Spanish Water Dog
Temperament:
The origin of the Spanish Water Dog or also known as Perro De Agua Español can already be guessed from the name. He comes from Spain. The Spanish water dog is robust and strong. He likes to work, but also enjoys the peace and comfort in the midst of the family.
Characteristics
The Perro De Agua Español is also called Perro for short by his fans. He has curly, sometimes shaggy fur, which gives him a cute appearance. The Perro De Agua Español does not shed, but must be clipped.
Color-wise, it comes in numerous varieties. His coat can be completely white, brown, black or beige. Sometimes he is also black and white, beige and white or brown and white patterned. The Perro is well proportioned, muscular and rustic in build. Males usually grow up to 50 inches tall. Bitches reach a height at the withers of up to 45 centimeters. Weight ranges from 14 to 22 kilograms, depending on size. On average, the Perros reach an age of about 15 years.
The dog falls into the FCI group 8 (Aportierhunde, Stöberhunde, Wasserhunde). This already gives an idea that the Perro is an active working dog. With his abilities he can work as a herding dog, hunting dog or fishing dog. Nowadays, the Perro De Agua Español is also often used as an epilepsy or companion dog for the disabled. He loves the water and sometimes dives when hunting for fish. It is not surprising that the Perro De Agua Español loves any sporting activity.
In the dog school or on the dog field he shines with excellent performances. Sports like agility, Treibball or tracking are Perros' favorite hobbies. He is active, obedient, alert and very willing to work. He is also described as loyal, balanced and extremely adaptable. The Perro tries to make the best out of every situation. If he has done something wrong, he tries to cover it up in a charming way.
Perros are friendly, adventurous contemporaries. Towards strangers, they are initially rather reserved and cautious. The acclimation phase in a new home can take eight to ten weeks. However, once the Perros have taken you into their hearts, they are loyal and devoted to you. If they have enough exercise and activity, the Perro De Agua Español is also well suited as a family dog.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
In general, the Spanish Water Dog has no special requirements for his food. He is uncomplicated and there are no known breed-typical diseases that would have to be taken into consideration when feeding him. Of course, each dog has its own personal food preferences. Just try out what your Perro likes best. Also the compatibility of food can be different from dog to dog. It is also best to talk to the breeder about the food your Perro has received so far and whether there are any incompatibilities.
Basically, a varied diet with many nutrients is a good approach. Food can be served in the form of ready-made food (wet or dry), as well as individually cooked. Depending on the age of the dog, the basal metabolic rate also varies. Therefore, a young, agile dog needs more food than an older animal. A special puppy food should be fed to puppies.
Older animals receive all the vitamins and minerals they need in old age through foods specially adapted for them. Like all dogs, Perro De Agua Español loves treats. The small treats can be taken to dog school without hesitation. After a successful exercise, the Perro is happy about this kind of reward and stays motivated.
Spanish Water Dog Care
The shaggy Perro De Agua Español belongs to the easy-care dogs. Its coat is long, curly and of woolly texture. It does not need to be combed or brushed. In fact, combing would be extremely uncomfortable for the dog. Smaller tangles can easily be pulled apart with the fingers. The Perro should not be coiffed; he is not at all the type for that.
The Spanish Water Dog hardly sheds at all, which makes it an optimal dog for people who are allergic to dogs. Nevertheless, allergy sufferers should first test living with a Perro before finally taking him into their home.
However, the fact that the dog does not shed, also means that it must be clipped from time to time. How often is up to the owner. However, once a year should be the minimum. After shearing, the coat should be uniform in length over the entire body. The optimum length of the coat after shearing is between three and five centimeters.
Frequent bathing is generally not good for sensitive dog skin. But since Perros love to wallow in the mud, you probably can't avoid an occasional bath or shower with the garden hose. Always use special moisturizing dog shampoo. After bathing, gently dab the coat, but do not rub the Perro dry.
The ears of the Perros De Agua Español require special care: Hair grows here as well. They should be plucked out regularly. This sounds painful, but it is not at all for the Perro. If, on the other hand, the hair is allowed to grow rampantly, it can lead to nasty ear infections. The dog's paws are quite easy to care for. Make sure that no dirt accumulates between the toes above the webbed feet.
Suitable accessories
Besides basic dog equipment, Perro De Agua Español doesn't need much other accessories. Basic equipment includes products such as a leash, collar, food bowl, dog pillow or basket and dog shampoo.
However, since the Perro is a very active dog, you should get some dog toys like a Frisbee, balls or even a climbing frame for dogs.
Origin & History
The story about the origin of the dog is quickly told. The Perro De Agua Español originally comes from the south of Spain. Even today, it is still widespread, especially in Andalusia. In some parts of Spain, the dog is also called Turco Andaluz, which means Andalusian Turk.
This name is based on a legend about its origin: supposedly he helped Turkish shepherds herding merino sheep. Previously, it is said to have occurred in Hungary. The country was occupied by the Turks at that time. The Turks probably took a liking to the faithful shaggy dog and took him with them.
Another story says that the Moors brought it to Spain from North Africa. The Spanish Water Dog has also been shown to be related to the Cão de Água Português, the Portuguese Water Dog. Another relative is the Barbet from France. In Spain, the Perro De Agua Español served in many ways:
Thus, he was used as a herding dog, guard dog and helper on the coast. It was not until around 1970 that the actual breeding of the dog began in Spain. In 1999, the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) officially included him in its list. In the meantime, he can be found more and more often in other European countries.
