Italian Greyhound vs Spanish Water Dog
Toy · Small vs Herding · Medium
Italian GreyhoundSmall
A playful, alert, sensitive miniature sighthound — Renaissance lapdog favored by Italian nobility.
Weight: 7–14 lbsLifespan: 14–15 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
- • Spanish Water Dog is the larger breed at 40–49 lbs (males) vs 7–14 lbs for the Italian Greyhound.
- • The Italian Greyhound typically lives longer (14–15 years).
- • The Spanish Water Dog is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Italian Greyhound | Spanish Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
Group | Toy | Herding |
Size | Small | Medium |
Origin | Italy | Spain |
Height (male) | 13–15" | 17.5–19.75" |
Height (female) | 13–15" | 15.75–18" |
Weight (male) | 7–14 lbs | 40–49 lbs |
Weight (female) | 7–14 lbs | 31–40 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 14–15 years | 12–14 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | 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 | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | short | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
Ad slot · compare-mid
About the Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a playful, alert, sensitive miniature sighthound — Renaissance lapdog favored by Italian nobility. Originally from Italy, this small toy breed typically weighs 7–14 lbs and lives 14–15 years. Breeders describe them as playful, alert, sensitive.
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.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Italian Greyhound health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Leg fractures
- • Dental issues
- • Hypothyroidism
- • PRA
Spanish Water Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism