Border Collie vs Spanish Water Dog
Herding · Medium vs Herding · Medium
Border CollieMedium
The world's premier sheep herder and the most intelligent dog breed — a workaholic that needs a purpose.
Weight: 30–55 lbsLifespan: 12–15 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
- • Border Collie is the larger breed at 30–55 lbs (males) vs 40–49 lbs for the Spanish Water Dog.
- • The Border Collie typically lives longer (12–15 years).
- • The Border Collie has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Spanish Water Dog sheds less.
- • The Border Collie is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Border Collie | Spanish Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
Group | Herding | Herding |
Size | Medium | Medium |
Origin | Scotland | Spain |
Height (male) | 19–22" | 17.5–19.75" |
Height (female) | 18–21" | 15.75–18" |
Weight (male) | 30–55 lbs | 40–49 lbs |
Weight (female) | 30–55 lbs | 31–40 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–15 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. | High (4/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Moderate (3/5) | 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 | High (4/5) | 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. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | medium | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
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About the Border Collie
The Border Collie is the world's premier sheep herder and the most intelligent dog breed — a workaholic that needs a purpose. Originally from Scotland, this medium herding breed typically weighs 30–55 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as affectionate, smart, energetic.
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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Border Collie health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Epilepsy
- • Collie eye anomaly
- • MDR1 gene mutation
Spanish Water Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism