Spanish Water Dog
A woolly Andalusian farmhand who never learned the word 'off-duty'.
On these lists: Truffle-hunting dogs
Vital stats
| Size | Medium · 40–50 cm |
| Weight | 14–22 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–14 years |
| Energy | High — 60–90 min/day plus a job |
| Shedding | Minimal — curly, corded coat |
| Coat | Woolly curls, may form cords · black, brown, beige, white, parti |
| Group | Herding · FCI №336 / AKC |
| Origin | Andalusia, Spain |
| FCI group | 8 — Retrievers, Flushing Dogs and Water Dogs · FCI 336 |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
The Spanish Water Dog by the numbers
The Spanish Water Dog facts owners search for most — price, lifespan, weight, shedding and colours, in one place.
Widely bred, so you can usually find a litter from a registered breeder without a long wait. Plan for steady ongoing costs — mid-range food, routine vet care and insurance.
We don't quote a single figure: the real price swings with breeder, region, bloodline and health testing — and a rescue costs a fraction of a breeder's litter. Adopting is almost always the cheapest route.
Temperament
For centuries this dog herded goats, retrieved ducks and hauled lines for Andalusian farmers and fishermen — often all in the same week. That versatility built a sharp, biddable worker with a watchdog's wariness of strangers and a manager's eye on the family. Give it employment and it is superb; leave it idle at your peril.
Habits & quirks
Flock management
Family members drifting apart on a walk will be gently regathered.
Water clause
Any body of water within range is contractually entered.
The perimeter check
New places get a full patrol before relaxation is approved.
Job applications
No task assigned? It will find one — sorting shoes counts.
Care
| Exercise | An hour-plus daily plus genuine work — swimming, herding trials, agility or nose games. |
| Grooming | Never brush or comb; let curls cord naturally and clip the whole coat once or twice a year. |
| Socialisation | The natural wariness of strangers needs broad, positive exposure from puppyhood. |
| Training | Fast, willing learners that thrive on structure — vary the work to keep that quick mind busy. |
Life expectancy
This breed has a typical life expectancy of 12–14 years.
Similar breeds
Breeds with a similar build and background — worth a look if this one isn't quite the fit.
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Common questions
Is the Spanish Water Dog hypoallergenic?
Its curly coat sheds minimally, which many allergy sufferers tolerate well — but no breed is truly hypoallergenic. Spend time with adult dogs before committing.
Do you really never brush them?
Really — brushing wrecks the curl and mats the wool. The coat is left to cord and is sheared to a centimetre or two once or twice a year.
Is a Spanish Water Dog good for first-time owners?
Only very committed ones — the intelligence, energy and stranger-wariness need confident, consistent handling. Under-worked, this breed becomes loudly self-employed.
Does the Spanish Water Dog shed a lot?
Not much. The Spanish Water Dog is a low-shedding breed, so loose hair around the home stays minimal. It still needs regular grooming, but you won't be fighting drifts of fur.
Is the Spanish Water Dog good with children?
They can be. The Spanish Water Dog is reasonably sociable and can be good with children in the right home, especially when socialised early. Supervise around young kids and teach dog and child to respect each other.
Is the Spanish Water Dog easy to train?
Yes. The Spanish Water Dog is one of the more trainable breeds — quick to learn and keen to work with you, which makes reward-based training straightforward. Start early, keep it positive, and it picks things up fast.