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Welcome"de Chesapeake Kennel"
Home of quality-working/hunting Spanish Water DogsPerro de Agua Espanol
Work-Intelligence-Beauty (Trabajo-Inteligencia-Belleza) |
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Hola and welcome to my home page. My name is Craig Pope. I live in Chesapeake, Virginia. I first became aware of the Spanish Water Dog when I lived in Spain. When I first started my research on the Spanish Water Dog in 1997, there were only 2 web sites that had any information about the breed. After contacting the owners of the web sites, I knew this was the perfect dog for me and my family. To make a long story short, when I returned to the US in 2000, I had 4 SWDs (Canela, Bolera, Oso & Panda). I soon organized a small group of SWD enthusiasts and in June of 2001 established/founded the first Spanish Water Dog breed club in North America (SWDAA). I drafted the first American breed standard for United Kennel Club (UKC). On January 1, 2004 the Spanish Water Dog received full recognition by the United Kennel Club . I also established the first health directory for the breed with the Canine Health Information Directory (CHIC). In December of 2005, I resigned as President of the SWDAA. The Spanish Water Dog is truly a versatile breed. For centuries they have been used as herding dogs, hunting dogs (waterfowl and upland game dogs) as well as guard dogs. More recently, they are being utilized by the Spanish Police as drug and explosive detection dogs. Due to their keen sense of smell and athletic abilities they are also being used in Search and Rescue. Although the SWD shares some characteristics with Labs, Chesies and Goldens, Portuguese Water Dogs & Poodles, they have a unique primitive sort of personality. The Spanish Water Dogs closest relative is the Barbet . SWDs are not for everyone! You must always remember that the breed is first and foremost a working dog. I do NOT recommend a SWD for first time dog owners. They are a high energy breed that love attention and thrive on obeying commands. Their very attentive nature makes them very easy to train. The SWD is aloof with strangers and they have a very strong instinct to protect their family. If you are considering becoming a SWD owner please read Buying a SWD before you sign any contract. I hope that you enjoy my web site and feel free to sign my guest book. Un Saludos Craig
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The gang (Gabby, Canela, Oso, Panda, & Mickie) Spain 2000
Copyright © 2004 - 2005 to request use of photos or the information contained herein please contact webmaster. (I have spend a lot of time and energy assimilating this information, please give me the courtesy of linking back to this site.)Site DisclaimerLast modified: November 19, 2006
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The Spanish Water Dog is an ancient breed. Its exact origins are not precisely known. One theory suggests that the Spanish Water Dog’s ancestors were wooly-coated dogs that originated in North Africa which were brought to the Iberian Peninsula by the Moors during their occupation (710-1036). Another theory is that these dogs might have come with the various barbarian tribes that invaded Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire. Regardless of the breed’s origin, it is documented that by 1100 a wooly-coated shepherd dog existed throughout the Iberian Peninsula (Spain, Portugal, Southern France and Western Italy). This dog was primarily used to herd goat, sheep and other livestock. Some, also were used to hunt upland game and waterfowl, while others worked as assistants to fishermen. In the mid 1970s, Antonio Garcia Perez and Santiago Montesinos, began efforts to get the Spanish Water Dog recognized as a pure breed. In 1985, the breed was officially recognized and admitted into the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). General Appearance The Spanish Water Dog is a well-balanced dog of medium size and bone, slightly longer than tall, with a distinctive wooly coat that curls and forms cords; high-set, triangular drop ears, and a tail that is naturally bobtail or docked between the 2nd and 4th vertebrae. In both sexes, masculinity or femininity is well defined. Characteristics The Spanish Water Dog is an intelligent and versatile working dog with strong herding, hunting, retrieving and guardian instincts. He is an exceptional companion, attentive and animated, showing strength and stamina combined with unusual agility. He is versatile and easily trained, performing his assigned tasks with competence and dignity. He is reserved with strangers but should not exhibit shyness. Although an authoritative worker, viciousness toward people or animals is intolerable Coat Always curly and of a wooly texture. Longer coats may form cords. The Spanish Water Dog should look like a rustic working dog. Traditionally, dogs are sheared completely and evenly once or more per year. Size and Weight Desirable height for males is 44-50 cm (17.32-19.69 inches); and for females is 40-46 cm (15.75-18.11 inches). Weight for males should be between 18-22 kilograms (40-49 pounds) and for females 14-18 kilograms (31-40 pounds).
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