One theory suggests it was brought from North Africa by the Moors who once occupied Spain. Clipped subjects are allowed, the clipping always complete and even, never to become an “aesthetic” grooming. We are a small, home-based Spanish Water Dog breeder in Nova Scotia, Canada. You can also ask your breeder or veterinarian for a recommendation of what and how much food to feed. The AKC maintained an open registry for the breed until January 1, 2020. The hindquarters give an impression of strength and energetic impulsion. There's a lot you need to know to make things go smoothly with your new friend. The Spanish Water Dog is a medium-sized dog … His working ability is attributed to an intense desire to please. In the U.S., the breed received full recognition from the AKC in 2015. Recommended Health Test from the National Breed Club: The versatile Spanish Water Dog has been a fixture of the Iberian Peninsula’s lakes and meadows for so long that we’re not quite sure how it got there. Traditionally, the Spanish Water Dog was sheared one time per year (with the sheep), the same length all over. Second thigh is well developed. Since April 2011, the Spanish Water Dog Club of America has been the official AKC Parent Club for the Spanish Water Dog. Stifle is well bent. If you want to train for a competitive dog sport, the sky is the limit with the Spanish Water Dog. Long walks are nice, but off-leash running is better. Feed your Spanish Water Dog measured meals twice a day rather than free feeding (leaving food out all day). Ongoing socialization as well as positive new experiences are essential from an early age. Although they can get along with children, some are strong-willed and territorial. The unique look of these inexhaustible workers begins with the coat. The technique takes some practice. Any brushing, aesthetic trimming, or sculpting of the coat that alters natural appearance is to be severely penalized. The inexhaustible Spanish Water Dog is a dual-purpose breed whose hallmark is a coat of wooly curls. They excel in agility, flyball, dock jumping, herding, nosework, and more. Height: 15.75 to 19.75 inches tall at the shoulder. Browse thru Spanish Water Dog Puppies for Sale in USA area listings on PuppyFinder.com to find your perfect puppy. To dry, blot the coat with a towel (no rubbing), and then simply let it air dry. Key Breed FactsBreed CharacteristicsBreed HighlightsIntroductionHistoryAppearanceTemperamentIntelligence / TrainabilityChildren and Other PetsHealthCaring for a Spanish Water DogGroomingExerciseFeedingAverage Cost to keep/care for a Spanish Water DogBreed Specific Buying Advice One of the best places to gain more details about Spanish Water Dogs is the UK Breed Club: "The aims of the club are to encourage responsible ownership and breeding of Spanish Water Dogs. Although the breed’s beginnings are up for debate, we do know that the Spanish Water Dog has existed throughout parts of Spain for close to one thousand years. Spanish Water dog … Feet are as the front. Minimal hygienic trimming is allowed but should not be noticeable on presentation. Very active Spanish Water Dogs may benefit from a performance diet, which contains more calories and fat. Frequency of clipping is up to the owner’s preference for the length of hair on their dog, with some owners choosing to let it grow for many months to form cords. Especially … SWDCA Rescue (Foster and Adoption) The goal of the SWDCA's Rescue Committee is to assist in the placement of displaced Spanish Water Dogs (SWD) and to promote proper responsibility of breeders in re-homing displaced dogs … It is highly intelligent, loves to learn fun tricks, and is always up for outdoor excursions, outings, and lots of play. The Spanish Water Dog is a hypo-allergenic dog (meaning LESS allergies) but not a non-allergenic dog. If you are unable to find your Spanish Water Dog puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Spanish Water Dog Dogs … Dewclaws if present are to be removed. The Spanish Water Dog ranges from 38 cm (15 inches) - 52 cm (20.5 inches) in height depending on if the dog is male or female. 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. They need ample exercise to tire their bodies so they can be happy and calm in the house. transport can be arranged. The length of the back comes from the length of the ribcage, not from that of the loin. Writer, editor and pet expert Jackie Brown is a regular contributor to many pet and veterinary industry books, magazines and websites. SWDs are also strong chewers and enjoy a substantial knuckle-bone from time to time, which may also help to keep their teeth clean. Try to redirect inappropriate herding behavior into something like catching a Frisbee or playing fetch with a ball. The Spanish Water Dog became eligible for AKC registration December 1, 2014. Feet are round and compact. The Spanish Water Dog had been approved to compete in the Miscellaneous Class since June 27, 2012. The Spanish Water Dog may have arrived in Iberia with the Moors, the Romans or with traders, and was used for herding sheep and goats in rugged areas, and for assisting fishermen in coastal areas, retrieving items lost … While some owners do encounter occasional food allergies with their Spanish Water Dogs, the breed should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Responsible breeders will screen their stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia and eye anomalies. Loin is short. Spanish water dogs, rescued from the pound in Malaga, and looking for new forever homes. While the breed is typically described as having a low-maintenance coat, the cording process does take ongoing attention and some expertise. Expression is alert and attentive. The body is slightly longer than tall in an approximate ratio of nine to eight measured from the point of shoulder to the point of buttocks. Ratio of depth of chest to height at withers is 50 percent of the height. Our website is under constant revision. Start with the recommended amount on the label and adjust up or down accordingly depending on whether the dog is gaining or losing weight. Ears are set at medium height at eye level. “Rustic” is the word often used to describe the overall look of this sturdy dog of medium size (a male will stand a little under 20 inches at the shoulder). Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior).Owners will want to consider the activity level of the dog when choosing the type of food and level of protein, fat, and so on. You will most likely be looking for a responsible breeder and getting on a waitlist for a puppy. Upper thigh is well muscled. Woolly-coated water dogs like the Spanish Water Dog breed have existed in Europe for several thousands of years, also developing into the Barbet (in France), the Lagotto Romagnolo (in Italy) the Portuguese Water Dog. It can be hard to know how much to feed your Spanish Water Dog, as all individual dogs vary. She has settled well and currently lives with 3 male dogs and 3 cats, foster mum and dad and children. He has a distinctive curly coat, which is adapted to the variation of humidity and drought of his homeland. Even though they look cuddly and cute, they need a good consistent leader, and can be difficult for the first time dog owner. Harsh training methods may cause the SWD to lose his enthusiasm for the tasks asked of him, and he may “shut down.” Potential owners are reminded that as herding dogs, some SWDs have a very high prey drive. Traditionally, their coat is never brushed, combed, blow-dried or trimmed. Some Spanish Water Dog owners opt to have the coat shaved down more frequently, resulting in a very short coat that’s even neater and easier to maintain, with no cords to contend with, no careful washing, and very little, if any, shedding. As the hair grows out, it should be left unbrushed so it will form natural cords. Breeds are grouped together because they share traits of form and function or a common heritage. You must use a mild shampoo (no conditioner) and gently squeeze the shampoo into the coat rather than rub or scrub. He is, above all, a herder. Instead, the coat is sheared to the skin when required, just like a sheep. She gets on well with dogs … Clean, fresh water should be available at all times. They are active and the more exercise they do, the more you’ll need to focus on … This breed is very active and athletic. The upper arm and scapula form approximately a 90-degree angle. More recently in addition to herding, the Spanish Water dog has functioned as a fisherman's helper-thus the modern water dog name. The entire body, including the head, should be well covered with hair. It’s naturally curly and wooly head to toe, and when grown out will often form tight, tapered cords. Spanish Water Dog Pups will59372. AKC Marketplace is the only site to exclusively list 100% AKC puppies from AKC-Registered litters and the breeders who have cared for and raised these puppies are required to follow rules and regulations established by the AKC. To rinse, you must again squeeze the coat gently as the water runs through it. He is a loyal, vigilant, and intelligent working dog with strong herding instincts. Spanish Water Dogs sometimes find it hard to resist herding anything that moves, including kids. Spanish Water Dogs need at least an hour's exercise a day. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. Males will be taller than females. Elbows are close to the chest and turn neither in nor out. If the Spanish Water Dog is due to compete in a competition, its fur will need to be cut in line with established standards: it must not exceed 15 cm in length or be shorter than 2 cm. This is a highly intelligent and active (both mentally and physically) breed. 8 talking about this. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Candy has been in her foster home in Burton on Trent since December last year. All our Spanish Water Dogs are health-tested (hips, eyes, thyroid). Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. In full coat, the hair will cover the eyes. … It is never brushed or combed and is shown either in natural curls or in rustic cords with tapered tips. If you are open to the idea of adopting, the Spanish Water Dog Club of America also supports the adoption and fostering of the breed with a dedicated page on its website. Start talking with all the pet pros in your area about your desire for a Spanish Water Dog. Color: Solid (various shades of black, brown, beige or white) or parti-color (two colors, one of which must be white). Because the cording process for this breed is different from that of other corded breeds (such as the Komondor or Bergamasco), owners wanting to undertake this for the first time are encouraged to find someone experienced with Spanish Water Dog coats. Candy is a Spanish Water Dog mix, age fifteen months and medium size. SWDCA Breeders list for North America. Hock joint is well let down. Spanish Water Dogs benefit from a good run at least once a day. The dog that we like. Never leave these dogs unattended in the backyard or they might get bored and make it their mission to get out. The temperament of the Spanish Water Dog deserves special consideration. The hair is a single coat, always curly and of a wooly texture. The selection of a puppy and its breeder is an important one. Head is in balance with the body. Welcome to our home on the web! They need a reliable recall. Child Friendly: Spanish Water Dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. With their moderate size and natural athleticism, they enjoy being active, but they also have a good “off switch” for more settled time at home. Topline is straight. Pasterns are strong and flexible. Angulation is in balance with the front. The process is similar to hand washing a delicate wool sweater. The Spanish Water Dog Club of America, which is the national parent club for the breed in the United States, publishes a list of U.S. and Canadian breeders on its website. Please visit often as we add content and update information. Rear pastern is short and perpendicular to the ground. Start teaching your puppy house rules and basic commands early on using positive reinforcement techniques. The AKC has grouped all of the breeds that it registers into seven categories, or groups, roughly based on function and heritage. Also, bathing a dog with a corded coat is different than bathing a typical dog. Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. They are drooping and triangular in shape with slightly rounded tips. Croup is slightly sloping. Legs are straight, and strong with moderate bone. The Spanish Water Dog has been approved to compete in AKC Herding events for Suffix Titles since January 1, 2008. The Spanish Water Dog (known in Spain as the Perro de Agua Español) is a sturdy, medium-sized, athletic dog with a curly coat. The most important basic guidelines for a properly groomed Spanish Water Dog are that the coat is never to be brushed, and it should be the same length all over. Less active Spanish Water Dogs need a maintenance diet so they don’t gain too much weight. Once they have reached full maturity and the bone growth plates are closed, they have the capacity for lengthy, strenuous exercise and make great companions for activities such as running, hiking, or snow-shoeing. The Spanish Water Dog is part of the AKC Herding Group, but it is a multi-purpose breed, used for herding, farm work, protection, companionship, and hunting. Essential info about dog health, training, sports and more. The Spanish Water Dog’s curly single coat is low shedding, and some people with dog allergies find they can live with the breed. In full coat, the facial hair covers the expressive brown eyes. A rustic breed of the Iberian Peninsula, the Spanish Water Dog is a sturdy, medium sized, well proportioned, athletic dog that is suited to perform a variety of tasks including herding, hunting, and assisting fishermen. Tuck-up is slight. It Has Only Been Recognized as a Breed in the United States Relatively Recently. The Spanish Water Dog has been eligible to compete in the Herding Group since January 1, 2015. For shows, the recommended extended length of the coat is between 1 inch and 5 inches to demonstrate the quality of the curl or cord. We have plenty of opportunities to get involved in your local community thanks to AKC Breed Clubs located in every state and more than 450 AKC Rescue Network groups across the country. This is not true of the Spanish Water Dog—the rustic coat is not only low-shedding but also low-maintenance. 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