LIVING WITH A SPANISH WATER DOG
By Marnie Harrison & Nancy Valley
T he Spanish Water dog is a medium-sized, non- shedding and high- energy dog well suited to an owner with an active life style. Th ey can be clownish and quirky with some having a bit of a stubborn streak. Th is breed thrives on human contact and while a ff ectionate with the entire family, they typically form a particularly strong bond with one person in the family. Referred to at times as “Velcro® dogs,” they are driven to participate in as many family activities as possible and with appropriate support and training from their owners, this participation will be positive and constructive. When provid- ed with opportunities for vigorous daily exercise, this breed generally develops a good “on/o ff ” switch and will be content to just “hang out.” In temperament, the Spanish Water Dog is very much that of a herding breed. Th eir natural guarding instincts can sometimes be hard to manage and they will try to control movement (peo- ple coming and going from the house, children running or biking, etc.). Some possess a high prey drive and require careful management in situations where wildlife or other potential “prey” may be present. Th e Spanish will tell you that these dogs are so dedicated to one owner and one fl ock that, unlike some other popular herding breeds, a Spanish Water Dog cannot be loaned to another shepherd as the dogs generally will not (at least initially) work for others. With their strong herding and protec- tive instincts, Spanish Water Dogs are very loyal to their owners and commonly wary with strangers. In addition to being
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