Spanish Water Dog
The corded coat is never brushed, only sheared once a year, all of it to the same length. It herds and it fishes, and it still does both in Spain.
Photo by Julian vernot, CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
The Spanish Water Dog is a herding and water dog from Spain, used to move sheep and goats and to work with fishing boats, and its coat is corded like a Puli's rather than curly like a Poodle's. It is sheared entirely once a year, all over and to the same length, which is the traditional and correct approach.
It has webbed feet and it is a serious swimmer.
Temperament
Intense, loyal and highly driven. Spanish Water Dogs are devoted to their own families and genuinely reserved with strangers, and they are natural guardians.
They are herding dogs with a strong instinct, and they will control movement including children and other dogs. They are very clever and they need a job. Early socialisation matters because the wariness can tip into reactivity without it.
Care and grooming
The cords are never brushed. They are separated by hand as they form and the whole coat is sheared once a year. Bathing takes a long time and drying takes longer.
Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and congenital hypothyroidism with goitre all occur, and several have DNA tests. Ten to fourteen years.
Living and exercise
Two hours a day with swimming and mental work. They excel at herding, agility and water work.
They are a poor fit for a sedentary household and an excellent one for an active owner who wants a working dog. The breed is uncommon outside Spain.
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