Spanish Water Dog: Spain’s Versatile Worker and Loyal Companion

The Spanish Water Dog is an intelligent and versatile working breed known for its curly coat, strong work ethic, and energetic personality. Originally developed in Spain for herding livestock and assisting fishermen, the Spanish Water Dog combines athletic ability and endurance with a loyal and highly trainable temperament that makes it both a capable working dog and a devoted family companion. These active and highly intelligent dogs thrive with owners who can provide regular exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent training, as they are happiest when given purposeful activities and close involvement with their families. Naturally alert and protective, the breed benefits greatly from early socialization and structured guidance to help develop a calm and well-balanced adult dog. With their distinctive curly coat, sharp intelligence, and adaptable nature, the Spanish Water Dog is an excellent choice for active households seeking a hardworking and affectionate companion dog.

⭐ 3 Things You May Not Know About the Spanish Water Dog

1. The Spanish Water Dog was traditionally used in Spain for herding livestock, retrieving from water, and assisting fishermen.
2. The breed’s curly woolly coat naturally forms cords if left untrimmed and was designed to protect the dog in rough working conditions.
3. Spanish Water Dogs are highly versatile and excel in activities ranging from herding and water work to search-and-rescue and agility competitions.

Overview

• AKC Height: 15.75–19.75 inches
• AKC Weight: 31–49 pounds
• Colors: Black, Brown, Beige, White, or Bicolor Combinations
• Life Expectancy: 12–14 years
• Group: Herding Group

🐾 Quick Facts About the Spanish Water Dog

• Energy Level: Very High — Spanish Water Dogs are athletic working dogs that need extensive exercise and mental stimulation.
• Grooming Needs: Moderate to High — Their curly coat requires specialized maintenance and should not be brushed traditionally once corded.
• Good With Kids: Yes — Spanish Water Dogs are generally loyal, playful, and affectionate with families and children.
• Trainability: Very High — Intelligent and eager to work, they excel in obedience, herding, and advanced training activities.
• Barking Level: Moderate to High — Spanish Water Dogs are naturally alert and may bark to warn of unfamiliar activity.

History & Origin

The Spanish Water Dog originated in Spain, where it developed as a highly versatile working dog used for herding livestock, retrieving from water, guarding property, and assisting fishermen. The breed became especially common in rural southern Spain and coastal regions where adaptability and endurance were highly valued.

Spanish farmers and shepherds relied on these intelligent dogs to manage sheep and goats across rugged countryside terrain. Along coastal communities, fishermen used them to retrieve items from the water, assist with nets, and perform general work around boats and docks. The breed’s versatility allowed it to adapt to very different working environments while maintaining strong cooperation with handlers.

The Spanish Water Dog developed a dense curly coat that provided protection from rough weather, water exposure, and harsh outdoor conditions. Left naturally, the coat forms cords that help shield the dog while working in difficult terrain and varying climates.

Unlike breeds developed solely for one specialized purpose, the Spanish Water Dog became known for flexibility, intelligence, and strong problem-solving ability. Its energetic nature and eagerness to work made it valuable across many forms of rural labor.

Modern Spanish Water Dogs still retain many characteristics shaped by centuries of practical working duties. Their intelligence, athleticism, endurance, and strong work ethic reflect generations of selective breeding for versatility and close cooperation with people. Beneath the breed’s curly coat and lively expression remains a highly capable Spanish working dog deeply connected to the agricultural and coastal traditions of Spain.

Physical Characteristics

The Spanish Water Dog is a medium-sized herding and water-retrieving breed known for its naturally curly coat, athletic build, and remarkable versatility. Originally developed in Spain as an all-purpose working dog for herding livestock, retrieving waterfowl, and assisting fishermen, the breed combines intelligence, endurance, agility, and resilience with a distinctive rustic appearance.

The breed possesses a balanced muscular frame with moderate bone structure, deep chest, strong shoulders, and powerful hindquarters designed for endurance, climbing, swimming, and physically demanding work. The Spanish Water Dog should appear athletic, sturdy, and naturally agile without becoming coarse or heavy.

One of the breed’s most recognizable features is its dense curly coat that naturally forms cords when allowed to grow.

The head is proportionate with a moderate muzzle, expressive almond-shaped eyes, and highly alert intelligent expression. The breed’s face often conveys attentiveness, curiosity, and lively responsiveness.

The ears are triangular and pendant-shaped, hanging close to the head and blending naturally into the curly coat.

The coat is woolly, dense, curly, and weather-resistant, helping protect the dog during both water work and outdoor herding activities.

Coat colors commonly include black, brown, beige, white, or combinations of these shades, sometimes with particolor patterns.

The tail may be natural or docked depending on regional practices and bloodlines.

Movement should appear smooth, agile, and highly coordinated with excellent balance, endurance, and athletic efficiency.

The Spanish Water Dog’s athletic structure allows impressive versatility across herding, swimming, retrieving, climbing, and active outdoor work.

Although rustic and curly-coated in appearance, the breed remains fundamentally a highly capable intelligent working dog with strong instincts and remarkable adaptability.

Overall, the Spanish Water Dog projects athleticism, intelligence, versatility, and classic working-dog character through its curly coat and energetic movement.

For a broader comparison of how this breed’s size compares to others, see our Dog Size & Weight Guide.

Temperament & Personality

The Spanish Water Dog is known for being intelligent, loyal, energetic, and highly devoted to its family. This breed forms strong emotional bonds with its people while maintaining the alert attentiveness associated with traditional working dogs.

With family members, Spanish Water Dogs are typically affectionate, playful, and emotionally connected. Many individuals strongly enjoy participating in household routines, outdoor adventures, and active family activities.

The breed is naturally observant and highly aware of its surroundings, often making an excellent watchdog due to its attentiveness and strong protective instincts.

Spanish Water Dogs are mentally active dogs that enjoy problem-solving, physically engaging activities, and cooperative work with people.

Because of their working heritage, many individuals possess strong environmental awareness, trainability, and natural herding instincts.

The breed is intelligent and capable of learning quickly, often responding exceptionally well to positive reinforcement training and structured engagement.

Spanish Water Dogs are emotionally sensitive and generally respond best to calm positive interaction and stable routines. Harsh correction or forceful handling may reduce confidence or create anxiety.

Early socialization is especially important for encouraging balanced confidence around unfamiliar people, animals, sounds, and environments.

Many individuals coexist well with children, other dogs, and household pets when properly socialized and supervised.

Because of their highly intelligent and active temperament, the breed generally does not tolerate prolonged boredom or isolation well.

Some Spanish Water Dogs may become vocal, overly protective, or destructive if insufficient exercise and mental stimulation are provided.

Although energetic and highly driven outdoors, many well-exercised individuals become calm affectionate companions indoors once physical and emotional needs are properly satisfied.

In the right home, the Spanish Water Dog becomes a loyal, intelligent, emotionally connected companion with exceptional versatility and strong family devotion.

For a broader overview of personality differences between breed groups, visit our Dog Breed Temperament Guide.

Exercise & Training

The Spanish Water Dog is a highly active and intelligent working breed that requires substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation to remain physically healthy and behaviorally balanced.

Daily activity should include long walks, hiking, swimming, obedience exercises, retrieving games, agility, herding-style activities, and mentally engaging tasks that challenge both body and mind.

Because of the breed’s intelligence and strong working instincts, mental stimulation is especially important. Puzzle toys, advanced obedience exercises, scent work, trick training, and varied routines help prevent boredom and frustration-related behaviors.

Training is generally highly rewarding because Spanish Water Dogs are intelligent eager learners that strongly enjoy cooperative work with people.

Positive reinforcement methods using praise, treats, encouragement, and consistency usually produce excellent long-term results. The breed responds best to engaging relationship-based training rather than harsh correction.

Early socialization is extremely important for encouraging confidence around unfamiliar people, animals, sounds, and environments.

Reliable recall training and impulse control are especially important because many individuals possess strong environmental awareness and independent working instincts.

The breed often excels in canine sports and activities including agility, obedience, rally, dock diving, scent work, herding, search-and-rescue, and advanced trick training.

Spanish Water Dogs generally thrive best in active homes where companionship, structured engagement, and mentally stimulating activities are consistently provided.

Because of their high energy level and intelligence, insufficient activity may contribute to excessive barking, chewing, restlessness, or destructive behaviors.

Although energetic outdoors, many well-exercised individuals settle calmly indoors once physical and emotional needs have been properly satisfied.

For owners seeking an intelligent, athletic working breed with strong versatility and trainability, the Spanish Water Dog can become an exceptionally rewarding companion.

Learn more on our Dog Training Page.

Grooming & Coat Care

The Spanish Water Dog has unique grooming requirements due to its naturally curly wool-like coat.

The coat should not be brushed out like many other breeds because brushing can disrupt the natural curl and cord formation.

Instead, the coat is typically maintained by allowing the curls or cords to develop naturally while keeping the coat evenly trimmed as needed.

Bathing is generally needed periodically to maintain coat cleanliness and healthy skin condition, although thorough drying is especially important due to the dense coat texture.

Routine grooming should also include nail trimming, dental care, ear cleaning, and inspection of the skin and coat for irritation or trapped debris.

The curly weather-resistant coat provides excellent insulation and protection during outdoor and water activities.

Owners should regularly inspect the coat for burrs, trapped debris, moisture retention, or skin irritation, particularly after outdoor activity or swimming.

The breed sheds relatively lightly compared to many double-coated breeds, although regular maintenance remains important.

Because floppy ears and moisture exposure may increase risk of ear issues, regular ear care is especially important throughout life.

Regular grooming sessions also provide valuable opportunities to monitor skin health, coat condition, and overall physical well-being throughout life.

With proper grooming, exercise, preventive care, and regular maintenance, the Spanish Water Dog maintains its healthy curly coat, athletic condition, and energetic working-dog vitality throughout its life.

Learn more on our Dog Grooming Page.

Health Overview

The Spanish Water Dog is an intelligent, versatile, and highly energetic working breed known for its curly coat, athletic ability, and strong bond with its family. Originally developed in Spain as a multi-purpose farm and herding dog used for herding livestock, retrieving, guarding, and water work, the Spanish Water Dog is generally considered a healthy and resilient breed, but like many active working breeds, it can still be prone to several inherited and structural health concerns. Understanding common Spanish Water Dog health problems and recommended breeder health testing can help puppy buyers make more informed decisions when selecting a healthy puppy. Because this breed combines endurance, agility, emotional sensitivity, and nonstop working drive, maintaining healthy joints, eye health, neurological wellness, and overall body condition is especially important throughout the dog’s life.

Health issues sometimes seen in Spanish Water Dogs may include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), hypothyroidism, allergies, and age-related arthritis. Some individuals may also develop epilepsy, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), obesity-related orthopedic stress, hereditary eye concerns, or autoimmune-related conditions later in life. Because the breed is naturally athletic and highly active, maintaining proper conditioning and healthy weight management is especially important for supporting long-term orthopedic wellness and endurance. While not every Spanish Water Dog will develop these conditions, understanding the breed’s health tendencies allows owners to make better long-term decisions regarding breeding, exercise, grooming, nutrition, and preventive veterinary care.

Health Testing & Responsible Breeding

Responsible Spanish Water Dog breeders should perform appropriate health screenings before breeding in order to reduce the likelihood of inherited conditions being passed to future generations. Many puppy buyers are encouraged to ask about health testing, but they are often unsure which evaluations are most important for this breed. In the Spanish Water Dog, careful attention to orthopedic, neurological, eye, and overall structural health is especially valuable.

Buyers should ask whether the sire and dam have completed OFA or PennHIP hip evaluations, ophthalmologist-performed eye examinations, and additional thyroid or neurological screening when appropriate. Responsible breeders may also discuss orthopedic longevity, temperament stability, working ability, movement soundness, and overall lifespan within their bloodlines. Some breeders may additionally monitor for hereditary digestive or immune-related concerns depending on pedigree history.

Unlike some breeds selected primarily for appearance alone, responsible Spanish Water Dog breeding programs often place strong emphasis on athletic soundness, stable temperament, endurance, and working ability because the breed was developed for physically demanding farm and water work requiring intelligence, versatility, stamina, and trainability. Ethical breeders understand that preserving the Spanish Water Dog involves much more than maintaining coat appearance or texture — it also includes protecting healthy movement, emotional stability, instinct, and long-term vitality.

Before Spanish Water Dog puppies are placed into new homes, they should receive a complete veterinary wellness examination that evaluates the heart, eyes, joints, neurological responses, bite alignment, parasite status, overall structure, and general physical development. Because active working breeds place stress on developing bones and joints during growth, proper nutrition and carefully managed exercise during puppyhood are especially important. Puppies should also leave with age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming records, feeding guidance, and recommendations for safe socialization, grooming, and physical conditioning during development.

A responsible Spanish Water Dog breeder should willingly provide documentation of completed health clearances and openly discuss inherited health concerns affecting the breed. Puppy buyers should be cautious of breeders who avoid health discussions, refuse to provide testing information, or claim their dogs are completely free of health problems. Ethical breeding focuses on reducing inherited risk through careful selection, health screening, pedigree knowledge, and lifelong breeder support rather than making unrealistic promises.

Preventive Care & Long-Term Wellness

Maintaining healthy body condition and regular exercise is especially important for the Spanish Water Dog because this breed is naturally energetic, athletic, and mentally active. Without sufficient physical activity and mental stimulation, some individuals may become destructive, anxious, vocal, or emotionally frustrated. Regular exercise helps support cardiovascular fitness, muscle tone, coordination, joint stability, and emotional well-being throughout life.

The Spanish Water Dog is also an extremely intelligent and highly trainable breed that benefits from regular mental stimulation and structured interaction. Walks, obedience work, agility exercises, scent games, retrieving activities, puzzle toys, and interactive play all contribute to emotional balance and long-term wellness.

The breed’s unique curly coat requires specialized grooming maintenance and should generally not be heavily brushed out like some other coated breeds. Regular coat care and skin monitoring help maintain healthy skin and coat condition. Grooming sessions also provide an excellent opportunity to monitor for parasites, lumps, skin irritation, coat-quality changes, or developing health concerns.

Because the breed often enjoys water activities and outdoor work, regular ear care and skin monitoring are especially important to help prevent irritation or infection.

Routine veterinary examinations throughout adulthood and senior years remain important for monitoring mobility, orthopedic wellness, neurological health, eye condition, endocrine health, and overall quality of life. Early detection of developing health concerns often allows for more successful long-term management and improved outcomes.

Lifespan & Senior Spanish Water Dog Care

The Spanish Water Dog often lives approximately 12 to 14 years when responsibly bred and properly cared for. Senior Spanish Water Dogs may gradually develop arthritis, reduced stamina, hearing decline, vision changes, muscle loss, or decreased mobility as they age. Some older dogs may also become more prone to orthopedic stiffness, endocrine-related concerns, or neurological conditions during the senior years.

As Spanish Water Dogs enter their senior years, many owners focus on maintaining moderate low-impact exercise, healthy weight management, supportive bedding, joint support, continued mental stimulation, and routine wellness monitoring. Because the breed often remains mentally alert and emotionally connected throughout life, continued companionship and purposeful interaction remain especially important even during old age.

With attentive care, preventive veterinary support, responsible breeding, and a healthy lifestyle, many Spanish Water Dogs continue to thrive as affectionate, energetic, and highly devoted companions throughout their lives.

Is the Spanish Water Dog Breed Right for You?

The Spanish Water Dog is an intelligent, affectionate, and highly versatile working breed known for its endurance, trainability, and strong bond with its family. Originally developed for herding, guarding, and water work, the Spanish Water Dog thrives when given exercise, companionship, structure, and opportunities to stay mentally and physically engaged.

While loving and adaptable, the Spanish Water Dog is not the ideal fit for every household. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide:

✔ Ideal for:

• Active owners who enjoy outdoor activities and exercise
• Families seeking an intelligent and interactive companion
• People able to provide regular exercise and mental stimulation
• Owners interested in canine sports or working activities
• Homes willing to provide companionship and structure

❌ Not Ideal for:

• People unable to provide regular exercise and engagement
• Homes where the dog will frequently be isolated or inactive
• Owners seeking a calm or low-energy companion
• People unprepared for strong working drive and energy
• Homes unwilling to provide training and supervision

Where to Find a Spanish Water Dog

If you’re interested in bringing a dog of this breed into your home, consider adopting from a rescue organization or finding a reputable breeder.

Find a Reliable Rescue:

Read our page about how to adopt from a reliable dog rescue.

Find reliable rescues through our Dog Rescue Directory.

Find a Responsible Breeder:

Read our information page about buying a healthy puppy from a responsible breeder.

Find responsible breeders through our Dog Breeders Directory.

Puppy Considerations

Spanish Water Dog puppies are playful, curious, and highly energetic from an early age. Early socialization and positive reinforcement training are extremely important to help puppies develop confidence, emotional stability, and appropriate behavior.

Because these puppies mature into active and highly intelligent working dogs, early structure and healthy outlets for their energy are especially important. Their curiosity, endurance, and working instincts often become obvious very early in development.

Puppies benefit from:

• Early socialization with people, dogs, sounds, and environments
• Positive reinforcement training and structured routines
• Daily exercise and mentally stimulating activities
• Confidence-building exercises and interactive play
• Consistent boundaries and calm leadership

Because Spanish Water Dog puppies are highly intelligent and emotionally responsive, patient and consistent training are especially important during development.

Living With a Spanish Water Dog

Living with a Spanish Water Dog is often rewarding for owners who appreciate intelligent, affectionate, and highly interactive companion dogs. These dogs generally form strong bonds with their families and often enjoy participating in active household routines and outdoor adventures.

The Spanish Water Dog requires regular physical exercise and mental stimulation to remain healthy and emotionally balanced. Many enjoy hiking, agility activities, retrieving games, scent work, puzzle toys, and interactive play with their families.

This breed generally does best in homes where it receives companionship, structure, training, and opportunities to stay mentally occupied. Without enough engagement or exercise, boredom may lead to destructive behavior, excessive barking, anxiety, or emotional frustration.

Although affectionate and social with family members, Spanish Water Dogs may naturally remain highly alert and somewhat reserved around unfamiliar people. Early socialization and responsible ownership are important for helping the breed develop into a confident and manageable adult.

Feeding a balanced, high-quality diet and maintaining a healthy weight are important for supporting endurance, mobility, muscle condition, orthopedic wellness, and overall quality of life. Routine veterinary care, exercise, training, grooming, and companionship all contribute to helping the breed thrive.

Final Thoughts…

The Spanish Water Dog is an affectionate, intelligent, and deeply loyal working breed that thrives with owners who appreciate active companionship and versatile working ability. Their endurance, trainability, and devotion make them remarkable companions in the right homes.

With proper exercise, preventive care, socialization, training, grooming, and companionship, the Spanish Water Dog can become a deeply rewarding and highly devoted lifelong companion.

Are you considering adding a Spanish Water Dog to your family?

🐶 Spanish Water Dog FAQs

How long do Spanish Water Dogs live?

Spanish Water Dogs typically have a lifespan of about 12 to 14 years. With proper nutrition, regular exercise, and routine veterinary care, many enjoy long, healthy lives.

This breed is generally healthy but may be prone to certain inherited conditions such as hip dysplasia or eye concerns. Regular health screenings help support long-term wellbeing.

What is the Spanish Water Dog temperament like?

Spanish Water Dogs are known for being intelligent, energetic, and devoted. They are versatile working dogs with strong problem-solving abilities.

They tend to form close bonds with their families and enjoy having a job to do. Early socialization helps encourage confident and well-mannered behavior.

Are Spanish Water Dogs good family dogs?

Spanish Water Dogs can make excellent family dogs in active households. They thrive when included in family activities and given both mental and physical exercise.

They generally do well with children who understand respectful interaction. Consistent routines help support positive family relationships.

Do Spanish Water Dogs shed a lot?

Spanish Water Dogs are very low shedders and are often considered hypoallergenic. Their curly coat traps loose hair rather than shedding freely.

Coat care focuses on clipping rather than brushing. Regular maintenance helps keep the coat healthy and manageable.

Are Spanish Water Dogs easy to train?

Spanish Water Dogs are highly intelligent and eager learners. They respond well to training when it is consistent, engaging, and positive.

Mental stimulation and structured training sessions help keep them focused and fulfilled.

🐕 Related Breeds You Might Like

If you’re interested in the Spanish Water Dog, you may also enjoy learning about these similar working and water dog breeds:

• Portuguese Water Dog – An energetic, intelligent breed known for versatility and loyalty.
• Poodle – A highly intelligent, low-shedding breed valued for trainability and adaptability.
• Irish Water Spaniel – A curly-coated sporting breed known for intelligence and water-retrieving ability.
• For a broader look at dogs commonly recommended for allergy-aware homes, visit our Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds guide.

🐾 Lisa’s Picks for Spanish Water Dogs

As someone who has worked with dogs for over 50 years—including more than 20 years helping with housebreaking and everyday care—I’m often asked for product recommendations. I’ve found that a few simple items can make a big difference in a dog’s comfort and daily routine.

If you have a Spanish Water Dog or are planning to bring one into your home, these products and tips can help support your journey together.

🛏️ 1. Dog Beds

👉 My Tip:  Waterproof Bed Protection (My Personal Favorite Trick)

One thing I personally do is use twin-size waterproof mattress covers over larger dog beds. They’re easy to wash, protect the bed beneath, and save money long-term—especially helpful for puppies, seniors, or heavy shedders. You can find different colors and patterns that fit your decor.

For tiny dog beds, you can use waterproof pillow covers that fit over the beds to protect them and save money long-term.

I use the same idea around the house, too. Washable, waterproof couch covers are a simple way to protect furniture from dirt, shedding, and accidents—especially helpful with puppies, seniors, or dogs that love the couch.

* Orthopedic Foam Dog Beds:
A high-quality orthopedic bed is one of the best investments you can make for your dog. I recommend these for every breed, once they are out of the chewing stage, especially as they age. They provide joint support, improve comfort, and help dogs truly rest.

* Tough Dog Beds for Dogs That Chew:
If your dog tends to chew or destroy their bedding, a standard plush bed may not last long. In these cases, I recommend tough, chew-resistant dog beds made with reinforced materials.
These are designed to hold up better against digging, scratching, and chewing, and can save you from constantly replacing beds. While no bed is completely indestructible, choosing a more durable option can make a big difference.

* Puppies need Simple Washable Bedding:
For young puppies that are still learning house training, I often suggest starting with simple, washable blankets instead of an expensive dog bed.
Thick towels, fleece throws, or washable pads work very well during this stage. They’re easy to clean, quick to replace, and help protect your main dog beds until your puppy is more reliable. Once house training is more consistent, you can transition to a more permanent, supportive bed.

🦴 3. Treats (Great for All Dogs)

• Jerky Treats for Dogs: Almost all dogs love soft, easy-to-break NATURAL jerky treats. They’re perfect for rewarding good behavior without overfeeding. Soft jerky treats provide protein and are easy to chew.
• Tiny Treats for Small Dogs
  For small dogs, I recommend using very tiny, NATURAL training treats that are soft and easy to chew. This lets you reward often without overfeeding.

• Stronger Chew Treats for Larger Dogs
  Dogs that enjoy a more robust chewing experience will benefit from stronger chew treats. Some larger dogs may still go through them quickly, while others will take more time—so it often depends on the individual dog.

👉 My Tip: Check Ingredient Labels

I always recommend checking the ingredient label when choosing treats at the store. Dogs don’t need added sugar or artificial ingredients, and some treats can upset their stomach or cause diarrhea. Look for all-natural ingredient labels, and single ingredient or few ingredient labels are preferred.

It’s important to note that even among the same breed, some dogs enjoy chewing more than others, and many have preferences for certain types of chews. If you notice bleeding gums during chewing, it’s a good idea to have your dog examined by a veterinarian to rule out any dental issues.

🧠 4. Enrichment Toys for Mental Stimulation

Spanish Water Dogs are intelligent, so giving them something to do is important.

An enrichment toy can help:

• Prevent boredom
• Reduce unwanted behaviors
• Keep their mind engaged

When choosing an enrichment toy, think about your dog’s personality and needs. Some dogs love puzzle toys and mental challenges, while others are happier with something they can chew or carry around.

🐕 5. Safe, Comfortable Harness, Collar & Leash

From my experience, choosing the right walking gear can make a big difference in both safety and control. Some harnesses and collars are designed to help prevent dogs from slipping out, which is especially important for strong or easily startled dogs, and those are the types I personally recommend for safety.

Harness: A quality, comfortable properly fitted harness can make walks more comfortable and easier to manage—especially for dogs that tend to pull or get excited outdoors. If you have a dog that tries to wiggle out of their harness, search for an “escape proof” harness that has an extra strap towards the back.

Collar: I use and prefer safety martingale collars, as they can help prevent dogs from backing out of their collar while still being more gentle than traditional collars when used correctly.

Leash: Choose a lightweight leash for small dogs and a sturdier, heavier leash for larger dogs to ensure good control. Nylon leashes are strong and long-lasting. Some leashes also include a comfortable padded handle.

👉 My Tip: Avoid Retractable Leashes

I don’t recommend retractable leashes, as they can break and tangle easily and create safety issues and tripping hazards.

💡 Lisa’s Tip:

You don’t need a lot of products to care for a dog well… just the right ones. Focus on comfort, consistency, and routine, and you’ll make life easier for both you and your dog.

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Learn more about responsible dog ownership, dog health and daily care:

• Dog Rescue: Adopt a Dog Only From Reliable Rescues
• Choosing a Healthy Puppy from a Dog Breeder
• Healthy Diets
• Bathing, Ear, Teeth and Nail Care
• Senior Dog Guide
• Browse all dog breeds in our complete alphabetical dog breeds directory.