Spanish Water Dog
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Spanish Water Dog | ||
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| Alternative names | ||
| Perro de Agua Español Turco de Andaluz Andalusian Turk |
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| Country of origin | ||
| Spain | ||
| Common nicknames | ||
| SWD | ||
| Classification and breed standards | ||
| FCI: | Group 8 Section 3 #336 | Stds |
| AKC: | FSS | Stds |
| The AKC Foundation Stock Service (FSS) is an optional recording service for purebred dogs that are not yet eligible for AKC registration. | ||
| KC (UK): | Gundog | Stds |
| NZKC: | Gundogs | Stds |
| UKC: | Gun Dog | Stds |
The Spanish Water Dog or Perro de Agua Español is a breed of dog developed in Spain as multi-purpose gundog, herder and ratter, as well as assisting fishermen.
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[edit] Appearance
The SWD should be athletic and robust in appearance. It has a highly distinctive coat, which is tightly curled, non-shedding, and has no undercoat. It may be black, beige, brown, or white in colour, and in any of these colours white markings are allowed. However, tricolour dogs are faulted in conformation shows.
[edit] Size
The Spanish Water Dog is a medium-sized dog. The approximate measurements are:
- Males
- Height (at the withers): 44 to 50 cm (17 to 20 inches)
- Weight: 18 to 22 kg (40 to 49 lb)
- Females
- Height (at the withers): 40 to 36 cm (16 to 18 inches)
- Weight: 14 to 18 kg (31 to 40 lb)
[edit] History
Although there are those who consider the Spanish Water Dog is a relatively recent breed, in fact it can trace its history back several hundred years, certainly as far back as the Middle Ages and possibly to Roman Times. There are different theories as to its origin but the most accepted is that it was introduced by the Turks who traded in sheep and used them as sheepdogs. In Spain it is often called the "Andalusian Turk".
It is also believed that there are strong genetic links with the French Barbet, spaniels, the poodle, the Portuguese Water Dog and that the Spanish Water Dog is an ancestor of the Irish Water Spaniel.
Until very recently the Spanish Water Dog was kept in relative isolation in rural areas of Spain, away from crossbreeding and inter-breeding with other dogs. The breed was developed in three separate areas of Spain, giving rise to three types. The dogs were used for a variety of tasks, being called upon to work wherever a dog was required. They were used as sheepdogs to move the flocks of sheep and goats from one pasture to another. They accompanied fishermen in their boats and would retrieve equipment from the water, bring in stray fish that had escaped from the nets, carry a tow rope to the shore for the boat to be pulled in and guard the catch once it was landed. These dogs would also be taken hunting and would be used as retrievers, particularly in water.
The breed is particularly noted for its ability to dive underwater and remain at depth for some time. A depth of six metres has been recorded.
[edit] Revival of the breed
In 1975, two enthusiasts, Antonio Garcia Perez and Santiago Montesinos travelled around the countryside of Southern Spain, through the remote villages and farms of the mountainous region of Andalucia and bought or borrowed a number of dogs that they felt most fitted the type they were looking for to establish a breeding programme.
In 1980 the Spanish Water Dog Club (Spain) was formed in order to promote the breed and help get it recognised in its own country.
In 1985, after a lot of hard work and displaying the breed at various venues and dog shows the Spanish Kennel Club accepted it and gave it official status.
[edit] Temperament
The SWD is loving, affectionate, intelligent and active. It is reserved with strangers, and early socialization is essential. SWDs are very trainable, as they are biddable and intelligent. They enjoy working, and can be trained to perform a variety of tasks
[edit] External links
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