MyDogBreeds
Both Spanish Water Dog and Alano Espanol are originated from Spain. Spanish Water Dog may grow 14 cm / 5 inches shorter than Alano Espanol. Spanish Water Dog may weigh 18 kg / 39 pounds lesser than Alano Espanol. Both Spanish Water Dog and Alano Espanol has same life span. Both Spanish Water Dog and Alano Espanol has same litter size. Spanish Water Dog requires Moderate maintenance. But Alano Espanol requires Low maintenance
Bred in Spain to guard and herd sheep, the Spanish Water Dog was also used in hunting because he could retrieve in water. The breed is closely aligned with other water dogs like the Irish Water Spaniel, Portuguese Water Dog and French Barbel. It is especially true that the Spanish Water Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog share some of the same ancestors. The two breeds are closely related.
In the early days of the breed, they were separated into three different sizes and types. The dogs from Northern Spain were smaller than the others and came from the regions of Cantabria and Asturias. These lighter colored dogs eventually became their own breed – the Cantabria Water Dog. The second group came from western Andalusia marsh lands. He had a long chorded coat. The third group was the strongest and largest and came from the southern Andalusian sierras. This was by far the largest and most influential group, most of whom were herders. Eventually the groups interbred and today’s SWD carries the traits of all three. They were and still are a very versatile breed. In addition to herding they fished or retrieved for hunters.
The breed was revived in the 1970”s by two breeders, Santiago Montesinos and Antonio Garcia Perez travelled through southern Spain to buy or borrow dogs for breeding. By 1980, they had established the Spanish Water Dog Club of Spain and reestablished the breed. They fought to the breed recognized in Spain first. After five years of hard work, the Federation Cynologique Internationale recognized the breed permanently in 1999.
The UKC, or United Kennel Club, of the United States, recognized the breed in 2001, accepting them for confirmation by 2004. In the United States the breed was championed by Ken and Jerry Mann to attain that UKC recognition. Still the AKC, or American Kennel Club, held out on their recognition. The Manns showed the SWD in 2000 in the AKC Rare Breed Conformation and the UKC multi-breed show in 2004.
The Manns also used their breed for herding in the United States in entered them into the herding competition. In the they advocated for and got the SWD into the herding group for confirmation with the UKC in 2013. The American Kennel Club approved the requests of the Spanish Water Dog Club, Inc and recognized the breed in 2005 as foundation stock. By 2008 the AKC recognized the SWD to be able to compete in field trials by not conformation. In 2015 the SWD will be admitting to AKC conformation and fully recognized as a member of the herding group. They were also recognized by the American Herding Breed Association in 2007.
Alano Espanol is a very old breed and first data originate back in the 5th century. Alano has been used as dogs for war and dogs that traveled with explorers. After some, time Alano Espanol becoming more and more popular for bullfights and wild boar hunting. Nowadays, Alano Espanol is still not recognized worldwide, but it seems like this breed is getting more and more popular. They are excellent hunters and amazing working dogs.
The Spanish Water Dog is an athletic, medium size, robust breed that is not as tall as it is long. In countries like the US, the tails are docked but it is not a conformation fault if they are not. The carry themselves with pride and elegance, have a strong head and expressive eyes which are brown. They have flat skulls and wide set eyes. Their paw pads, eye-rims and nose should be darker than their coat or at least the same color. Their eyes are chestnut, hazel or dark brown and their ears are medium height and triangular. His coat is curly and his topline is straight. With a broad chest and arched rib, he is a very athletic looking dog. The breed has much respiratory capacity with broad shoulders and straight sturdy legs. The breed has rounded feet , tight toes, and resistant pads.
On average, Alano Espanol approximately weights 34-40kg, while their average height is 56-64cm. Females are slightly smaller than male dogs.
A lifespan of Alano Espanol variates but on average it is 11 to 14 years.
Litter Size is 4-8 puppies, but it depends on every dog.
Other Names for Alano Espanol are Spanish Bulldog and Spanish Alano.
3.Adaptability - very adaptable with the right exercise. Neither heat nor cold bother them.
Alano Espanol is an extra-large breed but they are very well balanced breed and they tend to be very reliable and calm. They are not very comfortable living in the small apartments. They are better in houses. They are also very good with kids. Alano Espanol needs a lot of daily exercise with a minimum of 3 walks per day. Even though people used them for dogfights and bullfights through the history. They are not recommended for the first time owners because they are strong-willed dogs who tend to be leaders in the pack. Strong will and constant training are very important for them. They are very dominant breed and have Alpha character. Socialization is also very important for Alano Espanol because they are very powerful and they can easily hurt other animals. They will listen the master but it is important that they play and socialize with other animals from very young age. Alano Espanol can be a very good with other animals even in the same household, but only with proper socialization. If the dogs are the same sex, they tend to show dominance. Basically, they can be amazing pets, but it is important to train them properly.
The Spanish Water Dog has much of the same health problems as the other water dogs and dogs their size and heritage. Here are some of the health issues they are prone to.
• Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency – inability to digest food – can be treated.
• CHG – Congenital Hypothyroidism with Goiter – inherited and pups don’t grow correctly.
• Neuroaxonal Dystrophy – cognitive and muscular dysfunction. Vitamin E and insulin deficiency
Alano Espanol is a very strong and healthy breed. They do not have any major health issues. Aldo, as with every large breed you should be careful of dogs genetic because they might have dysplasia. However, they are very healthy dogs with no health issues so your dog will live happy and healthy life with a proper care and occasional vet examination.
1.Feeding the puppy – Because of the breed propensity to some genetic dietary issues it is important to feed high quality food made from mostly meat. Avoid grains as much as possible. Don’t feed adult foods to the puppies. Feed puppy breed specific or medium size dogs.
2.Feeding the adult - Feed the adult as little grain and as much protein as possible. Feed adult breed specific or medium size dog’s food.
4. Games and Exercises – This is a working breed. Remember they are both herders and hunters and need exercise. They love strenuous hiking, running, jogging, long walks, swimming and playing fetch. Don’t over work the puppy/young dog until they have matured and their growth plates close.
Feeding habits of any dog depend on daily activity and size. Alano Espanol should eat approximately 4-5 cups of high-quality food divided into two meals. You can also add some vegetables, fruit, oil or basically anything that you see your dog enjoy eating.
Alano Espanol puppies need more food divided into 3-5 meals per day. It is very important that puppy has all the necessary vitamins and minerals to develop into a big and healthy adult.
Alano Espanol is a very easy breed to groom. They have short hair with no undercoat, so minimal grooming is all that it takes. Alano does not drool, so it is not very hard to keep them clean. They will need occasional baths, but only when they are dirty because if you bath your dog too much, the skin could dry and start to itch.