Water Dog, Meet The Main Breeds

The so-called water dogs are a group of breeds characterized by their medium size and their woolly, curly coat. They tend to be used to retrieve birds in marine and marshy areas. Do you want to know more about them? In the following article we will tell you everything.

Water Dog Breeds

It is possible to identify them without problems, as they look like sheep because of their woolly fur. They love water and are of medium size. They are excellent helpers in the field, they can also be pets in houses with  gardens  or outdoor spaces. These are the water dog breeds:

1. barbet

It is of French origin, and can reach 65 cm and weigh 28 kg (males). It is the prototype of the water dog par excellence, due to its long, woolly and curly coat. The fur colors can be black, grey, brown, brown and light brown.

In terms of its temperament,  the Barbet is cheerful, intelligent, obedient and perfect as a companion animal. Also, he learns very fast and is obedient. Gets along well with children and the elderly. It is used as a collector in swampy areas.

1. american water dog

Its original name is American Water Spaniel, is of American origin and is generally not well known outside North America. The first specimens date back to the mid-19th century  and are not well known about their ancestors, but they arose in the Wolf and Fox Rivers in Wisconsin. It was used to retrieve ducks hunted in canoes.

The temperament of the American Water Spaniel is similar to that of the Spaniels: active, intelligent, affable and always looking to please. It can be a little destructive if you get bored. It protects its owner in any situation and is perfect as a companion dog.

1. Poodle

The Poodle is a breed that emerged in the 15th century to aristocrats and nobles  and then became a water dog since the Renaissance to retrieve ducks and swans from lakes and rivers. There are four types: large, medium, dwarf and toy. They all have woolly fur, which requires a lot of brushing to prevent matting.

The Poodle is a happy dog, very active, playful and difficult to distract. Methodical, full of energy, excellent with children, but needs to be trained and socialized not to destroy furniture or other objects in the house.

1. spanish water dog

Its origin is Andalusia and, although it was initially used as a sheepdog, it also served as a helper in boats and hunting. It is believed that the ancestors of the Spanish water dog came with the Arabs who arrived in the Iberian Peninsula in the year 711. It can be black, beige, brown or with a white coat. He is athletic and has droopy ears.

In terms of temperament, its characteristics are: faithful, cheerful, obedient, courageous, hardworking and balanced. It has a natural hunting instinct and is an excellent guardian. He loves to play and loves water.

1. frison water dog

It is of Dutch origin and its original name is Wetterhoun, derived from Wetterhun, “water dogs”. Its size is medium, can measure up to 59 cm and weigh 35 kg (adult males). It has a coat of thick, curly hair (less on the legs, ears and head) white with black or brown spots.

Source: Apple2000

1. irish water dog

The Irish Water Dog is one of the oldest breeds among Spaniels. The current strain was developed in Ireland in 1830. It is a very active dog and is very much chosen for environments that require the work of a retriever or collector dog.  It is a fast learner, a very intelligent animal, always alert and can make funny gestures with its snout; that’s why he’s known as the “clown”. The Irish Water Dog gets along well with other dogs and also with children. It has a curly tail and its fur coat is dark reddish brown.

Other water dog breeds are: Portuguese Water Dog, Lagotto Romagmolo (Italy), Moscow Water Dog (Russia) and Cantabrian Water Dog (Northern Spain).

Source of images: Elaine Fichter and Pleple2000.