SWD
Breed Description

The Spanish Water Dog is known by several names that reflect its rich heritage and varied roles throughout history. In its native Spain, this versatile breed is most commonly called the Perro de Agua Español, which translates directly to Spanish Water Dog. This name acknowledges both the breed's country of origin and its historic association with water-related work. The breed has also been called Perro Turco, meaning Turkish Dog, reflecting an early theory about the breed's origins that suggested Turkish traders may have introduced these curly-coated dogs to the Iberian Peninsula. This Turkish connection, while historically debated, remains preserved in the breed's alternate nomenclature.

Another traditional name is Perro de Lanas, which references the wool-like quality of the breed's distinctive curly coat. Spanish shepherds and farmers who worked alongside these dogs for generations developed numerous regional names based on local dialects and the dogs' primary functions. In Andalusia, where the breed was particularly prevalent, they were simply known as water dogs or herding dogs, with the specific terminology varying by province and occupation of the owner.

The abbreviation SWD has become widely adopted in English-speaking countries as a convenient shorthand for Spanish Water Dog, particularly among breed enthusiasts, breeders, and competitors in dog sports. This abbreviation is commonly used in kennel club documentation, breeding records, and informal discussions about the breed. The Spanish Water Dog Club of America, the AKC parent club for the breed, uses SWD interchangeably with the full breed name in their communications and publications.

Historically, three distinct regional populations of the breed existed in Spain, each with somewhat different characteristics and local names. The Marismeño, or marsh dog, was found in the wetlands at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River and was primarily used for waterfowl hunting. The Serrano, meaning sierra dog, inhabited the mountainous regions of southern Andalusia where these dogs excelled at herding in rugged terrain. The Norteño, or northern dog, was found in Cantabria and Asturias along the northern coast, where these smaller, lighter-colored dogs assisted fishermen. In 2011, the northern population was officially recognized as a separate breed called the Cantabrian Water Dog, distinct from the Spanish Water Dog.

The breed's international recognition journey brought additional naming considerations as different kennel clubs adopted their preferred terminology. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale uses the official Spanish designation Perro de Agua Español in their breed standard documentation. The American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club, Canadian Kennel Club, and The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom all recognize the breed under the English name Spanish Water Dog, though they acknowledge the Spanish nomenclature in their breed information materials.

The Spanish Water Dog benefits from dedicated breed organizations worldwide that work to preserve, protect, and promote this distinctive working breed. The Spanish Water Dog Club of America serves as the AKC parent club and has been instrumental in guiding the breed's development in the United States since the first dogs arrived in the country in the mid-1980s. The SWDCA was founded to ensure the continuation of this ancient breed while maintaining its distinctive characteristics, working ability, and wonderful temperament. The club provides education and support to fanciers, breeders, and judges while promoting responsible breeding practices and breed health research.

In Spain, the Real Sociedad Canina de España officially recognized the Spanish Water Dog in 1983, marking a crucial milestone in the breed's modern history. This recognition came after dedicated efforts by Antonio Garcia Perez and Santiago Montesinos, who traveled throughout Spain in the 1970s collecting dogs and working to establish a breed standard. Their work prevented what might have been the extinction of this ancient breed and set the foundation for its global recognition. The First Initial Register was established in May 1985, providing official documentation for breeding stock.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale definitively accepted the Spanish Water Dog in 1999, classifying it in Group 8 as a Retriever, Flushing Dog, and Water Dog, Section 3 Water Dogs. This international recognition opened doors for the breed to be shown and bred worldwide under standardized guidelines. The FCI standard emphasizes the breed's working origins and the importance of maintaining the distinctive curly coat that has served these dogs well in their traditional occupations. The current FCI standard, updated in 2019, provides detailed specifications for the ideal specimen.

In the United Kingdom, The Kennel Club placed the Spanish Water Dog on the Imported Breed Register upon initial recognition, then transferred the breed to the full Breed Register in 2008. The UK classifies the breed in the Gundog Group, reflecting its hunting and retrieving heritage. The Spanish Water Dog Club in the United Kingdom works to promote breed health through recommended health testing programs and provides resources for owners and breeders. They maintain close relationships with the Spanish breed clubs and international organizations to ensure consistency in breeding practices.

The Canadian Kennel Club initially placed the Spanish Water Dog in Group 1 Sporting Dogs, then moved the breed to Group 7 Herding Dogs effective January 1, 2018, aligning more closely with the AKC's classification. This reclassification acknowledged the breed's primary historic function as a herding dog while still honoring its versatile working abilities. The CKC maintains its own breed standard while recognizing the breed's Spanish origins and traditional roles.

The breed standard across all major kennel clubs emphasizes several key characteristics that define the Spanish Water Dog. The distinctive rustic curly coat is considered a hallmark of the breed and must always be shown in a natural state without aesthetic grooming. The standard specifies a medium-sized, sturdy, athletic dog that is slightly longer than tall, with a wedge-shaped head and expressive eyes. Temperament is given significant weight in the standard, describing the ideal SWD as faithful, obedient, lively, hard-working, and watchful with outstanding learning ability. The breed's versatility is reflected in its acceptable colors and coat presentations, allowing for solid colors in black, brown, beige, or white, as well as parti-color combinations where one color must be white.

The Spanish Water Dog presents a rustic, athletic appearance that immediately conveys strength, agility, and working capability. This medium-sized breed displays a sturdy, well-proportioned body that is slightly longer than tall, with the breed standard specifying a height-to-length ratio of 9:8. Males stand between 17.5 to 19.75 inches at the withers, while females measure 15.75 to 18 inches. The weight proportionally ranges from 40 to 49 pounds for males and 31 to 40 pounds for females, creating a balanced silhouette that enables the breed to perform its traditional tasks of herding, hunting, and water work with equal proficiency.

The head is strong and carried with elegance, featuring parallel planes of skull and muzzle that create a harmonious profile. The skull is flat with only a slightly marked occipital crest, and the stop is gentle rather than pronounced. The muzzle tapers slightly toward a rounded tip, with the ratio of muzzle length to skull length being approximately 2:3. The nose is well-defined with open nostrils and pigmented the same color or slightly darker than the darkest tone of the coat. In black and white dogs, the nose is black, while brown and beige dogs have brown pigmentation. The lips are tight and well-fitting with clearly defined labial corners.

The eyes of the Spanish Water Dog are set at a slightly oblique position and are remarkably expressive. Eye color ranges from hazel to chestnut and should harmonize with the coat color, giving the breed its characteristically alert and intelligent expression. The triangular ears are set at medium height, hanging close to the head with the tips reaching to the outer corner of the eye. The ears are covered with the same curly coat as the body, though they may appear less corded due to their position and movement.

The most distinctive feature of the Spanish Water Dog is unquestionably its coat. This rustic, curly, single coat is considered a hallmark of the breed and serves as protection from the varying conditions of humidity and drought in its native habitat. The coat must always be curly and woolly in texture, never smooth or wavy, with a smooth or wavy coat being a disqualification. When kept short in a utilitarian kennel clip of uniform length over the entire body, the coat displays tight curls. When allowed to grow long, the coat naturally forms roughly pencil-thin cords that are distinct from those of other corded breeds in their degree of felting, ranging from loose to tight. The cords must display natural fish-hook curls at the tips, indicating that no scissoring or shaping has been applied.

The breed standard allows for a range of acceptable colors that reflect the breed's working heritage. Solid colors include black, brown, beige, and white in various shades. Parti-color or Irish-marked patterns are also acceptable, where the second color must always be white. The white may combine with black or brown in various proportions. Tricolor combinations are strictly disqualified, as are tan-point patterns and any parti-color where one of the colors is not white. Puppies are always born with wavy or curly coats that may be somewhat softer than the adult coat, with most puppy coats not forming cords until maturity.

The body of the Spanish Water Dog is muscular and well-developed without appearing heavy. The neck is strong and slightly arched, blending smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders. The topline is straight and level, and the chest is broad and well-developed, reaching to the elbow. The ribs are well-sprung, providing ample lung capacity for the breed's demanding work. The loin is short and slightly arched, and the croup slopes gently. The tail has historically been docked, though today all tail lengths are equally acceptable in the show ring. Some individuals display a natural bob-tail gene that can produce tail lengths ranging from almost full to virtually absent. The preferred carriage is scimitar-like, carried either high or low.

The legs are straight and strong with moderate bone, positioned to allow efficient, ground-covering movement. The forequarters display well-laid-back shoulders with muscular upper arms, and the elbows are held close to the body. The hindquarters give an impression of strength and energetic impulsion, with well-muscled thighs and well-bent stifles. The feet are round and compact with tight, well-arched toes and strong pads. Movement is efficient, free, smooth, and ground-covering, with good reach in front and strong drive from behind.

The Spanish Water Dog possesses an ancient heritage that stretches back centuries on the Iberian Peninsula, though the precise origins of this distinctive breed remain shrouded in the mists of time. Archaeological and historical evidence suggests that wooly-coated water dogs existed in Spain as early as 1110 AD, making the breed one of the oldest documented working dogs in the region. Two primary theories exist regarding how these curly-coated dogs arrived in Spain. One theory proposes that Moorish traders brought the ancestors of the Spanish Water Dog from North Africa during their occupation of the Iberian Peninsula between 710 and 1036 AD. The other theory suggests these dogs may have arrived with various barbarian tribes that invaded Europe following the fall of the Roman Empire.

Regardless of their ultimate origin, it is well documented that by the medieval period, a wool-coated shepherd dog was firmly established throughout Spain. These versatile dogs served multiple functions depending on the needs of their owners and the geography of their region. In the mountainous areas of Andalusia, they worked as skilled herding dogs, moving sheep and goats across difficult terrain with intelligence and determination. In the coastal regions and marshlands, the same breed adapted to assist fishermen with their daily tasks and to retrieve waterfowl for hunters. This remarkable versatility became the defining characteristic of the breed.

The Spanish Water Dog developed into three somewhat distinct regional populations over the centuries of selective breeding for different purposes. The Marismeño, found in the marshlands at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River, specialized in waterfowl hunting and typically displayed longer, thinner cords in their coats. The Serrano inhabited the southern Andalusian sierra mountains, where these larger, stronger dogs primarily worked as herders in the rugged terrain. The Norteño, or northern dogs, lived along the Cantabrian coast in Asturias and Cantabria, where smaller, lighter-colored specimens assisted fishermen. These northern dogs would eventually be recognized as a separate breed, the Cantabrian Water Dog, in 2011.

The breed faced a critical decline during the 20th century as traditional farming and fishing practices modernized. Mechanical equipment replaced working dogs, and the once-common Spanish Water Dog became increasingly rare. By the 1970s, the breed was at serious risk of extinction, with only scattered populations remaining in remote areas of Spain. The survival and revival of the Spanish Water Dog owes much to two dedicated individuals: Antonio Garcia Perez and Santiago Montesinos. Beginning in the mid-1970s, these breed enthusiasts traveled throughout Spain, particularly in Andalusia, collecting specimens and documenting the characteristics of the remaining dogs.

Garcia Perez and Montesinos meticulously worked to establish a breeding program and develop a breed standard that would preserve the essential qualities of the Spanish Water Dog. Their efforts culminated in the formation of the Spanish Water Dog Club in Spain in 1980, providing a formal organization to guide the breed's recovery. In 1983, the Real Sociedad Canina de España, Spain's national kennel club, officially recognized the breed, and by 1985, the First Initial Register was established to document breeding stock. This official recognition provided crucial protection and promotion for the breed within Spain.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale definitively accepted the Spanish Water Dog in 1999, opening the door for international recognition and breeding programs worldwide. The breed was classified in Group 8 as a Water Dog, acknowledging its historic retrieving and water work abilities. Around this same period, the first Spanish Water Dogs arrived in the United States, imported by individuals who had encountered these unique dogs while traveling in Spain. The first American-born litters soon followed, and early owners began connecting through the emerging internet to share information and promote the breed.

The Spanish Water Dog Club of America was founded in the early 2000s, with the goal of eventually achieving American Kennel Club recognition. The breed entered the AKC Foundation Stock Service in 2005, allowing the registry to begin documenting pedigrees and establishing the breed in the United States. On September 1, 2005, Spanish Water Dogs became eligible to compete in AKC companion events. The breed moved to the Miscellaneous Class, a crucial step toward full recognition, and finally achieved full AKC recognition on January 1, 2015, when the Spanish Water Dog entered the Herding Group.

The classification of the Spanish Water Dog has been debated, with different kennel clubs placing the breed in groups that emphasize different aspects of its working history. The AKC and UKC classify the breed in the Herding Group, recognizing its primary historical role as a livestock herder. The FCI and The Kennel Club in the UK place the breed among Water Dogs and Gundogs respectively, highlighting its retrieving and water work heritage. This diversity of classification reflects the truly multipurpose nature of this remarkable breed. Today, the Spanish Water Dog continues to work in various capacities worldwide, including as search and rescue dogs, bomb and drug detection dogs, and therapy dogs, while also excelling in dog sports and serving as devoted family companions.

The Spanish Water Dog possesses a temperament that perfectly reflects its heritage as a versatile working dog requiring both intelligence and trainability. Faithful and devoted to their families, these dogs form deep bonds with their owners and thrive on human companionship. The breed standard aptly describes the SWD as faithful, obedient, lively, hard-working, and watchful, qualities that have made them invaluable working partners for centuries and excellent companions in modern homes. Their outstanding learning ability, attributed to an extraordinary mental grasp, allows them to adapt quickly to various situations and training requirements.

One distinctive characteristic of the Spanish Water Dog is their tendency to bond most strongly with one particular family member. While they accept and love the entire household, they typically select one person as their primary attachment figure. This does not diminish their affection for other family members, but the chosen person will often receive the most focused attention and devotion. This trait makes the SWD particularly appealing to individuals seeking a deeply connected canine partner, though it requires awareness that the dog may be somewhat more reserved with other household members.

The SWD maintains a natural wariness toward strangers that makes them excellent watchdogs without crossing into aggression. They are vigilant and alert, quick to notice and announce the arrival of unfamiliar people or unusual occurrences in their environment. However, once properly introduced and assured that visitors are welcome, most Spanish Water Dogs will warm up and accept new people into their circle. Early socialization is essential to ensure this natural reserve does not develop into excessive shyness or inappropriate suspicion.

Intelligence ranks among the most prominent traits of the Spanish Water Dog. These dogs possess exceptional problem-solving abilities and can learn complex tasks with remarkable speed. Their mental capacity, combined with their eager-to-please nature, makes them highly trainable for various activities from basic obedience to advanced competitive sports. However, this same intelligence means they require adequate mental stimulation to remain content. A bored SWD may direct their considerable brainpower toward creative mischief, making enrichment activities and training essential components of their daily routine.

The working drive of the Spanish Water Dog remains strong despite generations of breeding for companionship. These dogs genuinely enjoy having a job to do and display visible satisfaction when engaged in purposeful activity. Whether participating in herding trials, retrieving games, agility courses, or simply performing household tasks, the SWD approaches work with enthusiasm and dedication. This characteristic makes them particularly well-suited to active owners who can provide outlets for their natural working instincts.

Despite their high energy and working drive, Spanish Water Dogs also have a gentle, affectionate side that emerges in quiet moments with their families. They enjoy physical closeness and often seek opportunities to be near their people. Many owners describe their SWDs as velcro dogs who follow them from room to room and prefer to be included in family activities rather than left alone. This combination of working ability and companionable nature makes them versatile family dogs who can transition between active engagement and relaxed togetherness.

The SWD tends to be quite orderly and appreciates routine in their daily lives. They are observant dogs who quickly learn household patterns and may become unsettled when things are out of place or schedules are disrupted. This characteristic can be advantageous for training, as consistent routines help them understand expectations. However, it also means they may need additional support and patience when adjusting to changes in their environment or lifestyle.

Playfulness remains a hallmark of the Spanish Water Dog personality throughout their lives. They maintain a youthful exuberance and joy in play that extends well beyond puppyhood. Interactive games, especially those involving water or retrieving, particularly appeal to this breed. Their playful nature combined with their trainability makes them entertaining companions who can learn an impressive repertoire of games and tricks to share with their families.

The Spanish Water Dog can make a wonderful addition to many different types of households when properly matched with owners who understand and can meet their needs. These versatile dogs adapt well to various living situations provided they receive adequate exercise, mental stimulation, and quality time with their families. Their medium size makes them manageable in a range of home environments, from apartments with active owners to larger properties where they can explore and work.

Families with children can find an excellent companion in the Spanish Water Dog, though some important considerations apply. Well-socialized SWDs typically enjoy the company of children and can be playful, patient playmates. However, their strong herding instincts may emerge around active, running children, potentially leading them to attempt to herd by nipping at heels. This natural behavior is not aggression but rather an instinctive working response that requires training and management. Supervision during interactions between dogs and young children is always advisable, and teaching children appropriate ways to interact with dogs helps prevent misunderstandings.

The breed's reserved nature with strangers means proper socialization must begin early and continue throughout life. Exposing SWD puppies to a wide variety of people, places, sounds, and experiences helps them develop into confident, well-adjusted adults. Dogs who miss this critical socialization window may become overly suspicious or shy, traits that can make them more challenging to live with. Consistent positive exposure to new situations builds the confidence that allows the natural protective nature of the breed to remain appropriate rather than excessive.

Spanish Water Dogs can coexist peacefully with other pets when introduced properly and supervised during the adjustment period. Their moderate prey drive and herding instincts may cause them to chase or attempt to herd smaller animals, so careful management is necessary in multi-pet households. With other dogs, the SWD generally does well when relationships are established gradually and respectfully. Early socialization with other dogs during puppyhood significantly improves outcomes in multi-dog households.

The exercise requirements of the Spanish Water Dog are substantial and should be carefully considered before bringing one into your home. These athletic, energetic dogs need daily opportunities for physical activity that goes beyond a leisurely walk around the block. Long walks, jogging, hiking, swimming, and active play sessions help burn off their considerable energy. Without adequate exercise, the SWD may develop behavioral problems stemming from boredom and excess energy, including destructive behavior, excessive barking, or hyperactivity.

Mental stimulation proves equally important as physical exercise for this intelligent breed. Training sessions, puzzle toys, scent games, and opportunities to use their working instincts all contribute to the mental engagement Spanish Water Dogs need to thrive. Many owners find that participation in organized activities like herding trials, agility, obedience competitions, or water work provides both physical exercise and mental challenges that keep their dogs happy and fulfilled.

The Spanish Water Dog's strong attachment to family means they do not do well when left alone for extended periods regularly. These dogs want to be where their people are and may develop separation anxiety if isolated too frequently or for too long. Families with long work hours should consider whether they can provide adequate companionship through dog walkers, doggy daycare, or flexible work arrangements. The SWD is not an outdoor-only dog and needs to live as part of the household to develop proper bonds.

Climate considerations for the Spanish Water Dog are relatively flexible thanks to their adaptable coat. The curly, single-layer coat provides protection from both wet conditions and moderate temperature extremes. However, like all dogs, they should be protected from temperature extremes and provided with appropriate shelter. Their love of water makes them particularly well-suited to environments where swimming opportunities exist, though they can certainly be happy in land-locked homes where other activities substitute for water play.

Training a Spanish Water Dog is typically a rewarding experience thanks to the breed's exceptional intelligence and strong desire to please. The SWD possesses what the breed standard describes as outstanding learning ability owing to an extraordinary mental grasp, making them responsive students who can master complex tasks with proper guidance. Their working heritage has instilled a natural inclination to cooperate with humans and take direction, traits that serve them well in training contexts ranging from basic household manners to competitive performance sports.

Positive reinforcement methods work exceptionally well with Spanish Water Dogs. They respond enthusiastically to praise, treats, and play as rewards for correct behavior. Their sensitive nature means harsh corrections or punishment-based training can damage the trust bond and create anxiety or avoidance behaviors. Consistent, patient training that builds on successes creates a confident dog who enjoys the learning process and looks forward to training sessions as opportunities for engagement with their handler.

Early socialization represents one of the most critical training priorities for the Spanish Water Dog. Because the breed naturally tends toward wariness with strangers, extensive exposure to different people, animals, environments, and situations during the critical socialization period between 8 and 16 weeks sets the foundation for a well-adjusted adult. Puppy classes provide excellent structured socialization opportunities while beginning basic training, killing two birds with one stone during this important developmental period.

The herding instincts of the Spanish Water Dog require specific training attention to ensure they express appropriately. Without guidance, these dogs may attempt to herd children, other pets, or even adult family members through nipping and circling behaviors. Training provides an outlet for these instincts through games and activities that channel the herding drive constructively while teaching the dog when such behaviors are not welcome. Many SWD owners find that participation in herding activities, even on a recreational basis, satisfies this instinctive need.

Exercise requirements for the Spanish Water Dog are substantial and should be factored into daily routines. These high-energy dogs need at least one to two hours of physical activity daily, with more being better for maintaining optimal behavior and health. A combination of structured exercise like walks or jogging and unstructured play time provides variety and addresses different aspects of their physical needs. The breed's endurance means they can participate in lengthy activities like hiking without tiring quickly.

Water activities hold special appeal for most Spanish Water Dogs, reflecting their historic roles as water retrievers and fishing assistants. Swimming provides excellent low-impact exercise that many SWDs genuinely love. Teaching water safety and retrieval games can provide both physical exercise and mental engagement while honoring the breed's heritage. Even dogs without access to natural water can enjoy supervised swimming in pools designed for canine use.

Mental exercise deserves equal attention to physical activity for this intelligent breed. Training sessions, puzzle feeders, scent work, and problem-solving games all engage the SWD's active mind. Rotating through different activities prevents boredom and keeps the dog interested in their enrichment options. Many owners find that a mentally tired Spanish Water Dog is as well-behaved as a physically tired one, making mental stimulation an important behavior management tool.

Dog sports offer excellent outlets for the Spanish Water Dog's athleticism, intelligence, and working drive. The breed excels in herding trials, utilizing their natural instincts in a controlled competitive environment. Agility allows them to showcase their speed and coordination while strengthening the handler-dog bond through teamwork. Obedience and rally competitions highlight their trainability, while water work and dock diving celebrate their aquatic abilities. Many SWDs also excel at scent work, nose games, and tracking activities that engage their natural curiosity and olfactory capabilities.

Consistency in training and household rules helps the Spanish Water Dog understand expectations and reduces confusion. Because they are observant dogs who notice patterns, inconsistent boundaries can create frustration and behavioral issues. All family members should enforce the same rules and use the same commands to help the dog succeed. This organized approach aligns well with the breed's natural appreciation for routine and order in their lives.

The Spanish Water Dog is generally a healthy, robust breed with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, which is typical for a medium-sized dog. Like all purebred dogs, the SWD has predispositions to certain inherited conditions that responsible owners and breeders should understand. The breed's relatively recent international recognition means health research continues to evolve as more data becomes available.

Because the breed was formally recognized relatively recently, particularly in North America, breeders continue learning about potential health issues and developing appropriate screening protocols. With proper care, regular veterinary attention, and selection from health-tested parents, Spanish Water Dogs typically enjoy long, healthy lives as active family companions.

The grooming requirements of the Spanish Water Dog differ significantly from most other breeds due to their unique curly, corded coat. Understanding and following proper coat care practices is essential for maintaining both the appearance and health of this distinctive breed. The most important rule to remember is that the coat should never be brushed or combed, as this destroys the natural curl structure and can damage the coat texture. Instead, the coat is managed through periodic shearing and manual separation of cords.

For most pet Spanish Water Dogs, the coat is typically maintained at a short to medium length through regular shearing once or twice yearly. This utilitarian kennel clip involves cutting the coat to the same length over the entire body using electric clippers. Many owners learn to do this themselves, though professional groomers familiar with the breed can also perform this task. The recommended show length ranges from a minimum of 1.5 centimeters, which allows assessment of curl quality, to a maximum of about 12 centimeters.

When the coat is allowed to grow longer, it naturally begins to form cords. These cords develop through the natural matting of the curly hair rather than through any grooming manipulation. Owners who choose to maintain a corded coat need to help separate the cords as they form to prevent the entire coat from matting into a solid mass. This involves using fingers to gently pull apart clumps of hair into smaller, roughly pencil-thin cords. The process requires regular attention during the cording phase but becomes less demanding once the cords are established.

Bathing the Spanish Water Dog requires special techniques to avoid damaging the coat. For dogs with shorter coats, bathing can be done relatively normally using a gentle dog shampoo, though the coat should be patted or squeezed rather than rubbed vigorously. For corded coats, bathing requires more time and care. The cords should be thoroughly wetted, gentle shampoo applied and worked through the cords, then thoroughly rinsed. Drying corded coats takes considerable time and can be aided by gentle squeezing with towels, but the coat should never be rubbed or blow-dried with high heat, which can damage the curls.

Ear care deserves particular attention in the Spanish Water Dog. Their drop ears and love of water create an environment where ear infections can develop if moisture becomes trapped in the ear canal. Regular ear checks should become part of the grooming routine, and ears should be cleaned with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner after swimming or bathing. Any signs of infection such as redness, odor, discharge, or head shaking warrant veterinary attention.

Nail care follows standard protocols for all dogs. The nails should be trimmed regularly to maintain appropriate length, typically every two to four weeks depending on how quickly they grow and how much natural wear they receive from walking on hard surfaces. Many owners combine nail trimming with other grooming tasks during shearing sessions. Keeping nails properly trimmed prevents discomfort and gait problems that can develop when nails become too long.

Dental care is important for overall health and should begin early in the dog's life. Regular tooth brushing with dog-safe toothpaste helps prevent periodontal disease, which can lead to more serious health problems if left untreated. Dental chews and toys can supplement brushing but should not replace it entirely. Annual dental examinations by a veterinarian help identify and address any developing problems before they become serious.

Because the Spanish Water Dog sheds minimally, people sometimes assume they are hypoallergenic. While they may produce fewer allergens than heavy-shedding breeds, no dog is truly hypoallergenic. People with dog allergies should spend time with Spanish Water Dogs before committing to ownership to assess their individual reaction. The curly coat does trap loose hair and dander rather than releasing it into the environment, which may reduce but not eliminate allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.