Spanish Water Dog
Energetic, loyal, and highly trainable, this curly-coated breed thrives in active households. Adaptable and affectionate, the Spanish Water Dog makes a devoted companion and versatile working partner.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
44–50 cm (male)
40–46 cm (female)
WEIGHT
18–22 kg (male)
14–18 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–14 years
Spanish Water Dog: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Spanish Water Dog isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Spanish Water Dog's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Spanish Water Dog is known for being loyal, affectionate, and alert, typically forming strong bonds with family members while remaining reserved with strangers.
Key Personality Traits
Generally sociable with family and familiar people
Quick learner, excels in obedience and tasks
Highly active, requires regular physical exercise
Enjoys games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to new routines and environments
Strengths
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn tasks
- Strong swimming and retrieving instincts
- Loyal and forms close family bonds
- Adaptable to various environments and activities
- Low-shedding, curly coat reduces dander
Challenges
- Requires regular mental stimulation and challenges
- Prone to coat matting without routine grooming
- Reserved or aloof with unfamiliar people
- Needs consistent, positive training approach
- High energy levels demand daily vigorous exercise
Protect your Spanish Water Dog
Spanish Water Dog are active and energetic, but they can develop hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Spanish Water Dogs are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Quick learner
Overall rating
This breed is highly intelligent, quick to learn, and responsive to consistent, positive training methods, making it suitable for various canine sports and tasks.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
Spanish Water Dogs have high energy levels and require daily vigorous exercise along with regular mental stimulation to stay healthy and content, thriving in active homes that can meet these needs.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Spanish Water Dogs are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Spanish Water Dog would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Needs experienced handling and consistent training
Apartment Living
Needs space and mental stimulation to thrive
Active Lifestyle
Thrives with active owners and frequent exercise
Kids
Patient and energetic with respectful, well-supervised children
Multiple Pets
Generally sociable with other pets when socialized early
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Spanish Water Dogs compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spanish Water Dog
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
Helpful pet owner tools
Use our interactive tools to help you make the best decisions for your pet journey
Pet name generator
- 1000+ unique pet names
- Filter by gender & personality
- Save your favorites
Random breed generator
- Explore unexpected matches
- Learn about rare breeds
- Find hidden gems
Breed comparison tool
- Side-by-side comparison
- Multiple criteria options
- Detailed breed information
Explore more dog breeds
Discover other popular dog breeds and find your perfect canine companion
