what kind of dog is he?

"Oh, is that a Portuguese water spaniel?" "Looks like a Spanish water dog." "But Portuguese water dogs have much curlier fur." I get all sorts of questions at the park. I've never heard of a Portuguese water spaniel or a Spanish water dog. So I looked them up this morning.

I can't find any mention on Google about a "Portuguese water spaniel", though I think the name is being used interchangably with Portuguese water dog. There's an American water spaniel, an Irish water spaniel, a Dutch water spaniel and a French water spaniel (Barbet). Listed as water dogs are: Portuguese water dog, Spanish water dog and Romagna (Italian) water dog. All of European ones are fairly similar curly-coated water retreivers that share characteristics with poodles. (American water spaniel origins seem to be different.) I like the pictures and descriptions below so I've copied them here:

Spanish water dog: A little smaller than a PWD: 26- 44 lbs. 15"-19.5". Always curly, and of a wooly texture. Can form big cords when long. They should never be brushed or combed to allow the natural cords to form. Colors are white, black and chestnut in their different shades, solid or bi-colored. Picture link. The SWD is primarily a herding dog. Most recently it is being employed by the Spanish Government as a bomb and drug detection dog as well as a rescue dog.

Romagna water dog: A small-medium sized dog. Coat is dense and curly, of woolly texture. Color is white, brown or orange, solid or bi-colored. Over centuries, as the marshland habitat of this dog was drained, the breed's unique aptitude for searching for truffles became apparent. It has become very efficient at locating truffles, which is it's modern function. It is the only breed with this aptitude. (I wonder how they do with chocolate truffles!) Picture link.

History: It seems like the Spanish, Portuguese and Romagna water dogs have a common origin. They are an ancient breeds whose exact origins are not precisely known. One theory suggests that the dogs’ ancestor was a wooly-coated dog that originated in North Africa and were brought to the Iberian Peninsula by the Moors during their occupation (710-1036). Or they might have come with the barbarians from Asia. By 1100 a wooly-coated shepherd dog existed throughout the Iberian Peninsula and was primarily used to herd goats, sheep and other livestock. They also worked at game and waterfowl retrieving, and as assistants to fishermen.

Portuguese water dog: (I love this description from the PWD club of America site.) Known for centuries along Portugal's coast, this seafaring breed was prized by fishermen for a spirited, yet obedient nature, and a robust, medium build that allowed for a full day's work. The PWD is a swimmer and diver of exceptional ability and stamina, who aided his master at sea by retrieving broken nets, herding schools of fish, and carrying messages between boats and to shore. He is a loyal companion and alert guard. This highly intelligent utilitarian breed has two coat types, curly or wavy; an impressive head of considerable breadth and well proportioned mass; a ruggedly built, well-knit body; and a powerful, thickly based tail, carried gallantly or used purposefully as a rudder. The PWD provides an indelible impression of strength, spirit, and soundness. (Wow! An awesome dog! That's my Skippy!)