Barbet, Lagotto Romagnolo, Portuguese Water Dog, Spanish Water Dog - Anyone with experience ? Questions

Anyone have any experience with these breeds?

They all sound fairly similar, and they are all fluffy gun dogs but some personal views on each breed would be appreciated

I knew a Lagotto, the lady imported it I believe. I didnt actually know what it was until I heard her telling somebody else, I thought it was another poodle cross!! She was doing agility with it and it was pretty amazing at it. It was completely focused on her and such a lovely natured dog, one of my favourites in the class.

I've seen Spanish Water Dogs at demos but other than that, dont know much about them.

I do know that Barbets are extremely rare and were brought back from near extinction. Dont know how the new Barbets compare to the originals.

I know someone with a Spanish water dog and it is a lovely temperament and very quiet. We see it at dog shows quite a bit. The only thing I personally wouldn't like with one of these or a Lagatto is that I am sure you would be getting people admiring your "Poodle" or "labradoodle" all the time! We have 2 Kerry Blue terriers and get this with our dogs who look nothing like these breeds! Drives me bonkers!!

Came across a Spanish water dog in a test today. It wasnt brilliant with other dogs but then thats just one individual!

Spanish Water Dogs are a highly intelligent breed, love gundog training, water work, agility obedience an can excel at these.

Socialisation, socialisation with people an other dogs at an early age is a must as they can be wary of people they don't know. Thry are the most loving, most loyal dogs ever. I am one of the original importers an had them for 18 years an couldn't do without one.

They have all been on Dogs101, here is the video of the Lagotto:

http://animal.discovery.com/videos/dogs-101-rare-dog-breeds/

One day I will have a Spanish Water dog

Unfortunately you don't last long with A Spanish Water Dog LOL!

What are the main differences in the trainability and character of these unusual breeds, including Kerry Blue. The all share non shedding and they are all regarded as intelligent; WHAT ARE THEIR DIFFERENT CHARACTERISTICS

I would have thought that you would have to be more wary of temperament with a Kerry than with the other breeds you mention. I have met very few Kerries but the ones I have met maybe half of them are not good with other dogs. This is due to backyard breeding from unsuitable temperament dogs in my opinion, or lack of early socialisation.

Also Kerries can be quite vocal, Cherry (my female) is very quiet but Parker (male) is quite territorial and can be annoying as he thinks he owns and protects the whole close we live in!

The Spanish water dogs I meet (a lady we see at shows-she has 2 now) are lovely dogs and very quiet and sociable but I think they just wouldn't be challenging enough for me as a terrier person! Kerries are very motivated and intelligent and need to work in some field or will become bored and naughty. I have done obedience, agility and heelwork to music with mine.

LOL Kerryowner you have not met a typical Spanish then if you think that they are quiet and not challenging enough for you!

Spanish are extremely intelligent, many excelling in gundog work, flyball, agility and obedience as well as the show ring.

They do need to be socialised with people especially at a very early age. No socialisation and no exercising of the brain and you will have a problem.

They are a wonderful breed but not the easiest.

Oh! I've only met 2 and they are very docile dogs! I've never even heard them bark and I see them regularly at dog shows.

What appeals to me about them is their longevity if the age tables in the dog magazines are right? They have the breed listed as living to about 16.

More realistic average lifespan I would say is 12. Had two die at 12, one at 15 and her father was almost 15 when he passed away. Have an almost 11 year old who I would say has a few years in her yet and can still run as fast as the young uns.