Although there are those who consider the SWD as a relatively recent breed, in fact it can trace its history back several hundred years, certainly as far back as the Middle Ages and possibly Roman Times. There are different theories as to its origin but the most accepted is that it was introduced by the Turks who traded in sheep and used them as sheepdogs. In Spain it is often called the 'Andalucian Turk'.
It is also believed that there are strong genetic links with the Fench Barbet, Spaniels, the Poodle and the Portuguese Water Dog, and that the SWD is an ancestor of the Irish Water Spaniel. believably this ancient Spanish Dog has played a significant role in the development of the world's Spaniels. The French Spaniels, in particular have been tied to this breed, and it is commonly said that Napoleon during the invasion of Spain was much enamoured of these kinky little workhorses and took examples back home.
Berni at her birthplace, Benaocaz, Southern Spain.
Until very recently the SWD was kept in relative isolation in rural areas of Spain, away from cross-breeding and inter-breeding with other dogs. The breed was developed in three separate areas of Spain, giving rise to three types. The dogs were used for a variety of tasks, being called upon to work whenever a dog was required. They were used as sheepdogs to move the flocks of sheep and goats from one pasture to another. They accompanied fisherman in their boats and would retrieve their equipment from the water, bring in stray fish that had escaped from the nets, carry a tow rope to shore for the boat to be pulled in and guard the fishermans catch once it was landed. These dogs would also be taken hunting and would be used as retrievers, particularly in water. The breed is particularly noted for its ability to dive underwater and remain at depth for some time. A depth of six metres has been recorded.
The Revival of the Breed
In 1975, two enthusiasts, Antonio Garcia Perez and Santiago Montesinos travelled around the countryside of Southern Spain, through the smallest villages and farms of the mountainous region of Andalucia and bought or borrowed a nuber of dogs that they felt fitted the type they were looking for to establish a breeding programme.
In 1980 the Spanish Water Dog Club (Spain) was formed in order to promote the breed and help get it recognised in its own country. Then in 1985, after a lot of hard work and displaying the breed at various venues and dog shows, the Spanish Kennel Club accepted it and gave it official status.
The Spanish Water Dog is now becoming well established in many countries including Germany, Finland, Sweden, Belgium, Great Britain and the United States.
Pemontell Fuego (Archie)
Cactus Bay, New Zealand
Characteristics
Spanish Water Dogs are lively, athletic and versatile. They are willing working dogs and easy to train, having the ability to learn quickly and remember for a long time. They can be independent when working and will often work things out for themselves.
To say these dogs are versatile is an understatement. In their native Spain, they fish, herd, guard, climb trees and climb a high scaffold in search and rescue type demonstrations. This is not a rare breed, having been kept alive and true by the farmers who primarily used them for herding sheep and goats and some cattle, however they are a 'Jack of all trades' particularly if you include the breed's original job of fishing and guarding the catch. They are also used for hunting. However this does not mean that the breed cannot be trained or used in one specific job, given the right form of training SWD's can turn their paws to anything. They are extremely quick learners but bright dogs are also quick to learn bad habits as well as good. This breed need something to do, their brains need working.
Spanish Water Dogs attach themselves and often have a special relationship with one particular person in the family, and they require early socialisation with people. They ahve a natural guarding instinct and therefore can be aloof with strangers, only accepting them on their own terms. This can wrongly be interpreted as nervousness. Once someone has gained the resepct of a Perro de Agua Espanol, they are a friend for life and greeted with enthusiasm. These dogs have impressive memories and do not forget those special to them. They truly are lovely dogs who will fill your life with enjoyment and devotion.
The appeal of the Spanish Water Dog is the breed's tremendous working facility on land and in water as well as his vivacious temperament, stunning appearance and superior intelligence. Whether you are wanting a companion dog or a skilled hunter or worker, you will soon learn what a truly extraordinary wonder of the dog world this breed is.
Coat & Appearance
This breed is described as 'rustic' and the coat is kept in a natural state. The coat should have a woolly texture and grows into curls which then develop into cords. The cords should be separated by hand using the fingers only. It should not be brushed or combed.
Judging Spanish Water Dogs at the World Winner Dog Show
Amsterdam 7th July 2002
In Spain, each Spring, the farmers would shear the sheep and do the dogs at the same time. This has been the adopted way of keeping the coat, so when the coat reaches the maximum length and is becoming matted it is clipped off. The clip should be even all over, with no sculpting or shaping. For showing purposes the coat should be 1.5 inches to 5 inches in length in tight curls but not matted. If the dog is not been shown it is often clipped off more frequently.
The breed standard describes the various physical aspects of the breed but the Spanish Water Dog should be lithe and well muscled, particulalry at the rear. They should have the ability to cover the ground effortlessly and have a tendancy towards single tracking.
| Height |
15" - 19 1/2" |
| Weight | 25 - 45lb |
| Colours | Black, brown or white in their different shades or white and any other colour. |
| Coat | Wooly, always curly forming cords when long, the coat can be clipped but must be the same length all over. They do not moult. |
In the Water
As their middle name suggests, these dogs excel in the water and will dive for a sunken object if necessary. They will wait to retrieve any dummy or bird that is out of reach of another dog, and will swim time and time again, their webbed feet, muscular body and action in the water make them powerful swimmers for their size.
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Behison
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Angelica
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Berni and daughter Bubble
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Cole
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CJ, Angelica & Coralina
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Azar, Coral, Marzo, Angelica,
Berni & Bubble
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Herding
Spanish herdsmen are so confident that these dogs can carry out herding and control of animals with surprising efficiency even though they receive no training. They work with one herdsmen obeying his commands either vocal or signals but they also work on their own initiative being constantly vigilant and regrouping the flock. With training Spanish Water Dogs will demonstrate great ability and successfully drive herds of headstrong animals such as goats and cattle.
Behison herding the goats.
Hunting
Retrieving comes naturally to this breed and many of the youngsters are not happy unless carrying something in their mouths. Often they will pick up the nearest object available to greet owners and friends.
The breed is very quick to lerarn and basic training has to be balanced with giving the dogs a challenge. Sometimes it is easy to forget how young a dog is because their mind is always on their work. the breed tends to be independant and thinks it knows better than the owner. Nevertheless, harsh handling is not successful in training, due to their sensitive nature with people. They are not gushy as a breed, they all concentrate 100% on the task before them. A balanced approach is necessary. This breed loves to hunt, making use of air and ground scnet, some have been seen to strongly point, whereas others show acknowledgement of game. As their name suggests they excel in water and will wait to retrieve any dummy or bird that is out of reach of another dog, and will swim time and time again, their webbed feet and action in the water making them powerful swimmers for their size.
Pemontell Hermosa (Buffy)
When SWD's first took part in demonstrations in Britain , the smiles and laughter as everyone saw these sheep-like dogs soon gave way to silence when they saw their speed and agility. People commented how impressed they were with the natural working ability of the dogs and the overall view was that they were best suited to the Hunt, Point, Retrieve Section of the Gundog Group.
Agility
Agility training offers fun, confidence-building and competition. It is a strenuous activity that turns dogs into athletes while helping them develop physical skills. Agility can be performed individually in your garden or with a group of other enthusiasts. There are various levels of difficulty in the training so dogs and owners can continue to meet new and personal challenges.
There are various types of equipment that the dogs use, they walk over a high dog walk, they climb over an A-frame, they run through a tunnel, go over various jumps, weave through poles, ride a see-saw, and jump through a tyre.
Pemontell Estrella (Squiffy)
Spanish Water Dogs are particularly good at agility, as they are very agile, intelligent and quick to learn. It is a very enjoyable sport and once you have tried it, you and you dog will be hooked. It is also a great way for you to keep fit, aswell as your dog, or in my case goats!!!!.
Flyball
This sport provides exercise and good fun for dogs, and excitement for spectators as well as owners. You can play alone or as part of a relay team, racing aginst another flyball team as originally developed, the sport provides even more excitement.
The object of the game is for the dog to run out to a box, step on a lever that releases a tennis ball into the air, retrieve the ball, and race back to the owner. In addition there are a series of low jumps over which the dog must jump on his way out and back from the box.
Many Spanish Water Dogs are now involved in flyball and they love this sport as it is great fun.
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Pemontell Hidalga (Nina)
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