Spanish Water Dog

Good to know

• Herder and retriever: used in Spain to herd livestock and retrieve waterfowl, they're usually strong swimmers who love water fetch.
• Never brush the coat: the woolly curls are clipped to an even length instead of brushed, and if left to grow they form cords, which takes some know-how.
• Active with an off switch: they benefit from a good daily run and suit runners and hikers, yet settle well at home.
• Wary of strangers: very loyal to their own people, they need ongoing socialization from an early age.
• Soft-hearted workers: keen to please and great at clicker training, they can lose enthusiasm with harsh methods, and some have a strong prey drive.
• A low-shedding coat. Some people with allergies find that easier to live with, but no breed is allergen-free.

Getting out with a Spanish Water Dog

They need daily exercise beyond a stroll: longer trails, games of fetch and time to run at the park.

Explore more breeds in the Herding group