Group 8 · Retrievers & spaniels
Spanish Water Dog
The southern European water dogs are medium-sized, curly-coated working dogs that love swimming, searching and working with their owner. They are clever, energetic and cheerful, and their coat sheds little but needs regular clipping.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Spaanse waterhond by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 4 examinations:
- 3 DNA tests
- 1 X-ray examination
The breeding programme also recommends 1 further examination.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (4)
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Hip dysplasia
X-ray once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months)
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
-
Neuroaxonal dystrophy, TECPR2-related (NAD)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- TECPR2: c.4009C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PRCD: c.5G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
Recommended examinations (1)
-
Congenital hypothyroidism (CH)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- TPO: c.39_40insG
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Spaanse waterhond, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 30/05/2025.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Hip dysplasia, Neuroaxonal dystrophy, TECPR2-related (NAD) and Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH). A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Spanish Water Dog needs plenty of daily exercise and a job, such as herding, searching or swimming. Its woolly, curly coat is not brushed but fully clipped a few times a year.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Hip dysplasia?
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
This working dog is clever, energetic and very family-oriented, but often reserved with strangers. Early socialisation and enough challenge are important; without work it gets bored.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
