Australian Cattle Dog vs Spanish Water Dog
Herding · Medium vs Herding · Medium
Australian Cattle DogMedium
An alert, curious, pleasant herding dog with a blue or red speckled coat — needs intense daily exercise.
Weight: 35–50 lbsLifespan: 12–16 years
Spanish Water DogMedium
A loyal, smart, athletic Spanish all-purpose herder, hunter, and water-rescuer with a curly cord coat.
Weight: 40–49 lbsLifespan: 12–14 years
Quick take
- • Australian Cattle Dog is the larger breed at 35–50 lbs (males) vs 40–49 lbs for the Spanish Water Dog.
- • The Australian Cattle Dog typically lives longer (12–16 years).
- • The Australian Cattle Dog has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Spanish Water Dog sheds less.
- • The Australian Cattle Dog is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Australian Cattle Dog | Spanish Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
Group | Herding | Herding |
Size | Medium | Medium |
Origin | Australia | Spain |
Height (male) | 18–20" | 17.5–19.75" |
Height (female) | 17–19" | 15.75–18" |
Weight (male) | 35–50 lbs | 40–49 lbs |
Weight (female) | 35–50 lbs | 31–40 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–16 years | 12–14 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Moderate (3/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with kids | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with strangers | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | short | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
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About the Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is an alert, curious, pleasant herding dog with a blue or red speckled coat — needs intense daily exercise. Originally from Australia, this medium herding breed typically weighs 35–50 lbs and lives 12–16 years. Breeders describe them as alert, curious, pleasant.
About the Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish Water Dog is a loyal, smart, athletic Spanish all-purpose herder, hunter, and water-rescuer with a curly cord coat. Originally from Spain, this medium herding breed typically weighs 40–49 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as loyal, smart, athletic.
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Australian Cattle Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Deafness
- • Progressive retinal atrophy
Spanish Water Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism