Breed facts
| FCI group | Group 8: Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs |
| Origin | Spain |
| Weight | 14–22 kg |
| Height | 40–50 cm |
| Life expectancy | 12–14 years |
Temperament
Intelligent, active and dedicated to work, very attached to the family.
History
A herding and working dog from Spain, also used in fishing and hunting.
Fun facts
If it is not brushed, the coat forms cords.
The Spanish Water Dog coat
A curly or wavy coat that sheds little but tangles and mats if not brushed.
A curly, woolly-looking coat that mats; it needs regular brushing and periodic clipping.
What we do in the salon
We bathe, dry and brush thoroughly, then do a clipper-and-scissor trim or a scissor-only cut, as you prefer (breed clip or practical).
Recommended services
- Bathabout 1 h
- Clipper & scissor trimabout 2 h
- Scissor cutabout 2 h
How often?
| Bath | every 3 to 4 weeks |
| Cut / upkeep | A cut every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the style. |
Care at home between visits
- Brush thoroughly 2 to 3 times a week, down to the skin, not just the surface.
- Check behind the ears, armpits and paws, where the coat mats fastest.
- Wipe around the eyes with a damp cloth to prevent staining.
- Don't put off the cut: a badly matted coat may need a short clip.
Frequently asked questions about the Spanish Water Dog
Does the Spanish Water Dog shed a lot?
It sheds little. Even so, the coat can tangle or build up, so it should be brushed regularly.
How often should I bring my Spanish Water Dog to the salon?
In general, a bath every 3 to 4 weeks. A cut every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the style. It depends on the coat, the cut you like and the condition of the coat: we will advise you at the first visit.
How long do a bath and a clip take?
When you book online, 1 hour is reserved for a bath and 2 hours for a clip, scissor cut or hand stripping. Very dense coats or large breeds may need more time: talk to us.
Can I keep the coat long?
Yes, but it needs deep, regular brushing. If the coat starts to mat, a shorter cut is best so the skin is not hurt.
Weight and height values are approximate and vary from dog to dog. Based on FCI standards and public breed profiles; care text: DogsClub. Last updated: October 2026.