Bedlington Terrier vs Spanish Water Dog

Terrier · Small vs Herding · Medium

Quick take
  • Spanish Water Dog is the larger breed at 40–49 lbs (males) vs 17–23 lbs for the Bedlington Terrier.
  • The Bedlington Terrier typically lives longer (11–16 years).

Side-by-side traits

TraitBedlington TerrierSpanish Water Dog
Group
TerrierHerding
Size
SmallMedium
Origin
EnglandSpain
Height (male)
16–17.5"17.5–19.75"
Height (female)
15–16.5"15.75–18"
Weight (male)
17–23 lbs40–49 lbs
Weight (female)
17–23 lbs31–40 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
11–16 years12–14 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
High (4/5)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
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Good with other dogs
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with strangers
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Coat length
wirehairedlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
YesYes
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About the Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier is a spirited, demonstrative, mild lamb-shaped terrier — looks like a sheep, fights like a tiger. Originally from England, this small terrier breed typically weighs 17–23 lbs and lives 11–16 years. Breeders describe them as spirited, demonstrative, mild.

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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Bedlington Terrier health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Copper toxicosis
  • Eye disorders
  • Patellar luxation

Spanish Water Dog health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders
  • Hypothyroidism