Herding group
Spanish Water Dog
A curly Spanish all-rounder — herder, retriever and devoted companion.
Spanish Water Dogs are medium-sized, curly-coated working dogs used for herding, fishing and hunting. They are loyal, intelligent and energetic, but reserved with strangers and in need of activity.
- Height
- 15.75–19.75 in40–50 cm
- Weight
- 31–49 lb14–22 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 years
- Size
- Medium
- Group
- Herding
- Origin
- Andalusia, Spain
Coat: Woolly, curly coat that forms cords if left long. Colours: Black, Brown, Beige, White, Particolour.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
SWDs are devoted, hard-working and affectionate with their families. They are quick learners and versatile athletes.
They are often wary of strangers and protective. Without enough exercise and mental work, they can become anxious or destructive.
Living with a Spanish Water Dog
Exercise
Needs 90 minutes or more of vigorous daily exercise; they love swimming and herding.
Grooming
Never brush the coat — it is clipped every few months. Rinse after swimming.
Training
Very trainable and eager; consistent, reward-based training and socialisation are key.
Kids & other pets
Loyal with their family; better with older children. Wary of strangers.
Time alone
Needs company and activity; boredom leads to anxiety or destruction.
Home fit
Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.
Is a Spanish Water Dog right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Spanish Water Dog matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Spanish Water Dog typically lives 12–14 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Hip dysplasia
Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.
Progressive retinal atrophy
Inherited vision loss detectable by the prcd-PRA DNA test.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid; managed with daily medication.
Neuroaxonal dystrophy
A fatal inherited neurological disease; a DNA test is available.
Ask a breeder for
- Hip evaluation
- Eye examination
- Thyroid evaluation
- DNA tests: prcd-PRA and neuroaxonal dystrophy
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Spanish Water Dog; Spanish Water Dog Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Spanish Water Dogs have worked in Andalusia for centuries, herding sheep and goats, retrieving for hunters and helping fishermen. Their woolly coat protected them in water and brush.
Spanish enthusiasts formalised the breed in the 1970s and 80s. The AKC recognised the Spanish Water Dog in 2015.
Did you know?
- Spanish Water Dogs should never be brushed — their coat is clipped once or twice a year.
- They herded goats and helped fishermen in the same working life.
- In Spain the breed is called the Perro de Agua Español.
Library guides for Spanish Water Dog owners
Exercise & Play
Fetch
A fast way to meet a high exercise need.
Exercise & Play
Dog Road Work
Structured conditioning for high-stamina dogs.
Exercise & Play
Hide and Seek
Brain work that tires busy minds.
Training
Place / Go to Mat
Teaching a settle helps dogs that struggle to switch off.
Exercise & Play
Tug of War
An energy outlet that also builds impulse control.
Grooming
Ear Cleaning
Ear care matters for this coat and ear type.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Do Spanish Water Dogs shed?
- Very little.
- Are Spanish Water Dogs good family dogs?
- Yes, for active, experienced families.
- SWD vs Portuguese Water Dog?
- Both are curly water dogs; SWDs are herders as well as water dogs and tend to be more reserved with strangers.