Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The Spanish Water Dog is an ancient breed believed to have originated on the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in the region of Andalusia. It is thought to have descended from shepherd and water-working dogs brought on trading and military ships during the Middle Ages. Over time, these dogs became versatile helpers: used for herding, hunting, guarding property, and waterwork, especially in marshlands and fishing areas. Their characteristic curly coat served as protection against moisture. Interest in the breed revived in the 20th century, and in the 1980s the Spanish Water Dog received an official standard. Today, it is recognized by the FCI as a multifunctional working and family breed.
General Appearance
The Spanish Water Dog is a compact, well-balanced, sturdy yet not heavy, medium-sized dog. Its body is slightly rectangular in outline, with well-developed musculature and a strong topline. The breed’s most distinctive feature is its coat: uniform, dense curls that may form cords when grown long. The head is proportionate, with an alert and intelligent expression. Ears are dropped, and the tail may be full-length or naturally short. Movement is free and lively, reflecting energy and working ability. This is not a decorative dog, but a practical working type with natural endurance and versatility.
Important Proportions
The body is slightly longer than tall. The chest is deep, with well-sprung ribs that are not barrel-shaped. Head length is approximately 40% of the height at the withers, with proportional skull and muzzle. The tail is set at medium height. Chest depth is about half of the overall height. Limbs are of moderate length with balanced angulation, providing correct stride and flexibility. Harmony is essential: the dog must be strong but not coarse, balanced without excess weight or undue lightness. Proportions are directly tied to the breed’s working ability.
Behavior and Temperament
The Spanish Water Dog is highly intelligent, trainable, and adaptable. It is energetic, attentive to its owner, and naturally inclined to work in partnership. The breed has a strong guarding instinct but remains friendly and stable when properly socialized. The Spanish Water Dog adapts well to different types of work: herding, search and rescue, water retrieval, detection, and dog sports. It forms strong bonds with its family but does not tolerate boredom or inactivity. Timidity, unprovoked aggression, nervousness, and lack of human contact are considered severe faults.
Head
The head is well-proportioned and strong, with a flat or slightly convex skull. The stop is moderate but clearly defined. The muzzle is strong and slightly shorter than the skull, with a straight or slightly convex nasal bridge. The nose is large, with pigmentation corresponding to the coat color. Teeth are strong and complete, with a scissor bite. Lips are thin and tight. The overall expression is lively, alert, and intelligent. Faults include coarse, short, or overly long head, poorly defined stop, narrow muzzle, weak jaws, or depigmented nose.
Foreface
The muzzle is shorter than the skull, broad at the base, and gradually tapering toward the nose without being pointed. The nasal bridge is straight; nose pigmentation matches coat color. Lips are thin, tight, without folds. Jaws are strong with a complete dentition. Cheeks are dry and flat. The nasal leather should be dark or harmoniously toned. The facial structure should convey intelligence and working capability. Faults include excessively short or narrow muzzle, coarse lips, poor pigmentation, dish-face, or loose flews.
Eyes
Eyes are medium-sized, slightly oval, and set obliquely, giving the dog a lively and attentive expression. Color varies from hazel to dark brown and must harmonize with the coat. Eyelids are tight, well-pigmented. The typical expression of the Spanish Water Dog is energetic, intelligent, and confident. Faults include very light eyes, round or protruding eyes, weak or incomplete eyelid pigmentation, or expressions of fear or aggression. Eyes play a crucial role in breed expression and temperament.
Ears
Ears are of medium size, triangular, set slightly above eye level. They are dropped and lie flat against the head, covered with long, dense, curly hair. The length should reach the throat but not be excessive. Ears must complement breed expression and maintain a natural appearance without heaviness or coarseness. Faults include ears that are too large, too high or too low set, lack of hair, or poor ear carriage. Incorrect ears disrupt breed type and reduce head expressiveness.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, dry, strong, and muscular, smoothly blending into the withers. It must be long enough to allow free head movement and proper positioning, but not overly elongated. Skin fits tightly without dewlap. The neck ensures balance and contributes significantly to the dog’s working movement, especially in water. Faults include short, coarse, overly long or weak necks, as well as loose skin or folds. A correct neck reflects power, harmony, and functionality.
Body
The body is sturdy, compact, and slightly rectangular with well-developed musculature. The chest is deep and ample, with moderately sprung ribs. The topline is straight and firm; the loin is short and strong. The croup is slightly rounded and moderately sloping, aiding propulsion and free movement. The belly is slightly tucked up but not overly dry. The Spanish Water Dog should appear resilient and fit for work. Faults include overly long body, narrow chest, weak back, looseness, roached topline, or exaggerated length.
Tail
The tail is set at medium height, strong at the base, and tapers toward the tip. It may be full-length, naturally short, or born short. At rest, the tail hangs down; in movement, it is raised but not carried over the back. The coat on the tail matches the body—curly and dense. Faults include curled tail, overly high carriage, kinks, or deformities. The tail must complement the dog’s outline and balance without disturbing the silhouette. A correct tail highlights breed type and stability.
Forequarters
Forequarters are straight, parallel, and strong with good bone and clear musculature. Shoulders are long and sloping, fitting closely to the body. Upper arms are well angulated, ensuring efficient reach. Elbows are close to the body, directed backward. Pasterns are firm and slightly sloping for shock absorption. Feet are round or oval, tight, with thick pads. Faults include straight shoulders, out-turned elbows, weak pasterns, or splayed feet. Forequarters must support stable and powerful movement on land and in water.
Hindquarters
Hindquarters are powerful, with well-developed muscles necessary for drive and balance. Thighs are long and broad; stifles are well angulated without exaggeration. Hocks are low-set, and viewed from behind, the legs are parallel. Feet are oval and tight, with arched toes. Faults include straight hindquarters, cow hocks, barrel hocks, insufficient angulation, weak musculature, or high hocks. Correct hindquarters are essential for a working water dog, ensuring strong propulsion and endurance.
Gait and Movement
The Spanish Water Dog’s movement is free, active, elastic, and efficient. The stride must be light and confident, with good forelimb extension and strong hindquarter drive. The dog moves effortlessly, maintaining stability and balance. The topline remains steady during movement. Typical trot is flexible and economical. Faults include high-stepping, short-strided gait, crossing, rolling, or lameness. Movement must reflect the breed’s natural working ability and stamina both on land and in water.
Coat
The coat is the breed’s defining feature. It is uniformly curly, dense, and of even texture across the entire body, forming cords when long. The coat should be of equal length throughout, with moderate undercoat. Decorative grooming is not allowed; only uniform trimming is acceptable. Faults include straight hair, double coat, excessive softness, lack of tight curls, or uneven texture. The coat must be functional and protective, not decorative. Coat condition is a key indicator of health and true breed type.
Permissible Colors
Acceptable colors include solid (white, black, brown in various shades), bicolor or particolored with combinations of white and a primary color, as well as tricolor. Common colors include brown and white, black and white, and solid brown. Pigmentation must harmonize with coat color. Faults include diluted, fawn, gray, or merle coloration. Any depigmentation of the nose, lips, or eyelids is considered a fault. The color should maintain a natural working appearance and emphasize breed type rather than decorative attributes.
Size
Height at withers: males 44–50 cm, females 40–46 cm. Weight ranges from 14 to 22 kg depending on sex and body structure. The dog should appear compact and sturdy—not excessively heavy or thin. Size and weight must be judged in conjunction with overall balance, bone, and functional movement. Exceeding standard height is tolerated but undesirable if it affects format. Excessive smallness or bulk is faulty. The breed must remain agile, enduring, and well-proportioned.
Faults
Faults include any deviations not warranting disqualification but affecting breed type: weak pigmentation, straight coat, insufficient curl, loose structure, weak bone, narrow chest, limited angulation, soft topline, high tail carriage, poor head expression, shyness or overexcitability. Faults must be evaluated based on severity and impact on health, performance, and overall balance. Minor deviations may be tolerated, but serious defects can limit breeding suitability.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualifying faults include unprovoked aggression or pronounced timidity, lack of human contact. Complete depigmentation of nose, lips, or eyelids, blue or heterochromic eyes, albinism. Incorrect bite, absence of canines or several incisors. Straight, smooth, or partially curly coat, absence of tight curls. Prohibited colors: merle, fawn, gray, or diluted patterns. Tail deformities, non-physiological shortening, cryptorchidism. Any anatomical defects affecting movement and work fully disqualify the dog from breeding.
Important Notes
Only physically and mentally sound dogs with working instincts, correct breed type, and stable temperament should be used for breeding. The Spanish Water Dog must not become a decorative breed—its value lies in its functionality and versatility. Special attention must be given to coat quality, pigmentation, dentition, and temperament. Careful selection is required to preserve genetic health, coat structure, behavior, and working qualities. Priorities in breeding include function, behavior, and health over mere appearance.
Conclusion
The Spanish Water Dog is a versatile, intelligent, and energetic working breed with natural instincts and a unique coat. It combines herding, hunting, detection, and water-working abilities with high trainability and loyalty. With proper upbringing, it becomes a reliable working partner and family companion. It requires physical activity, mental stimulation, and close human contact. Preserving its working qualities, temperament, and coat structure is essential for maintaining breed integrity. This breed is an ideal choice for those seeking an intelligent, enduring, and devoted partner.
