Welcome to LIJA Spanish Water Dogs, LLC

LIJA Spanish Water Dogs, Where Quality Begets Quality

LIJA Spanish Water Dogs, LLC  located in Barnegat, NJ was established in 2001. While our experience in the Spanish Water Dog breed  dates back to 2001, our experience in breeding and showing dogs dates back to 1985. LIJA has worked hard to become the premier Spanish Water Dog Kennel in the Northeast. This has taken years to achieve, from our hand-selection of imports, to health testing our dogs to ensure sound prodigy, to conformation showing our dogs. All of our dogs have been owner-handled in the show ring, and all of our dogs/pups are raised in a home environment (characters excelling for show, working or pet companion homes). Our dogs, as well as their prodigy, have been proven in the show ring, while still maintaining their working attributes, proving themselves as therapy dogs, agility and rally dogs, and field dogs.

From our home to yours, knowing the health, history, standard and quality of our dogs, is the best tool we can offer you.

As one of the first Spanish Water Dog breeders here in the US,  we take great pride in the dogs we produce and our longevity in the breed here in the US.

  • Our motto has always been and will remain "Quality begets quality".
  • Only US breeder endorsed and listed as following the Code of Ethics of the A.E.P.A.E. prior to 2013
  • Only one of two US breeders endorsed and listed as following the Code of Ethics of the A.E.P.A.E 2013 to present.
  • Member of the Spanish Water Dog Club - Official Breed Club for the UK.
  • Quoted and provided information on the SWD in Liz Palika's The Howell Book of Dogs.
  • Quoted and provided information on the SWD for Dog Fancy, July 2011.
  • Our foundation stock was imported, starting with our Trinity, Miel, Chuka, and Solana.
  • We have the most diverse bloodlines in the United States.
  • We continue to bring in new bloodlines with our newest imports and plan to bring in our next import in another year
  • We have earmarked an outcross which will strengthen what we already have.
  • Our dogs consistently produce better than or equal to their parents.
  • We strive to meet the only standard for the breed in accordance with Spain and the FCI!

We are conveniently located and easily accessible in Barnegat, New Jersey. Visitors are welcomed by appointment.