Spanish Water Dog
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Spanish Water Dog. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | moderate | The main orthopedic concern; request OFA scores. |
| Progressive retinal atrophy | moderate | Inherited retinal degeneration; DNA testing identifies carriers. |
| Hypothyroidism | moderate | Appears in middle age; routine bloodwork catches it. |
| Ear infections | moderate | Pendulous ears and water work combine to cause otitis. |
| Neuroaxonal dystrophy | low | Rare breed-specific nerve disease; DNA test available. |
Pet insurance for a Spanish Water Dog
Insurers price a Spanish Water Dog from the breed's documented claims profile — here, a clean bill of health with no dominant high-risk hereditary condition. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Spanish Water Dog is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 31–49 lbs and a grooming score of 3/5, the Spanish Water Dog sits around the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish Water Dog is a rustic Andalusian all-rounder — herder, water retriever, and farm guard — instantly recognizable by its natural cords. It is a tireless, loyal worker that bonds hard with its person, stays reserved with strangers, and needs real daily exercise and a job; bored SWDs become vocal and destructive. The cording coat is unusual: never brushed, sheared annually, and allowed to cord naturally. Suits active, experienced owners wanting a versatile, low-shedding working dog.
Origin: Spain (Andalusia)
Temperament
Related reading for Spanish Water Dog owners
Spanish Water Dog FAQ
How long do Spanish Water Dogs live?
The typical Spanish Water Dog lifespan is 12–14 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Spanish Water Dog?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Spanish Water Dog carries no dominant high-risk hereditary condition, which keeps it near or below that average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Spanish Water Dog a good apartment dog?
Conditionally. The Spanish Water Dog can live in an apartment, but its 5/5 energy level means you'll need a consistent daily exercise routine.
What health problems are Spanish Water Dogs prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Hip dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy, Hypothyroidism. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.