Spanish Water Dog

The Spanish water dog, or Perro de Agua Español, is a medium-sized Iberian working dog with a curly, woolly coat that can form cords when allowed to grow. In Spain it has been used for herding goats and sheep, retrieving from water, helping fishermen, and general farm work, which explains its alert, practical build. Coat colors include solid black, brown, beige, and white combinations accepted by different standards, but the texture is more important to the breed's identity than a polished outline.

Management is different from that of most curly-coated companion dogs. The coat is usually clipped to one length and separated by hand as it cords; routine brushing can spoil the rustic texture and create breakage. These dogs tend to be clever, busy, and loyal, with some reserve around strangers, so early socialization and regular work suit them well. Herding games, scent work, swimming, or obedience can all give them an outlet. Ear care is worth attention in dogs that swim, and responsible breeders commonly discuss hip, eye, and thyroid health.

Colors: Apricot, Bicolor, Black, Black and Tan, Black and White, Black Mask, Blue, Blue and Tan, Blue Merle, Blue Roan, Blue Tick, Brindle, Brown, Brown and Tan, Brown and White, Chocolate, Cream, Dapple, Domino, Fawn, Fawn and White, Gold, Gray, Harlequin, Irish Marked, Liver, Liver Mask, Mantle, Mask, Merle, Mottled, Parti-Color, Piebald, Red, Red and White, Red Merle, Red Roan, Red Tick, Reverse Brindle, Roan, Sable, Saddle, Silver, Speckled, Spotted, Tan, Ticked, Tricolor, Tuxedo, White, Yellow