Perhaps it’s anecdotal, but we’ve read accounts of Spanish Water Dogs jumping off boats and docks into water to retrieve objects, but also being able to climb the rungs of ladders to get out.
Historically, these dogs earned their keep along the Iberian coastline by working in fishing boats. The dogs helped swim out, set and haul in the nets, and retrieved tackle and fish lost over the side.
Sadly, the industrial revolution saw an end to mechanized boats and these dogs were no longer required as helpers. The Spanish Water Dog dwindled in both use and numbers.
Today, this terrific breed works in the water for fun, and breed clubs promote competition for water titles that encourage the dog never losing the instincts to do the job for which it was bred.
Image: “Toots” by Julie Dalton Gourgues
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