Cantabrian Water Dog

The Perro de Agua Cantábrico is a curly-coated Spanish water dog from the north coast, kept by fishermen and by smallholders on the Bay of Biscay.

History

It worked the Cantabrian fishing ports — handling lines and nets, retrieving from the water, guarding boats and gear — and doubled as a farm dog inland. It belongs to the wider family of Iberian water dogs and was recognised regionally in the twenty-first century, long after the working life that made it had mostly gone.

Temperament

The breed is known for being lively, willing and attentive to its handler, sociable at home and alert to arrivals.

Care and training

It needs substantial exercise and it genuinely wants to swim. The woolly coat is traditionally clipped rather than brushed out, and it cords if left. It is quick to train and needs the work.

Health

Generally robust, with ear infections the common complaint in a water dog. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.