At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
curly, woolly single coat that can cord
A dense coat of tight woolly curls that forms natural cords as it grows long. For shows it may be kept between about 3 and 12 cm, or clipped evenly all over. Around half of puppies are born with a naturally short tail.123
Personality what they are like
A cheerful, hardworking and devoted dog that learns fast and adapts well to new situations. It keeps a close eye on its home and people and makes an alert watchdog.14
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. About an hour of exercise a day plus jobs for the mind, such as swimming, retrieving, herding games or dog sports.34
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The coat is not brushed out like a fluffy coat; it is either left to cord and kept clean, or clipped short all over, typically once or twice a year.31
Home where they are happiest
Fits town or country life with an active owner. Access to water for swimming is a bonus for this strong swimmer with webbed feet.3
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A balanced diet for an active medium-sized dog, adjusted to how much work or sport it does.3
Company who they like around
Strongly bonded to its family and happiest when included in daily activities and given a purpose.43
The story where it all began
An old working breed of the Iberian Peninsula, related to the ancient Barbet. It herded sheep and goats, retrieved game from marshes and helped fishermen on the coasts. Changes in farming and fishing in the 1970s and 80s made it scarce, before enthusiasts revived it and gained national and then international recognition.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
In Andalusia the breed has long been nicknamed the 'Turkish dog'.1
- 2
About half of Spanish Water Dog puppies are born with a naturally bobbed tail.2
- 3
Left unclipped, its curls twist naturally into cords.1
- 4
Three regional types developed in Spain, including one that helped fishermen on the Cantabrian coast.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 336, Group 8, Section 3 Water Dogs; current standard dated 01.10.2019. Wikipedia gives 1999 for FCI recognition.1
- Real Sociedad Canina de España
- Recognised by the Spanish kennel club in 1975, per Wikipedia.2
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Gundog group; not a vulnerable native breed.3
- AKC
- Described by the AKC as a dual-purpose herder and waterfowl retriever.4
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Spanish Water Dog. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery 2 days
- Bathevery month
- HaircutClip or scissor to keep curls from mattingevery 6 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 336, Perro de Agua Español fci.beused for origin, recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Wikipedia: Spanish Water Dog en.wikipedia.orgused for lifespan, history, fun facts, recognition years
- The Royal Kennel Club: Spanish Water Dog royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, lifespan, care
- AKC: Spanish Water Dog akc.orgused for temperament, recognition
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.