During the 18th century, the Spanish Water Dog was used as a working dog in activities such as herding and hunting. Due to his ability to swim, fishermen in northern Spain occasionally used him as an assistant. Its population was mainly in Andalusia and was known as "the turkish dog’.
Later, and with the appearance of other breeds in the country, the Spanish Water Dog stopped being the auxiliary in the work of herding and hunting, thus reducing its population. They were mostly replaced by the German Shepherd and the Belgian Shepherd Malinois. Today, the Spanish Water Dog is still popular and well known, but its work has been changing and is currently one of the most popular sport dogs in Spain.
Spanish water dog: physical characteristics
The Spanish Water Dog is very similar physically to the current French Barbet because of its common origin. It's a dog medium-sized, rustic, athletic and very muscular. The head is strong, elegant and with a flat skull. Naso-frontal depression (stop) it's smooth and shallow. The eyes are usually brown, the ears are medium set, triangular and drooping.
The body is medium, robust and slightly longer than it is tall, although it is a well-proportioned dog. The back is straight and strong, while the croup slopes gently vertically. The chest is wide and deep. The belly is slightly inward.
The measurements and weights of the Spanish Water Dog are generally:
- Male height: between 44 and 50 centimeters
- Height of females: between 40 and 46 centimeters
- Male weight: between 18 and 22 kilos
- Female weight: between 14 and 18 kilos
The tail of this puppy is medium set and, unfortunately, the FCI standard for the breed indicates that it should be amputated between the second and fourth vertebrae, something we do not recommend in PeritoAnimal. Fortunately, this cruel and unnecessary custom is being lost around the world and is even illegal in many countries. In addition, the FCI currently accepts dogs of all breeds with full tails, even when its standards dictate that the tails must be amputated.
The coat of the Spanish Water Dog is long, curly and woolly. It is worth noting that, although there are tricolor, black, brown and reddish dogs, those accepted by the FCI are as follows:
- Unicolor: white, black or brown.
- Bicolor: black and white or white and brown.
Spanish water dog: personality
The Spanish Water Dog tradition of a working dog, therefore, mirrors an obedient behavior, with a natural predisposition to learning. This is due, in part, to their intelligence, which we must regularly encourage with training and other appropriate activities, both physical and mental.
it's dog very faithful and attached to their owners, brave and with a very balanced personality. In general, they tend to show hunting and herding instincts, a legacy of the activities they have developed over generations.
Spanish water dog: care
Taking care of the Spanish Water Dog's fur requires effort on the part of tutors, since tangles and accumulation of dirt are common. We recommend leaving a length between 3 and 12 centimeters, however, the coat must be brushed practically every day, if you want to maintain a beautiful appearance without being embarrassed. For a perfect cut, it's ideal to go to pet Shop every two months about. Even so, we can wash them at home using nourishing shampoos and conditioners that soften the hair and make brushing easier.
Another aspect to emphasize is the physical exercise that this breed of dog needs. They are active and require a minimum of two to three walks a day, combined with games (ball, frisbee or running) and mental stimulation activities (dog skills and obedience mainly). An activity that combines the two aspects mentioned is the agility, a very complete sport and recommended for this breed.
Spanish water dog: education
Due to its faithful and attached character, the Spanish Water Dog needs socialization as a puppy, that is, the process in which it will learn to relate with different people, animals and environments. This process occurs throughout life and is essential for avoid fears and unwanted reactions in adulthood. Through socialization, the dog learns to relate and understand the "rules" of human, feline and canine communication.
Also remember that socialization begins when the dog is still a puppy that stays close to its mother, separating it too soon can hinder learning this process. Generally, a well-socialized Spanish Water Dog gets along well with other animals and unknown people, although it is somewhat reserved compared to other breeds.
The Spanish Water Dog is very intelligent, easily assimilates the teachings and basic obedience commands. In addition to improving the relationship with him and encouraging good communication, teaching your pet obedience orders is very beneficial for him, since he is a breed of dog that requires regular mental stimulation. It is very interesting to teach dog skills or tricks, such as: teaching the dog to paw. All these exercises will help distract you and avoid negative behaviors.
It is worth remembering that the Spanish Water Dog has developed a lot of herding instinct, so it can have this type of behavior with different people in the family, especially children. We always recommend supervising the games and being alert if he has this type of behavior.
Spanish water dog: health
The Spanish Water Dog is considered one of the healthiest that exist and do not tend to suffer hereditary problems, however, as with all dogs, the most common diseases recorded are:
- Cataracts: one of the most common canine health problems. It consists of the clouding of the lens and the symptoms are the same as those experienced by human beings.
- Follicular dysplasia: Abnormal growth of the hair follicle that, instead of growing outward, grows inward, causing pain, discomfort in the dog, and possible infections such as pustules and papules. This mainly affects black colored dog.
- Distichiasis: it is an abnormal growth of the cilia, mainly on the eyelid margin.
To avoid late detection of any of these diseases, we recommend going to veterinarian every 6 months or when necessary. Also, follow the vaccination schedule and regular deworming (external and internal). If you follow our advice, you will have a healthy and happy partner between 10 and 14 years of age.