The water dog breeds form a large and diversified family of medium-sized dogs that stand out for having a woolly coat and/or or curly, an active behavior and remarkable vocation for aquatic activities. Historically, these dogs were associated with fishing and small game hunting, performing mainly as retrievers of birds and small aquatic mammals.
Later, due to their energetic temperament, versatility and predisposition to training, water dogs were able to easily adapt to other canine activities and sports, but they also became highly appreciated companion dogs, despite their character slightly independent.
1. Poodle or poodle
Standing out as one of the most intelligent dog breeds, the poodle is the most popular water dog in the world Although its birth is usually attributed to France, its origins are controversial and it is estimated that the appearance and behavior of the poodle as we know it today was influenced by barbet dogs, which will also appear in our list of water dog breeds.
Currently, the poodle or poolde is one of the most beloved companion dogs for its happy temperament, intelligent and versatile, which It allows easy adaptation to tutors of different personalities and lifestyles. But in its early days, the breed was created to function as retrievers, primarily of waterfowl, thus retaining a well-developed sense of prey.
two. Barbet
The barbet, also known as the French water dog, is considered the water dog par excellence,having participated in the creation not only of the poodle, but of all the water dog breeds that will appear on our list. It is a very old breed of dog that originated in France and became very popular throughout Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries. It was originally trained for hunting small game, especially as retrievers of wild waterfowl.
Medium-sized, the barbet is characterized by a long, woolly and curly coat, which grows abundantly and can reach form streaks in adult dogs. This striking and peculiar coat requires specific maintenance to avoid breaking the hair fiber and, at the same time, keep it free of knots and dirt. Regarding his temperament, he is an energetic and sociable dog, who experiences a very special bond with his guardians. He is also a water lover and an accomplished swimmer, greatly enjoying water activities.
3. Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish water dog is one of the most popular dog breeds originating in Spain. Being an ancient breed, little is known exactly about its birth, but it is estimated that its origins date back to the arrival of the Muslims in the Iberian Peninsula, in the middle of the year 711 ADAlthough there are hypotheses that attribute its birth to the region of Cantabria (northern Spain), its upbringing has always been especially popular in Andalusia, where it is known as "Turkish Dog".
In the 18th century, they were widely used as working dogs in the Spanish fields, performing mainly functions of herding and small game huntingBut noticing their remarkable swimming abilities, fishermen in northern Spain also began using them as helpers.
Over the years, other breeds replaced the Spanish water dogs in these tasks, so their population has begun to declineFortunately, due to its versatility, energy and intelligence, the Spanish Water Dog has optimally adapted to canine sports, and is today one of the most beloved sports dogs in Spain.
4. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog, also known as Cão Portugues, is a medium-sized dog with harmonious features, showing a very balanced and predisposed to training, as well as a great gift for swimming. The official breed standard recognizes two varieties of coat in the Portuguese Water Dog: the long wavy and the curly, both considered hypoallergenic.
Its history is intertwined with that of the Spanish water dog, since its origins are associated with the arrival of Muslims on the Portuguese coast, mainly in the Algarve regionIn addition to probably sharing common ancestors, both breeds were influenced by crosses with the barbet dog.
5. Laggotto romagnolo
The Laggotto Romagnolo is a medium-sized Italian dog breed, whose origins and its own name go back to the region of Romagna As a good water dog, it was originally trained as a retriever for waterfowl that lived mainly near marshy areas. But later a magnificent truffle detector and, of course, an unconditional companion has also been revealed.
His most outstanding feature is, logically, the woolly, dense and curly coat that characterizes water dog breeds. Regarding its character, the Lagotto Romagnolo is an energy, alert and loyal dog, with well-developed senses and a remarkable vocation for work and swimming. Due to their high energy and remarkable intelligence, they need daily stimulation, both physical and mental, as well as an enriched environment to maintain balanced behavior
6. American Water Spaniel
El American water spaniel, also known by its original name american water spaniel(AMS), is an American dog not very popular outside its country of origin. Its birth was related to the rise of commercial bird hunting in the United States, and the first stories about these furry ones date back to the 1800s. To this day, it is still not known exactly which breeds were used in the creation of the AMS, but it is estimated that the Spanish water dog, the field spaniel and the now extinct English water spaniel have participated in its development.
This medium-sized American Water Spaniel has an energetic, friendly and intelligent character, being very affectionate and protective of the family of him, but somewhat suspicious in the presence of strangers. Likewise, he has a strong and stubborn personality, so he needs the patience and dedication of his tutors to receive an optimal education. With proper socialization, they tend to be great companion dogs, and can even adapt to families with children.
7. Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish water spaniel, or irish water spaniel,is one of the oldest dog breeds in the spaniel family. The first references to water dogs in Ireland date back to the 1600s, but the first Irish Water Spaniel club was only founded in 1890. Unfortunately, there are no reliable records of which dogs the 'father' of the breed, the Irish Water Spaniel, would have used. Mr. Justin McCarthy, in your development. It is estimated that the poodle, the Portuguese water dog and the barbet were some of the breeds involved in the creation of the Irish water dog.
Like all water dog breeds, the irish water spaniel reveals an active character, alert and predisposed to training and work. Its natural versatility allows it to easily adapt to guardians and families with different lifestyles, and can be excellent companions for children, provided they receive proper socialization. A curiosity about this breed is their adorable facial expressions give the impression that Irish Water Spaniels are constantly smiling
8. Friesian Water Dog
The Frisian Water Dog, better known as wetterhoun, is a medium-sized Dutch dog breed that stands out for having an abundant curly coat made up of tufts of rough and dense hair. However, the woolly-looking coat, with thin or sparse tufts, is considered a serious fault according to the official standard published by the FCI.
Friesian Water Dogs show an energetic and stubborn temperament, needing to be accompanied by active and dedicated guardians, who count on patience and the necessary knowledge to stimulate their minds and educate them positively. When they receive proper socialization, they can get along well with other animals and enjoy sharing games with children.
Despite its exuberant beauty, this Dutch Water Dog is little known outside its home country, where it was originally trained for hunting small birds and small aquatic mammals. Later, they were also trained and were very successful as guard dogs, due to their balanced and alert nature, and their great loy alty to their guardians.
9. Moscow Water Dog
The Moscow Water Dog, also known as the Muscovite Water Dog or Moscow Retriever, is a large Russian dog revealing a strong physical resemblance to the Newfoundland. Although little is known about their origins, it is estimated that these furry ones were developed from selective crosses between Caucasian shepherds, Eastern European shepherds and Newfoundland dogs.
Like all other water dog breeds, the Moscow Water Dog was originally trained as a bird retriever and mammals aquatic. However, they have also performed well as rescue dogs in the deep snow of Russian winters.
Currently, Investigations are being made as to whether Muscovite Water Dogs are already extinct or whether there are still isolated specimens on Russian territory or surroundings. It is also analyzed whether the Moscow retrievers have really participated in the development of the renowned Russian terrier dog.
10. Cantabrian Water Dog
To finish our list of the most famous water dog breeds, we could not forget the Cantabrian water dog, originated in the region of Cantabria, north of the Iberian Peninsula. Despite being little known outside of Spain, it is a highly admired breed with deep social roots in the coastal cities bathed by the Cantabrian Sea, where they have historically been trained as ship's helpers for fishing tasks.
Unlike most water dog breeds, which can display different patterns and colors on their coats, the Cantabrian Water Dog has a completely mantle white, made up of dense, waterproof curls. Regarding his character, he is an active and insightful dog, who shows great loy alty and develops an important sense of protection in relation to his guardians, being able to be somewhat distrustful in the presence of strangers. Therefore, they must be socialized from puppies to learn to relate positively with other animals and unknown people, as well as with the stimuli in their environment.
