Spanish Water Dog — breed standard (AKC & FCI: size, coat, temperament, type)

Spanish Water Dog — breed standard (AKC & FCI: size, coat, temperament, type)

Claims

• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The breed's country of origin is Spain.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* FCI assigns the dog to Group 8, which covers retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs, and specifically to Section 3 (Water Dogs), where a working trial is optional.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Its traditional working roles, per FCI, are as a herding dog, a hunter's companion, and a helper to fishermen.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* AKC height at the withers is 17½ to 19¾ inches for dogs and 15¾ to 18 inches for bitches; FCI gives 44 to 50 cm for males and 40 to 46 cm for females.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Bodyweight per FCI is 18 to 22 kg for males and 14 to 18 kg for females, kept in proportion to height.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The coat is a single layer, continuously curly, with a woolly feel, and the dog must be shown in its natural state with no aesthetic clipping; left long it forms thin cords.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Accepted coat colours are solid black, brown, beige or white, plus Irish-marked or parti-colour patterns that include white; FCI additionally lists bicolour white-and-black or white-and-brown.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The temperament is loyal, obedient, lively, hard-working and watchful, with strong intelligence and trainability, a protective nature, and natural caution around strangers while affectionate at home.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Disqualifying faults include tricolour, tan-point or parti-colour without white, albino, and a smooth or wavy coat; FCI further excludes aggressive or very shy dogs, any clear physical or behavioural abnormality, jaw overshot or undershot, dewclaws, tan-patterned black or chestnut coats, and a lack of balanced character.