Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Spanish Water Dog

Herding · Medium vs Herding · Medium

Quick take
  • Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is the larger breed at 35–50 lbs (males) vs 40–49 lbs for the Spanish Water Dog.
  • The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog typically lives longer (12–15 years).
  • The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Spanish Water Dog sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitAustralian Stumpy Tail Cattle DogSpanish Water Dog
Group
HerdingHerding
Size
MediumMedium
Origin
AustraliaSpain
Height (male)
18–20"17.5–19.75"
Height (female)
17–19"15.75–18"
Weight (male)
35–50 lbs40–49 lbs
Weight (female)
35–50 lbs31–40 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–15 years12–14 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)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.
Very Low (1/5)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
shortlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoYes
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About the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog

The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is an alert, hardy, watchful Australian drover — cousin to the Cattle Dog with a naturally bobbed tail. Originally from Australia, this medium herding breed typically weighs 35–50 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as alert, hardy, watchful.

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 Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Deafness
  • Eye disorders

Spanish Water Dog health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders
  • Hypothyroidism