When the breed was first introduced into the UK it was a surprise to the Canagua Partnership that the Kennel Club decided to place Spanish Water Dogs in the gundog group. This was because the FCI placed this breed in the water dog section within a gundog group and so our KC followed suit.

Members of the partnership were experienced in many facets of dog training but none of them had been involved in gundog work previously. Each person had to learn not only about the breed and its abilities but also the discipline of gundog training and working in the field.

Fortunately other breed clubs invited the Spanish Water Dogs to take part in their natural ability field tests as they all remembered what it was like when their respective breeds were first introduced. There was a lot of mirth to begin with when people first saw these little sheep like dogs. However the smiles and laughter soon gave way to silence when they saw their speed and ability. Eventually several dogs took part (not for competition) in HPR gundog working tests. Generally the judges have commented how they were impressed with the natural working ability of the dogs and the overall view was that the Spanish Water Dog is best suited to the hunt, point, retrieve section of the gundog group.

Different lines have now been imported, all within breed standard and type but displaying differing aptitudes to this type of work. Some of the early UK dogs had no propensity for herding as they preferred to hunt the field and look for game. Others were more interested in sheep. It must never be forgotten that the Spanish Water Dog has been kept alive as a true breed mainly by the Spanish farmers. They were and still are primarily worked as sheepdogs and some as the equivalent of our rough shooters dogs. So yes, we have a "jack of all trades", particularly if you include the breed's job of fishing and guarding the catch. However this does not mean that the breed cannot be trained to excel in one specific job given the right ability and opportunity. Many of the dogs need something to do and there are more opportunities for gundog style activities in UK . There are not as many openings for allowing the dogs to demonstrate their herding ability.

The breed is very quick to learn and basic training has to be balanced with giving the dogs a challenge. Sometimes it is easy to forget how young a dog is because their mind is always on their work. All are keen but the degree of enthusiasm is the main variation in different lines. The breed tends to be independent and thinks it knows better than the owner. Nevertheless, harsh handling is not successful in training due to their sensitive nature with people. They are not gun-shy as a breed; they concentrate one hundred percent on the task before them.

They love to hunt making use of air and ground scent. Some have been seen to point strongly whereas others show an acknowledgement to game. Retrieving comes naturally to this breed and many of the youngsters are not happy unless carrying something in their mouths. They can become obsessive and possessive consequently early training should address this. This breed excels at memory retrieves no matter how far or how difficult.

As their middle name suggests, these dogs do extremely well in the water and will dive for a sunken object if necessary. They are keen to retrieve any dummy or bird that is out of reach of another dog and will swim time and time again. Their webbed feet and action in the water make them powerful swimmers for their size. They will jump out of and retrieve to boats as well as pull the boat to shore. During the working and natural ability tests Spanish Water Dogs have excelled in the water and scored top marks.

Some of the dogs have been fortunate enough to be invited onto pheasant and duck shoots. As one would expect, their keenness must be kept in check and patience must be taught. This breed needs to be worked regularly otherwise disobedience creeps in and they begin to set out on their own, turning a deaf ear to their handler. They have stamina and can easily work all day notwithstanding their size.

One judge's critique following a progress test which summed up the general opinion -

"Once again, the Spanish Water Dog impressed. I have to admit to having looked on this dog as a bit of fun last year. This time, he made me stand back and take stock. For sure, he will make a real shooting companion."