Cane Corso vs Spanish Water Dog

Working · Large vs Herding · Medium

Quick take
  • Cane Corso is the larger breed at 99–110 lbs (males) vs 40–49 lbs for the Spanish Water Dog.
  • The Spanish Water Dog typically lives longer (12–14 years).
  • The Spanish Water Dog sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitCane CorsoSpanish Water Dog
Group
WorkingHerding
Size
LargeMedium
Origin
ItalySpain
Height (male)
25–27.5"17.5–19.75"
Height (female)
23.5–26"15.75–18"
Weight (male)
99–110 lbs40–49 lbs
Weight (female)
88–99 lbs31–40 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
9–12 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.
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.
High (4/5)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
Low (2/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with strangers
Low (2/5)Moderate (3/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Coat length
shortlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoYes
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About the Cane Corso

The Cane Corso is an assertive, smart, intelligent Italian guard mastiff — Roman war dog turned modern protector. Originally from Italy, this large working breed typically weighs 99–110 lbs and lives 9–12 years. Breeders describe them as assertive, smart, intelligent.

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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Cane Corso health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Eye problems
  • Cherry eye

Spanish Water Dog health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders
  • Hypothyroidism