Dog Breed

Spanish Water Dog

Primary image of Spanish Water Dog dog breed
Full Name
Spanish Water Dog
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Life Span
12 - 15 years
Weight
30 - 50 pounds
Description

Trainable, Diligent, Affectionate, Loyal, Athletic, Intelligent

Origin
Spain
Bred For
Herding flocks of sheep and goats from one pasture to another
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Spanish Water Dog good with children?

    Yes! The Spanish Water Dog is naturally friendly with children. As always, socialization is always important, but the Spanish Water Dog is an excellent dog for anyone with small children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Spanish Water Dog friendly with strangers?

    Yes! The Spanish Water Dog is naturally friendly with everyone. As always, socialization is always important, but the Spanish Water Dog typically loves everyone they meet
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Spanish Water Dog friendly with other dogs?

    Yes! The Spanish Water Dog naturally loves other dogs. As always, socialization is always important, but the Spanish Water Dog typically gets along with every dog it meets
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Spanish Water Dog like to cuddle?

    The Spanish Water Dog appreciates affection and that includes kisses and snuggles!
    Playfulness

    Does the Spanish Water Dog like to play?

    The Spanish Water Dog is always ready for play! It's important to keep in mind, as they need to be stimulated with games and affection throughout the day.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Spanish Water Dog make a good service dog?

    The Spanish Water Dog can be a service dog with the proper training. Spanish Water Dogs are not the most common service dog, but they certainly can be if their personality matches- smart, patient, and extremely dedicated to their owner.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Spanish Water Dog good for first-time owners?

    The Spanish Water Dog is a good breed for first-time owners. A good fit for first-time owners are friendly breeds that are motivated to please their owner. This means they can be trained, and are rarely aggressive and overpowering.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Spanish Water Dog be trained?

    The Spanish Water Dog is about average when it comes to training potential. The Spanish Water Dog can be seen in competitions and can have advanced training, but it would require much dedication and oftentimes professional training.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Spanish Water Dog shed a lot?

    The Spanish Water Dog sheds a lot! They may still shed less than a few other breeds, but be prepared for dog hair throughout the home and on your clothes.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Spanish Water Dog easy to groom?

    The Spanish Water Dog requires an average amount of grooming. Taking your Spanish Water Dog to the pet salon will make your life easier, but its possible to groom a Spanish Water Dog on your own as well.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Spanish Water Dog need a lot of exercise?

    The Spanish Water Dog needs a daily exercise partner! The Spanish Water Dog is best suited for a family where it will get plenty of daily exercise; it has so much energy that exercise is mandatory to avoid destructive behaviors.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Spanish Water Dog?

    The Spanish Water Dog has average intelligence. They are smart and witty, but do not need to be constantly challenged mentally, as some other breeds.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Spanish Water Dog bark? Does the Spanish Water Dog bark too much?

    The Spanish Water Dog barks an average amount. It can vary widely between Spanish Water Dogs - some may be much more expressive than others.
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Spanish Water Dog a good guard dog?

    The Spanish Water Dog is not typically used as a guard dog, although they can be alert and oftentimes notify you if there is a stranger at the door or otherwise something to be concerned over.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Spanish Water Dog good at staying alone? Is the Spanish Water Dog independent?

    The Spanish Water Dog is not very independent and does not do great when left behind for longer than a couple of hours. This is one of the most important things to consider when getting a new dog.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Spanish Water Dog a good apartment dog?

    The Spanish Water Dog is not a good dog for apartment living for several reasons. It is still possible to make it work if the owner is dedicated to plenty of training and daily exercise, but it may be challenging.
    Size

    How big is the Spanish Water Dog?

    The Spanish Water Dog is a medium sized dog breed. They can range in size depending on genetics, and males are larger on average than females.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Spanish Water Dog tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Spanish Water Dog?

    The Spanish Water Dog can tolerate some heat, but should not be over-exposed to hot weather. In general, they can live in hot weather climates, but would do best with air conditioning or at least a fan in their home, especially where they sleep.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Spanish Water Dog tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Spanish Water Dog?

    The Spanish Water Dog can tolerate cold weather well. Play time in the snow or on particularly cold evenings may need to be limited, but overall they can do well in cold climates.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Spanish Water Dog try to run away?

    It is natural for the Spanish Water Dog to run away. They are easily distracted and excited, so the urge to run away should be expected and prepared for- a fenced yard is important.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Spanish Water Dog a healthy dog? The health of a Spanish Water Dog should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Spanish Water Dog has many health problems that should be considered. The Spanish Water Dog can still live a perfectly healthy life, but it's important to consider all of these health risks ahead of time.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Spanish Water Dog?

    It seems like the Spanish Water Dog never runs out of energy. If you are looking for a 5 AM run partner, the Spanish Water Dog is your dog! A dog's energy level is one of the most important considerations when getting a new dog, and we would only recommend the Spanish Water Dog for a family where it will get plenty of exercise.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Spanish Water Dog drool?

    The Spanish Water Dog drools an average amount- typically only after heavy exercise or if you are eating their favorite human food in front of them.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Spanish Water Dog have a large prey drive? Does the Spanish Water Dog like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Spanish Water Dog has some prey drive, so should not be left alone with very small animals such as birds, mice, or gerbils, but with some gradual introduction should be fine living with a cat in the same home.
    Athleticism

    Is the Spanish Water Dog atheltic?

    The Spanish Water Dog is a true athlete. The Spanish Water Dog is both fast, strong, and has a ton of endurance that suits it well for runs, hikes, and even marathons!
  1. Sporting
  2. Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish Water Dog is a purebred dog that falls within the larger Sporting dog breed group.
Sporting group: Sporting dogs are the natural athletes of the dog world. They have high energy, and always look to be stimulated with some activity or challenge. These dogs thrive in the outdoors- particularly the woods and the water. Sporting dogs include the best swimming dogs, retrieving dogs, and other field activities. They have traditionally been bred to assist hunters find and retrieve birds and other smaller hunting game. Sporting dogs are not known as guard dogs, but because of their alertness and loyalty to their family, with proper training they can be good home protectors as well. Over the years they have become extremely well-rounded, so with plenty of exercise can make excellent home companions. They are willing to please their owners, so if you put the time into training and exercise you will be rewarded with an amazing dog.

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