Introduction to the Spanish Water Dog

Welcome to the tips section of our site. Listed below are tips and recommendations when looking to purchase a SWD, Along with articles on temperament and health issues.

What to Expect.
SWD's are very active dogs that will not fit into every family because this dog has got more energy than most breeds. Therefore they require regular exercise to release their energy. You are well advised to speak to breeders and other owners to get an insight into the breed before you think about purchasing a puppy.

They are loyal and devoted to their family. They love to spend as much time as possible in the family environment. They do not always make the ideal kennel dog as they can become noisy and disruptive if left for long periods away from the family.

They make great watchdogs and will soon alert you to any uninvited guests.

Choosing a Puppy.

You need to decide if you want your puppy for show, working or just a pet. This is your choice but every puppy should have a good temperament. If looking for a show puppy you need to look at more than just the physical conformation. The breeder should not only breed for conformation but also for temperament. If its a working dog you require you should try to purchase from a breeder who already works the breed so you can ask any relative questions of their working ability and watch the parents work. You should take care to purchase from a breeder that has spent time socializing the puppies and that has adult dogs that would be a joy to own.

Health Care.

Try to choose a recommended vet or one that has experience of herding or water breeds if possible. All licensed Vets are capable of dealing with injuries, infections etc but some may be reluctant to treat or diagnose wrongly if they have no experience of the breed or similar breeds. If this is the case you may end up being referred to a specialist to treat your dog. The only known problems with the breed at the moment are hips and eyes as with most breeds. So choose your puppy carefully. I am sure however that as this breed becomes more popular other problems may become apparent.

Coat Care.

The Spanish Water Dog would be a very suitable dog for anyone who suffers from allergies as the coat is wool rather than hair.

Very little grooming is required but you need to shear your dog around 4 months of age so the wool will grow back better and stronger. Then again at around 12 months and there after once a year. If a shorter coat is preferred your dog can be sheared more often. If you allow the corded coat to form the cords need to be untangled with your finger working from the outside in this will prevent mats forming. Hot water should not be used when bathing your dog and only bath when necessary. The use of brushes and combs are not recommended at all as they effect the quality of the dogs coat. We encourage our dogs to swim in clean water as often as possible so that bathing is only required occasionally.

Eye, Ear & Nail Care.

Eyes should be cleaned daily with luke warm water and cotton wool or tear stain remover as required.

It is advised to check the inside of the dogs ears once a week clearing away any wax or debris that may have accumulated. Any long hair within the ear should be removed by plucking.

A Spanish water dog should have their feet inspected around the pads for cuts and thorns etc on a regular basis. So it is a good idea to get your dog used to having its feet handled from an early age. Nails should be clipped or ground down at regular intervals only removing a small amount at one time. Care should be taken to avoid cutting into the quick as this causes a lot of pain and bleeding.

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