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The hard-working Spanish Water Dog is an old and rare member of the Spanish Barbet, or water dog family. Despite its name, in past centuries this breed served mostly as a herder for Spanish shepherds. History shows that this wooly-coated herding dog originated in North Africa and was brought to Spain by the Moors or Carthaginians prior to the Middle Ages. Today, most of these versatile Spanish Water Dogs live in south Spain, where they herd goats and retrieve ducks. Male dogs, weighing 40 to 48 pounds, measure about 17 to 19 inches. Females are 1 or 2 inches smaller and range from 30 to 39 pounds. The Spanish Water Dog's coat is curly from birth and may be colored solid white, black or shades of brown, as well as bicolored white and black or white and brown. The dogs require regular grooming, and clipping of the coat is acceptable but unnecessary; the coat will form cords if left long. The Spanish Water Dog moves best in a trot rather than its jerky gallop. This robust, active breed can adapt to any environment, even apartment living, as long as it gets plenty of exercise. However, take care if you have cats or other non-dog pets. With a faithful, obedient and watchful temperament, the Spanish Water Dog makes a lovable family pet if given the proper early socialization and training.