Cantabrian water dog is a landrace breed of dog, originally from the Cantabrian Sea area of Spain. The breed is known for its appetizing skull structure and dense, curly fur. The breed comes in blue, brindle, and cream. The Cantabrian water dog was named ‘Cantabrian’ because the dogs were found in the region of Cantabria in northern Spain.
With Italy and other western European countries closer to the Atlantic Ocean, it has been seen by some experts that the importation of foreign dogs has had some influence on the original Cantabrian water dog genetics and may have caused some dilution of its original breeding program.
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How to identify Cantabrian water dog
The Cantabrian water dog has a large nose that is black in color and an arched, wavy spine. The dogs have a strong and muscular body with a very dense coat that makes them the ideal guard dog.
The dogs have the typical appearance of wolfdogs and have been used to assist farmers on farms, as well as help their owners hunt wild boar. Their long coat can be brown, gray, or blue with shading into yellow, white, or cream. Their eyes are Traditionally blue.
The body of this dog is usually quite muscular with a thick protective coat that comes in various colors like blue, brindle, and cream. It has a tough skin that is well-suited for swimming and diving due to its webbed feet. The size of this dog is usually around 25–35 inches (38–39 cm) and weighs 27 to 45 pounds (12–20 kg).
Behavioral characteristics
Cantabrians are very playful, friendly, and energetic dogs. This dog was introduced to the United States in 1999 by a New York couple, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized it as a breed in 2007. In 2011, it was recognized by the UKC. The Cantabrian water dog is a muscular and strong animal. It is an affectionate, loyal and devoted dog that is very good with children.
The Cantabrians can be trained to perform various tasks. They are active dogs that need ample amounts of exercise and training to avoid them becoming destructive or aggressive. They are generally very happy dogs that enjoy swimming, as they have webbed paws which allow them to do so more easily than other dogs. They also enjoy agility training, since the dense coat keeps them warm even when wet.
Cantabrian water dog as a pet
As with many dogs, the Cantabrian water dog can be a good choice for a pet. It is known for its loyalty, friendliness, and trainability. Cantabrian water dogs have a very thick curly coat that can become matted if not brushed regularly.
This dog can shed heavily seasonally, and one factor to consider when bringing a Cantabrian into the home is that it needs grooming help from its owners to avoid matting. It should also be given ample amounts of exercise during the day to prevent destructive behavior or other behavioral problems from developing.
Health issue
Cantabrian Water dogs are not prone to any genetic disorders and are generally healthy creatures. Some of the health issues that affect the breed include:
- Elbow dysplasia
- Eye problems like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Collie eye anomaly (CEA)
- Hip dysplasia.
Grooming
The dense coat of the Cantabrian Water Dog requires weekly brushing. The dog’s hair requires regular trimming.
Diet
The Cantabrian water dog needs a high-quality and balanced diet to stay healthy and fit. The diet should contain all the nutrients that are needed for the dog to be healthy, energetic and fit. Meat is a good source of protein for the Cantabrian Water-Dog. The Cantabrian Water Dog generally eats 3 cups of food, divided into two meals a day.
But the quantity of food must be determined by weight, height, and other factors specific to each individual. The Cantabrian water dog various food, such as:
- Meat
Fish, Chicken, Eggs, Beef.
- Vegetables
Spinach, Potatoes, Carrots, and Beet.
- Fruits
Banana
- Minerals
Salt and Potassium.
However, review the full breed profile of the Cantabrian water dog in the following table.
Best 10 information
| Breed NameCantabrian water dog. | |
| Other names | Water-Dog. |
| Origin | Spain. |
| Breed Class, size | Medium-large. |
| Color | May be blue, brindle, or cream. |
| Breed Purpose | Herding, Hunting, Pastoral and Guard dog. |
| Height at shoulders | 18-20 inches (45-50 cm). |
| Temperament | Friendly, affectionate, loyal, and devoted. |
| Climate Tolerance | Cold and hot. |
| Rarity | Extremely rare. |
| Life Span | 12 – 15 years on average. |
