Herding breed Medium size 14-22 kg
Spanish Water Dog
A tireless curly-coated herder and worker that is devoted and highly trainable - great for active owners who can meet its energy and coat needs.
Match with your household
See match detail → Quick overview
Medium
Size
14-22 kg · 40-50 cm
Very high
Exercise needs
Very high; needs daily exercise and tasks
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Bonded; dislikes being left long
Trainable
Training
Highly trainable and eager to please
Moderate
Coat care
Curly coat cords or is clipped; never brushed
Good
Fit with kids
Good with children in active homes
Good
Other pets
Generally good with other pets
Moderate
Health burden
Dental Disease, Hip Dysplasia, Chronic Ear Infections
The Spanish Water Dog typically weighs 14-22 kg, stands 40-50 cm, and lives 12-14 years.
Consider this breed if…
you are active and want a dog for sport, hiking, or water work,
you enjoy training - this breed is sharp and eager to please,
you accept the corded or clipped coat and its upkeep,
the dog will be included in daily life rather than left alone for long.
Do not consider this breed if…
you want a calm, low-energy companion for short walks,
the dog would regularly be alone for long workdays,
you dislike a wary-of-strangers, alert watchdog temperament,
you will not keep up with coat management and grooming.
A typical day with a Spanish Water Dog
- 6:30 · Morning45-60 min active exercise, run, or swim
- 9:00 · MidmorningChew or rest after exercise
- 12:30 · NoonShort walk and a training or work task
- 16:00 · AfternoonSport, fetch, or herding-style games
- 18:30 · EveningLonger walk or a shared activity
- 21:00 · NightA well-worked dog settles calmly indoors
Family and environment
Kids Good
Good with kids in active homes; may try to herd small ones.
Dogs Good
Generally sociable with early socialization.
Cats Conditional
Best when raised together; herding drive can kick in.
Apartment Conditional
Only with heavy daily exercise and mental work.
House with a yard Suitable
A yard helps but does not replace real activity.
City Conditional
Manages with enough activity; naturally alert to bustle.
Countryside Ideal
Space, water, and work suit the breed best.
Health data provided by RealVetCost Overall health burden Moderate
Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.
View the full health profileTop health concerns
Dental Disease Very common; routine brushing and cleanings help
Hip Dysplasia Screen breeding stock; signs often from 1-2 years
Chronic Ear Infections Ears need regular checking and cleaning
Progressive Retinal Atrophy Inherited; DNA test available
Similar breeds - by reason
Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.
Closely related curly-coated water breed
Portuguese Water Dog
A smart, low-shedding water dog that bonds tightly and loves swimming - it needs plenty of exercise and regular clipping to thrive.
View profile →
Similar size and curly working coat
Lagotto Romagnolo
A clever, low-shedding Italian truffle dog that suits active, engaged owners - the trade-off is a curly coat that needs regular clipping and a nose that loves to dig.
View profile →
Trainable, low-shedding curly alternative
Poodle (Standard)
A sharp, athletic, low-shedding all-rounder whose coat trades shed hair for a standing grooming appointment you cannot skip.
View profile →Frequently asked questions
How much does a Spanish Water Dog cost?
It is still uncommon in the US, so expect waitlists; puppies from a health-testing breeder typically run about $1,500-$2,500. The purchase is only the start. Over a 12-14 year life, food, routine vet care, and periodic professional coat clipping add up to several thousand dollars, and an issue like hip surgery can add a few thousand more at once, so budget for the long haul.
Do Spanish Water Dogs need a lot of grooming?
Their coat is unusual: it is never brushed. Left long it forms cords, or it is clipped down a few times a year. Either way it needs management to stay clean and matt-free, but it does not shed heavily. Plan for occasional clipping costs or learning to maintain the cords yourself.
Are Spanish Water Dogs good family pets?
For active families, yes. They are affectionate, highly trainable, and bond closely with their people. They are also energetic and can be wary of strangers, so they need daily exercise, mental work, and good socialization. They are a poor match for a quiet household that wants a low-effort dog.
How much exercise does a Spanish Water Dog need?
A lot. This is a working herder and water dog, so plan for one to two hours of genuine activity daily plus mental tasks like training or nosework. A walk around the block will not satisfy it; an under-exercised Spanish Water Dog tends to become restless and destructive.