How Is the Water Dog?

Among the various breeds of dog that inhabit the world are the water dogs whose main characteristic is their curly hair, medium size and used by hunters to catch birds in swampy areas, rivers and seas. Hence its name “water dogs”.

There are a wide variety of water dogs, such as the American Water Dog, the Barbet, the Poodle, the Spanish Water Dog, the Irish, the Friesian, the Portuguese and the Legato Romagnolo. All these dogs have a similar appearance due to the type of woolly and curly hair, although they differ greatly in terms of colors.

We will show you what the water dog is like its physical characteristics, its character and care, especially regarding the Spanish water dog. These dogs are seen more frequently in the south of Spain than in the north. They are often seen tending goats and sheep, an activity they have been carrying out for a thousand years, or accompanying duck hunters.  Today they are often seen in much more current activities such as search, rescue and detection of bombs and narcotics.

What do you need for the water dog?

•  Information on care, feeding and character of the water dog.
• Good quality food, grooming, and time for walks and exercise.

Water Dog Instructions

1. The Spanish water dog has its origin in Spain since the middle Ages, at a time when it worked alongside fishermen and hunters and also in the fields as a shepherd of sheep and goats. Currently they accompany hunters in wetlands and are also companion dogs. They have a life expectancy between ten and fourteen years, weigh between 12 and 20 kilograms and measure between 38 and 50 cm in height.
2. Their curly and woolly hair is their coat; they do not shed or change their hair, which makes them very accepted as companion dogs in small places. In addition, this type of hair makes them withstand very low and very high temperatures as well.
3. The Spanish water dog adapts to all spaces, they can be small or not, although their energy and constant movement make them require daily exercises.
4. If they live in a place with a lot of outdoor space, they will express their energy by running and playing whenever they are allowed to go out, but if the place is small, such as an apartment, this energy must be released through long daily walks. These dogs are very fast, agile, athletic by nature, which is why they should not be deprived of the normal development of their super active life.
5. It is not only a very active dog but also balanced and very intelligent, which means that mental activity must also be developed in this breed, their training is easy since they are obedient dogs. They like dog games and sports such as agility and water sports.
6. The Spanish Water Dog is a good family companion, it can be irritable with children if it is not used to them, easily trainable, obedient and never aggressive. He is also usually reserved with strangers; they must be socialized from an early age with members of the household, whether they are people or other pets.
7. Choosing the right feed for this type of breed is essential, in this way not only will a good, balanced and correct diet be ensured, but also that their hair will remain in good condition and the feces will have the appropriate consistency to keep the place clean and without Bad smell.
8. These dogs are generally in good health, with a life expectancy of up to fourteen years, but they require periodic veterinary check-ups, baths, vaccinations and physical exercise.

Tips for the water dog

• If you intend to adopt a water dog or any other breed, you must first learn about the customs, care, habitat, diet and character of that breed to know if it will really adapt to your way of life.
• Never adopt a dog if you cannot provide it with what it needs, if you live in a small apartment, without a garden, you must dedicate enough time for the dog to do its exercises.
• Spaniels, just like any other dog, should be supervised by adults when playing with children.