Post by DogGoneGood on Mar 9, 2009 18:11:35 GMT -5
(Currently under revision with the Canadian Kennel Club)
Group: I - Sporting
Origin: Spain
Date of Origin: Middle Ages
First Purpose: Working with Fishermen, Goat Herding, Hunting
Today's Purpose: Companion, Hunting
Other Name(s): Perro de Aguas
This breed has not recieved much attention from professional breeders. One consequence of this is that both coat color and body size vary considerably; another is that inherited defects are less common in the Spanish Water Dog than in other dogs that have been more selectively bred. Although these dogs can be found on the north coast of Spain, the majority live in the south, where they are now used primarily for goat herding, but also for retrieving ducks. The breed is not difficult to obedience train but can get irritable with children.
History:
Related to the Portuguese Water Dog and perhaps to the Poodle, this breed is still almost unknown outside Spain. It has always been a multipurpose breed, assisting in herding, hunting and fishing.
Sources:
The New Encyclopedia Of the DOG by Bruce Fogle DVM Page 207
