Spanish Water Dog
Perro de Agua Español
The Spanish Water Dog is traditionally used as is a retriever, particularly with ducks. Although many gundogs can retrieve, the category of retrievers are more specialized at finding drowned waterfowl. As a secondary task they have been used to herd both sheep and goats.
Spanish Water Dog Standards
- AKC (FSS)
- FCI (Group 8)
- KC (Herding)
- UKC (Gun Dog)
- 15-20"
- 26-44 lbs
- medium-sized waterdog
- triangular, hanging ears
- tail is traditionally docked where legal
- curly coat can form cords when long
- black
- brown
- white
- combination of above colors
History of the Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish Water Dog is an ancient breed that has been known on the Iberian Peninsula for centuries. Their origin is unknown, but common theories include a North African origin or dogs accompanying flocks of sheep from Turkish Merchants (in the south this breed has sometimes been referred to as the Andalusian Turk). Wherever their origin, it is likely that this dog comes from the same root stock as the Portuguese Water Dog and Barbet (ancestor to the Poodle).
Related Breeds: