Breed Standard
SPANISH WATER DOG (Perro de Agua Español)
TRANSLATION: Mrs. Peggy Davis
ORIGIN: Spain.
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD: 03.09.1999.
UTILIZATION: Used as shepherd dog, hunting dog and assistant to the fisherman.
CLASSIFICATION F.C.I.: Group 8 Retrievers
Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs.
Section 3 Water Dogs.Without working trial.
BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY : The presence of this dog in the Iberian Peninsula is most ancient. His origin is the same like that of the old « Barbet ». His most dense population is in Andalusia where he is used as a shepherd dog, and where he has been known for centuries as the « Turkish dog ». His characteristics, most particularly the quality of his coat, are adapted to the variation of humidity and drought of the marshy regions, which qualifies him as a shepherd dog and as a helper to the hunters of waterfowl and fishermen in those regions.
GENERAL APPEARANCE : Rustic dog, well proportioned (medium weight), dolichocephalic, of rather elongated harmonious shape and attractive appearance, of an athletic nature with well developed muscles owing to his regular exercise; the profile is rectilinear; his sight, hearing and scent are well developed.
IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS :
- Length of body / size (height at withers) = 9 / 8.
- Depth of chest / size (height at withers) = 4 / 8.
- Length of muzzle / length of skull = 2 / 3.
BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT: Faithful, obedient, gay, hard working, watchful and well balanced. Learning ability is outstanding owing to his extraordinary mental grasp; he adapts to all situations and conditions.
HEAD: Strong, carried with elegance.
CRANIAL REGION :
Skull: Flat with only slightly marked occipital crest. Axes of skull and muzzle parallel.
Stop: Facial-cranial depression gentle, only slightly marked.
FACIAL REGION: Profile is rectilinear.
Nose: Nostrils well defined. Nose is of the same colour or slightly darker than the darkest tone of the coat.
Lips: Well fitting; labial corners well defined.
Teeth: Well formed, white, with well developed canines.
Eyes: Slightly oblique position, very expressive; of a hazel to chestnut colour, should harmonize with the colour of the coat. The conjunctiva is not apparent.
Ears: Set at medium height, triangular and drooping.
NECK: Short, well muscled, without dewlap, well set into the shoulders.
BODY: Robust.
Topline: Straight.
Withers: Hardly marked.
Back: Straight and powerful.
Croup: Slightly sloping.
Chest: Broad and well let down - ribs well arched; diameter of thorax ample indicating considerable respiratory capacity.
Underline: Belly slightly tucked up.
TAIL: Set at medium height. Docking must be done at the height of the 2nd to the 4th caudal vertebra.
Certain subjects show a congenital shortened tail (brachyouria).