Spanish Water Dog Health in the UK
Health & Responsible Breeding
Health is central to everything we do. We follow the Royal Kennel Club’s health frameworks and use evidence-based screening to support responsible breeding, protect welfare and maintain long-term sustainability.
Breed Health Overview
Spanish Water Dogs are generally robust, active dogs. Like all breeds, they have a small number of inherited conditions that can be reduced through sensible screening and transparent breeding decisions.
Known Hereditary Conditions
DNA-Identified Conditions
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (prcd-PRA)
- Congenital Hypothyroidism with Goitre (CHG)
- Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (NAD)
- Early-Onset Progressive Retinal Atrophy (EO-PRA)
Other Conditions Seen in the Breed
- Hip dysplasia
- Cataracts and other eye conditions
- Allergies and skin sensitivities
- Addison’s disease
Recommended Health Testing
Royal Kennel Club DNA Testing
The Royal Kennel Club provides DNA testing services and breed-specific test kits for conditions recognised in the Spanish Water Dog. These tests are carried out by accredited genetic laboratories and the results can be recorded with the Kennel Club to support evidence-based breeding decisions.
Hip Scoring
Hip scoring is a veterinary assessment that helps identify the risk of hip dysplasia, a condition that can affect joint health and mobility. Breeders are encouraged to hip score breeding stock to help reduce the incidence of this condition in future generations.
Eye Testing
Eye examinations carried out by a qualified veterinary ophthalmologist help identify inherited and developmental eye conditions relevant to the breed. These assessments support responsible breeding decisions and allow issues to be detected at an early stage.
Routine eye testing may include screening for conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), including early-onset forms, as well as other hereditary eye diseases.
Gonioscopy is a specialist examination used to assess the drainage angle within the eye. It can help identify abnormalities associated with an increased risk of primary closed-angle glaucoma and is a useful addition to routine eye screening where appropriate.
Regular eye testing, alongside DNA screening where available, supports long-term eye health within the breed.
General Health & Care
Exercise
Spanish Water Dogs are active, intelligent working dogs that thrive on purposeful physical activity and mental stimulation. Regular exercise helps maintain healthy weight, supports joint health and promotes balanced behaviour. Activities that engage both mind and body, such as training, scent work and varied terrain walks, suit the breed well.
Nutrition
A balanced diet appropriate for age, workload and activity level is essential. Maintaining a healthy body condition helps reduce strain on joints and supports long-term wellbeing. Owners and breeders should monitor weight and adjust feeding to suit the dog’s lifestyle rather than following fixed amounts.
Coat & Skin Care
The Spanish Water Dog has a distinctive, rustic curly coat that requires specialised care. The coat should not be brushed or combed, as this can damage the natural curl structure. Instead, the coat is typically clipped evenly once or twice a year to keep it manageable. If cords are allowed to form, they should be separated gently by hand when needed to prevent tight matting. When bathing, use a mild dog shampoo, squeeze water through the coat rather than scrubbing, and allow the coat to dry naturally. Regular skin checks are recommended to ensure the coat remains healthy and comfortable.
The SWDS Approach to Breed Health
SWDS supports a science-led, evidence-based approach to breed health. We follow Royal Kennel Club health frameworks and encourage the use of recognised screening schemes, genetic testing and veterinary guidance when making breeding decisions.
- Promote health testing supported by veterinary science
- Encourage responsible, informed breeding decisions
- Support genetic diversity within the breed
- Respect breeder experience alongside scientific evidence
- Update guidance as new research and data become available