Spanish Water Dog health: what owners should know
Conditions the Spanish Water Dog is known to be prone to, breeder screening and everyday habits that help.
The breed is generally hardy. Known predispositions include hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, progressive retinal atrophy, and two inherited conditions with available DNA tests: congenital hypothyroidism with goiter and a nervous system disorder called neuroaxonal dystrophy. Responsible breeders X-ray hips, have eyes examined and DNA test both parents before breeding.
Drying the ears after swimming and keeping the coat clean helps head off skin and ear trouble. Contact your vet if you notice head shaking or a smell from the ears, weight gain with tiredness, bumping into things in poor light, or any wobbliness or loss of coordination in a young dog.
Numbers worth knowing
Life expectancy
12 to 14 yrs
Senior care
Individual assessment
age alone does not define care needs
Typical breed weight
14 to 22 kg