About the breed …

“Intelligence, ability to work, loyalty, versatility, all wrapped in a woolen coat”.

There was a legend according to Napoleon fell in love with ancestors of Spanish Water Dog and brought a few dogs back to France with him. He was fascinated by the dog’s ability to drove cattle in the field or to dive into the water.

The Spanish Water Dog has a tremendous working capacity on land and water as well as charming appearance, lively temperament, and superior intelligence. Whether you want to have a friend or a skilled working dog, you are meeting an extraordinary wonder of the dog world.

The Spanish Water Dog is an exceptional adaptable dog, capable to work in different environments, from muddy swamps to arid desert, he can chase the duck, drive large herds of cattle or dive underwater to catch fish, he is always ready to do anything you ask him to do, and probably on the same day. This dog with its hardiness and resistance to disease adjusts to every environment if he is given a task to accomplish and a master to love and serve.

The Spanish Water Dog list of duties is exceptionally long and still expending: guarding, hunting, fishing, other aquatic activities as well as for companionship. Performing their herding task the dog run quickly with amazing agility, leaping and turning almost like acrobats, barking when necessary. What is more, he takes initiative and does the task intuitively with little instruction. The shepherd only needs to signal his commands with his hands or his voice.

The Perro de Agua Espanol is also capable of moving in the water easily. The breed was used in the past to help to dock the ships. The dog was supposed to catch the rope with its mouth and pull the ships to docks or land. Even today, although not often, the Spanish Water Dog is used as fishing dogs. He dives to retrieve the fish that escape from nets. He actually has developed such swimming skills that their legs has adjusted perfectly to the exercise and their especially structured feet work as oars, allowing them to move forward easily in the water. He is able to dive 3 meters without difficulty.

The Spanish Water Dog does not trust strangers, which makes him an excellent watch dog. Many fanciers also train the breed in advanced obedience. The dog learns quickly and immediately responds to commands. As a guardian works with energy and eagerness. He has very playful and gay temperament which makes him an attractive companion dog, although it is necessary to provide the dog with ample outdoor exercise opportunities. If allowed to become sedentary and lazy, the dog will lose their charm. Keep your Spanish Water Dog active and he will be very happy and rewarding companions.

The Spanish Water Dog can communicate with his family very well and is very tolerant with children. Nevertheless, he, as many other working breeds, usually prefers one member of the family whom he understands to be his master or “boss”. The dog will take the orders more often from his boss than from anyone else. That is very important to teach the dog to orders from all the family members.

Males and females

Like in many other breeds, females grow mature earlier than males, usually when they are six or seven months. It is when they experience first heat cycles. Males, on the contrary, stay playful like puppies until they are approximately one year old. Females are also capable of working in fields earlier than males. This does not mean that males are not capable of doing so, they just require more instruction and patience.