Spanish Water Dog Characteristics: The sociable and faithful Spanish Water Dogs are a breed of medium sized dog, classified as a member of the Sporting Dogs Group. The Spanish Water Dog, is characterized by its strong, sturdy, adorable appearance with a distinctive wooly, corded coat and a reserved but attentive expression. Other characteristics include dark, bright, medium sized, almond shaped eyes; high set, triangular shaped, drop ears; a straight, medium set, tapering tail and a brisk, powerful gait. The temperament of the Spanish Water Dog can be described as Affectionate, Diligent, Loyal. The coat type of the Spanish Water Dog is described as distinctive curly coat in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Spanish Water Dogs demonstrated the desired traits required by herders and fishermen and is known by its nick name the "Perro de Agua or Andalusian". The origin of the Spanish Water Dogs was in Spain where it was developed in Ancient Times. Fast Facts about the Spanish Water Dog: The following facts provide fast information about the Spanish Water Dogs breed. Size: Medium *** Breed Group: Sporting Dog Group *** Nick name: "Perro de Agua or Andalusian" *** Origin: Spain *** Male Height: 17-20 inches (42-52 cm) *** Female Height: 15-19 inches (38-48 cm) *** Male Weight: 40-49 lbs (18-22 kg) *** Female Weight: 31-40 lbs (14-18 kg) *** Coat Type: distinctive curly coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 4 to 6 puppies *** Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, Allergies, Glaucoma *** Lifespan: 10 - 14 years *** Hypoallergenic: No Spanish Water Dog Breed Group and Dog Type - Sporting Dog Group: The Spanish Water Dog is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Sporting Dog Group. Other names for the Spanish Water Dog: The Spanish Water Dog is known by the nickname of the "Andalusian". Other names for this breed include the Perro de Agua Espanol, and the Dog of the Moors. Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Spanish Water Dog" derives from its country of origin in Spain and its ability working as water dogs. Spanish Water Dog History and Origin: The country of origin of the Spanish Water Dog breed was in Spain in Ancient Times. The ancestors of the Spanish Water Dogs was the Barbet that descended from corded herding dogs originating in North Africa. The Barbet dogs were brought to Andalusia with the Moors as they crossed the Strait of Gibraltar and invaded the Iberian Peninsula of Spain. Andalusia, a region in southern Spain, was under Moorish rule from the 8th - 15th centuries. Three separate strains of the Spanish Water Dogs were developed: large dogs in the southern Andalusian mountains, smaller sized dogs emerged in northern Andalusia and dogs with a long, corded coat emerged in the marshes of western Andalusia. Interbreeding of these strains produced the wooly, corded coated Spanish Water Dogs. The herding ancestry of the Spanish Water Dogs was put to good use as the versatile canine was used to herd sheep from the higher pastures in summer to the lower valleys in winter. The Spanish Water Dog, as it names suggests, were used for hunting water fowl and were trained as working dogs in Spanish ports, accompanying fishermen in their boats and towing ropes to help bring incoming fishing boats to port. The webbed feet helped the Spanish Water Dogs with these water related tasks. At this time the Spanish Water Dogs were simply referred to as the Andalusians. Spanish Water Dog Modern History: The modern history of the Spanish Water Dog moved on in 1980 when a Spanish breeder called Antonio Perez pressured the organizers of a show in Malaga, Santiago Montesinos and David Salamanca, to recognize the Andalusian dogs as an official breed. In 1983 a breed standard was written and the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) officially recognized the Spanish Water Dog as a breed in 1999. The Spanish Water Dog was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2015. Spanish Water Dog Height: The Spanish Water Dogs breed is classified as a medium sized animal. The height to the shoulder of a male is 17-20 inches (42-52 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female is 15-19 inches (38-48 cm). Spanish Water Dog Weight: The weight of the medium sized male is 40-49 lbs (18-22 kg). The weight of the smaller female is 31-40 lbs (14-18 kg). Spanish Water Dog Coat Type: The coat type is described as distinctive curly coat. Spanish Water Dog Coat Colors: The colors of the Spanish Water Dogs breed consist of assorted colors consisting of Black, White, Beige, Brown, Brown & White and Black & White. Spanish Water Dog Grooming - MODERATE Grooming Needs: The grooming needs of the Spanish Water Dog is categorized as Moderate in order to maintain a healthy, tangle-free coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The modest grooming needs of the Spanish Water Dog is considered to be mid-maintenance requiring weekly brushing and combing. Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears. Spanish Water Dog Litter Size: The litter size of the Spanish Water Dogs breed ranges from 4 to 6 puppies. Spanish Water puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Spanish Water puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Spanish Water Dog Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of the popular Spanish Water Dogs breed is described as Sociable, Affectionate, Diligent, Loyal and Faithful. Spanish Water Dog Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of are moderate. Spanish Water Dogs require regular daily exercise consisting of about one hour every day. This medium sized dog has a brisk, powerful, quick gait with strides of a moderate length requiring a steady walking or jogging speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. If the dog has more energy than you do, then teach your dog to play ball in a chase and catch game. Spanish Water Dog Diet: Fully grown Spanish Water Dogs should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Spanish Water Dog Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Spanish Water Dog breed include Hip dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Allergies, Glaucoma. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a puppy. Is the Spanish Water Dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No. Spanish Water Dog Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Spanish Water Dog breed is 10 - 14 years. Spanish Water Dog Male Names: Male names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Spanish Water Dog breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Spanish Water Dog names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male Spanish dog names are: Pepe *** Enrique *** Miguel *** Marcos *** Dario *** Bruno *** Santi *** Rafa *** Guillermo *** Paco *** Max *** Julen. Spanish Water Dog Female Names: Female names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the Spanish Water girl dogs. Our top choice of good female Spanish Water names are Lorena *** Carla *** Gloria *** Ariadna *** Paloma *** Ana *** Lara *** Aurora *** Ariadna *** Luna. Fast Facts about the Spanish Water Dog: The following facts provide fast information about the Spanish Water Dogs breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Breed Group: Sporting Dogs Group *** Size: Medium *** Country of Origin: Spain *** History / Date: Ancient Times *** Male Spanish Water Dogs Height: 17-20 inches (42-52 cm) *** Male Spanish Water Dogs Weight: 40-49 lbs (18-22 kg) *** Coat Type: distinctive curly coat *** Spanish Water Dogs Litter Size: 4 to 6 puppies *** Spanish Water Dogs Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Spanish Water Dogs Lifespan: 10 - 14 years *** | 