Like a terrier that is shown when recently “stripped”, one cannot judge what isn’t there. An immature coat is not necessarily “smooth or wavy”, but nei- ther does it demonstrate the coat essential to the breed. Th e corded coat is purposeful and rustic. It will also require a bit more time spent in “hands on examination” to determine the actual anatomy of the dog. Th is should be taken into consideration in calculating your ring timing. Aesthetic grooming is severely discouraged (although bathing and hygienic trimming are not only permitted, but desirable). Any brushing, trimming or sculpting of the coat should be severely penalized to the point of exclusion from placement. Th ere is absolutely no reason though, why a corded dog can- not be a clean dog. Th ey can and should be bathed prior to being shown. No one would suggest that an inferior exhibit “in coat” be placed over a superior dog with a less than mature coat, but the extent and quality of the coat must be considered in determining placements. Th e presence or absence of a mature corded, untrimmed coat can and should make a di ff erence. Th e same coat that shields and protects the Spanish Water Dog can make it di ffi cult to accurately determine the true body proportions of a specific exhib- it. Th e standard calls for a maximum height in dogs of 19 ¾ inches and a pro- portion “measured from the point of shoulder to buttocks and withers to the ground 9:8.” Th is would translate into a bit over two inches more length than height in a 19 ¾ inch dog and even less in shorter specimens, making it almost impossible to confirm the ratio in the show ring, particularly with a full coat. We have been asked in seminars, if, given the stated proportion, the Spanish Water Dog should be considered a “square breed.” Th e clear answer is “no.” Th e Spanish Water Dog is slightly longer than tall. While the ideal proportion is 9:8, you will see many excellent dogs that exceed that proportion to some degree. A truly square dog is as much a fault as one with excessive length of body. Th e Spanish Water Dog was and is a utilitarian herding breed. Th e correct type will display good muscle and enough bone to stand up to the rigors of its work. Any lightness of bone or weediness should be penalized as severely as being overly heavy or coarse. Height is not a disqualification, but the judge should keep in mind that the breed is not intended to be overly large and that a larger size could actu- ally be a handicap in working flocks of sheep and goats. An animal much under the minimum height (15 ¾ inches) would be of dubious value in its work. Th e correct height and proportion help insure ease of movement as well as overall suitability. Many judges use visualization of side movement, i.e., apparent reach and drive, to quickly confirm correct front and rear construction. Th is is especially true when confronted with a heavy coat as in the Span- ish Water Dog. Your hands on the dog (under the coat) together with side movement will go a long way toward forming a true picture of the
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