Spanish Water Dog Coat Care: Types, Colours & Grooming Tips
The Spanish Water Dog is a medium-sized breed known for its distinctive curly, woolly coat that naturally forms into cords called "urls," resembling dreadlocks. Originating from the Iberian coast of Spain, this working gundog thrives in water and has a history of assisting hunters by flushing and retrieving game. Though relatively rare in the UK, with around 200 new registrations annually, its popularity is growing due to its unique coat and hypoallergenic qualities.
Understanding the Spanish Water Dog Coat Type
The coat is medium-length and is composed of woolly cords rather than loose hair, which trap shed hairs, making the breed low-shedding and often more suitable for allergy sufferers. These cords repel water and mud, keeping the dog clean and insulating its skin against British weather and rough terrain. Unlike many coat types, the cords are self-maintaining and do not tend to trap dirt deeply.
Variety of Spanish Water Dog Coat Colours
The Spanish Water Dog boasts an extensive palette of coat colours as per breed standards, providing a wide choice for prospective owners. Permitted colours include:
- Brown, Brown and Tan, Brown and White, Brown with White Markings
- Black, Black and Tan, Black and White, Black with White Markings
- Cream, Cream and White, Cream with White Markings
- Golden and White, Golden with White Markings
- Tricolour (combination of three colours)
- Plain White, White and Black, White and Brown, White and Cream, White and Golden
Effective Spanish Water Dog Coat Care and Grooming
Despite the complexity that one might expect from their corded coat, Spanish Water Dogs require surprisingly straightforward grooming. Importantly, their coats should not be brushed or combed, as this damages the natural cords. Instead, owners should gently remove burrs, thorns, or similar debris by hand, teasing them out carefully without breaking the cords.
As the cords grow, they can form mats. The best way to keep the coat healthy is to tease and separate these mats by hand into distinct cords. This manual grooming helps maintain the dog’s natural coat structure and keeps the skin healthy.
The coat naturally insulates the dog during swimming or in wet weather, repelling water and drying quickly through vigorous shaking and a gentle towel pat. Bathing is only necessary a couple of times annually or as needed, using mild, dog-specific shampoos that do not strip natural oils.
For those who find matting challenging, clipping the coat is an option and can simplify the grooming routine. Regular clipping also aligns with traditional breed standards and can enhance comfort during colder or wetter seasons.
Additional Tips for Responsible Ownership
When owning or considering a Spanish Water Dog puppy, it is vital to acquire one from reputable breeders who adhere to ethical practices and breed for health and temperament. Responsible owners should maintain regular veterinary visits, monitor skin health beneath the cords, and maintain a balanced diet to support coat quality.
The Spanish Water Dog's unique coat care reflects its working heritage and requires a gentle grooming approach that respects the breed’s natural characteristics. With appropriate care, this loyal companion’s distinctive coat can remain healthy, clean, and beautiful for years.
