How Much Does a Spanish Water Dog Cost?
Originating from Spain, the Spanish water dog is one of the very few breeds considered to be multi-purpose in nature.
Aside from the pleasing and unique physical features they have, these dogs are primarily used for herding and are commonly seen as assistants to fishermen and for hunters during the hunting season, making it a very versatile breed.
How much does a Spanish water dog cost?
On average, the cost will depend on the breeder, the quality, age, colors, bloodline, geographical location and inclusions with the adoption. The costs, based on these factors, will be in the $1,000 to $2,000 range.
The official AKC Marketplace, at the time of this writing, had a few breeders with prices posted. Those who did list their prices were often asking for about $2,000.
At PuppyFind.com, there were only eight active listings, with prices within the $1,000 to $2,000 range.
What is going to be included in the adoption fee?
At a minimum, the breeder should include registration papers, up-to-date vaccinations, a health guarantee, educational material and a check-up by a licensed veterinarian. Most of your AKC breeders, according to their classified ads, would also include a microchip, AKC registration paperwork, dew claw removal, a docked tail, a CERF eye certification, OFA certification and a breeder agreement. All inclusions will vary, so it’s best to ask what you’re getting with your adoption fee.
What are the extra costs?
Grooming sessions need to be considered, even though it will require very little maintenance. Owners have claimed its coat will not shed, but it can be difficult to groom since it needs to be sheared once per month.
Since this dog can be relatively hard to find in your local area, you may need to consider paying for shipping fees if you’re not able to pick it up in person. Shipping a dog via an airline, depending on the distance traveled, can easily be $250 to $400.
As with any pet, you need to, of course, factor in the recurring costs such as dog food, accessories, grooming sessions, pet sitting and vet visits. Even a healthy dog can easily cost more than $800 per year and much more if it were to come down with an illness.
Tips to know:
Its weatherproof coat will be curly and wooly in nature, coming in a variety of patterns and colors. The coat, for example, can be solid in color such as brown, black or white, or some can come in two colors such as white or brown, or white and black.
The breed can range in size from 17 to 20 inches tall at the withers for males and 15 to 18 inches tall for females. Males can weigh 40 to 50 pounds, while females can weigh a bit less, around 30 to 40 pounds. In terms of appearance, the dog is medium in size, athletic, robust and has an elongated body.
As for its life expectancy, these dogs can live until 10 to 14 years as long as healthy.
The Spanish water dog is known to be extremely playful, intelligent, friendly and can get along well with just about anyone and anything in its path.
The Spanish Water Dog can adapt to almost all environments or circumstances as long as it gets enough exercise. These hardy dogs can endure both extreme heat and cold with no problem.
As for finding a breeder, it always a good choice to look for reputable breeders that are officially listed and recognized by the Spanish Water Dog Club of United States.
SpanishWaterDog.com recommends checking out a local ARBA or UKC dog show if you don’t know where to find a breeder. They also recommend checking with your vet to see if they could point you in the right direction.
This breed is prone to eye diseases such as retinal atrophy, cherry eye and cataracts. They are also prone to hip disease. For this reason, it’s important the breeder includes a hip and eye certification.
Questions to ask the breeder
Are you recognized by the Spanish Water Dog Club? Do you have any affiliations?
Can I see the pedigree on the puppies? Are both the sire and dam certified and have they undergone a series of tests?
Why do you breed these puppies? Were they planned or unplanned?
In which areas do you think will the pup excel? (Obedience, working, show, family pet?)
Is the price I am paying inclusive for spaying or neutering already? How the about initial tests or vaccinations you have had done?
What kind of guarantee are you offering?
What happens if there’s an issue with the dog? How will you resolve the issue?
How can I save money?
Again, these dogs are very rare, and as you can see, they could cost upwards of $2,000 for just the dog. Consider visiting your local adoption center or a rescue group to find a dog that may closely resemble this breed. Adopting is a wonderful way to save a lot of money and help a dog and organization in need.
If you really want to adopt a Spanish water dog, then meet and talk with as many breeders as you can. Remember, a good breeder will ask you questions as well and will allow you to visit the puppies in person. Any breeder who’s willing to ship the dogs without even meeting you should raise red flags.
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Average Reported Cost: $2500
How much did you spend?
- Alexander (Northern, California) paid $2500 and said:
Great puppy!
Was it worth it? Yes
- Hope M. (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) paid $2500 and said:
Easy to train, awesome puppy!
Was it worth it? Yes
- Judy D. (Tampa, Florida) paid $2500 and said:
Sweet and fun breed. I love the fact that there is minimal shedding. I purchased from a quality breeder that is associated with the AKC parent club, SWDCA.org.
Was it worth it? Yes
- Sheila (Denver, Colorado) paid $2500 and said:
Wonderful pup
Was it worth it? Yes
