Spanish water dog: description, nature and content of the breed

The choice of a pet, especially a dog, is a responsible decision, because this animal will be with you and your children for at least 10 years. Therefore, it is worth considering a description of such a breed as a Spanish water dog, as well as familiarizing yourself with the rules for keeping these animals and the features of their nature.

The first mention of this breed in Spanish sources dates back to 1110. It is not known exactly how these dogs originally entered the territory of Spain, but the two most popular versions say that they either came to the Iberian Peninsula from North Africa together with the conquering Moors in the 8th century, or were introduced by merchants from the territory of modern Turkey. In Spain itself, this breed has long been called the "Turkish dog." These animals have long been indispensable helpers to the peasants and were used primarily for grazing livestock. Other activities were not alien to them - many of them were trained to help fishermen in pulling nets from the water and even for hunting, where they were used to select killed game.

Over time, the water breed was gradually replaced from the pasture by German and Belgian shepherd varieties. By the beginning of the last century, isolated populations remained only in northern Spain (Asturias and Cantabria), as well as in western and southern Andalusia. Only in 1973, “Perro de aqua espanol” (the name of this breed sounds in Spanish) attracted the attention of professional breeders who were engaged in its breeding and setting standards. Finally, in 1992, the standard of this breed was recognized by the International Cynological Federation under the number 336.

According to the breed standard, its purebred representatives have certain external characteristics.

• Curly hair, which begins to twist into a cord with age. Color should be white, black or brown. White, black or brown spots are allowed on the coat.
• Height at the withers should be from 40 to 50 cm for adult males and from 38 to 45 cm for adult females. The mass of males should be in the range from 16 to 20 kg, while for females this indicator should be from 12 to 16 kg.
• Head should be massive with a flat shape of the skull and a pronounced transition from the muzzle to the forehead. The nose should be dyed the same color as most of the animal’s hair.
• Eyes should be different shades of brown (from hazel to dark brown) and be at a relatively large distance from each other.
• The ears must be hanging and triangular in shape.
• The dog must possess wide and deep chest with convex ribs. The back should be almost straight with slightly sloping croup. The belly of these animals should not bulge. The neck should be short, but rather muscular.
• Paws should be powerful, and the pads on them look like a cat.

Correctly educated representatives of the Spanish water breed are distinguished by an affectionate and friendly character, which they show not only to the owner, but also to the rest of his family. Even to strangers, these pets instead of aggression show only caution.

These animals are strongly attached to the owner and do not tolerate separation to them. In addition, they feel the need for constant activity and rarely sit in one place. This is especially true for puppies who can devote to games almost all day.

The very name of this breed hints at their love of water procedures. Having seen a pond, the animal will joyfully rush towards it, even if it is a small puddle. So that in rainy weather it is worth walking the "Spaniards" on a leash.

Despite a fairly good level of health and resistance to most diseases, this breed has several characteristic diseases that can also be transmitted to offspring, namely:

• eye diseases - glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, dysthiasis (the appearance of additional rows of eyelashes);
• thyroid disease;
• hypoadrenocorticism (insufficient secretion of adrenaline and cortisol);
• pancreatic insufficiency;
• various allergies;
• dysplasia (developmental disruption) of the hip joints.

Despite the love of these dogs for swimming, it is important to ensure that they do not spend too much time in cold water, otherwise a partial or complete hearing loss is possible.

At an early age, puppies of this breed are often injured, so the owners should limit their level of activity, do not leave them alone for a long time.

The average life expectancy of these animals is from 10 to 14 years.

Spanish water dogs are generally quite unpretentious. However, their energy and need for physical activity determine the main requirement for the maintenance of the breed - a mandatory walk in the morning and evening for at least an hour.

The main feature of caring for these animals - they do not need to be combed. Their hair itself is curled into curls and laces, and combing it will not only cause discomfort to the animal, but also spoil its appearance. Instead of combing, the hair can be cut (but not more than 1 time per year). Grooming of these dogs is purely optional and is mandatory only if you are going to take your pet with you for hunting. During the haircut, please note that according to the breed standard, the length of the coat on the entire body of the animal must be the same.

And also it is not recommended to bathe these pets too often. Bathing is recommended only when the dog is very dirty. You need to wash such a dog in warm water using neutral animal shampoo. It is advisable to dry the coat outdoors.

Vulnerabilities in this breed are the ears and eyes, so it is important to clean them regularly. Ear cleaning is carried out at least 1 time per week with cotton swabs that can be moistened with saline or veterinary lotion. Dogs need to wash their eyes at the first signs of inflammatory processes or their visible contamination. To do this, you can use gauze napkins or cotton pads moistened with water, saline or lotion.

Since until the 70s of the last century the breed was not considered as decorative and was used mainly in rural conditions, Spanish dogs have no special dietary requirements. It is important to adhere to general recommendations for feeding dogs and include meat (not too fatty, preferably boiled), meat offal (liver, heart, kidneys, stomachs), buckwheat or rice cereals, boiled vegetables, low-fat fermented milk products (cottage cheese or kefir). It will not be superfluous to include marine fish in the diet, but not more than twice a week and be surely cleared of bones.

The use of dry feed, in particular, full-feed, is also not prohibited. It is important to change the water in the drinker at least 1 time per day.

The main advantage of this pet is its friendliness towards both people and animals. Historically, these dogs have been accustomed to coexist with sheep, goats and other domestic animals, so there are practically no outbreaks of aggression against another beast among the Spanish aquatic animals.

Another advantage of this variety of dogs is that because of the relatively recent interest of professional breeders, this breed did not have time to lose its shepherd and hunting instincts, which means that it can be recommended to owners of farms and hunting grounds, where it can fully demonstrate its skills.

The main disadvantage of the breed is natural energy and the need for regular physical activity. Walking with such a pet needs to be given more time (from two hours a day) than calmer dog breeds. Otherwise, the animal can mess out at home, become depressed and even get sick.

Another disadvantage of Spanish dogs is energetic and independentdue to which it is necessary to spend a lot of time with the dog and carefully adjust its behavior, especially in the early stages of training. However, due to the innate peacefulness of such a dog can not be used as a guard.

Despite good health, this breed is susceptible to a number of dangerous diseases that are important to detect in the early stages, otherwise their eyesight, hearing or endocrine system will be irreparably damaged. With general unpretentiousness in care, these dogs require constant monitoring of the condition of the ears and eyes.

Finally, the breed is not very common in Russia, so in order to get a purebred puppy, you have to look for it for a long time (or order in Spain), while laying out from 650 to 2000 $.

See more about breed features in the next video.