Jack Russell Terrier vs Spanish Water Dog
Terrier · Small vs Herding · Medium
Jack Russell TerrierSmall
A fearless, vocal, athletic small fox terrier — Eddie from Frasier, ten pounds of pure energy.
Weight: 13–17 lbsLifespan: 13–18 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 13–17 lbs for the Jack Russell Terrier.
- • The Jack Russell Terrier typically lives longer (13–18 years).
- • The Jack Russell Terrier has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Spanish Water Dog sheds less.
- • The Spanish Water Dog is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Jack Russell Terrier | Spanish Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
Group | Terrier | Herding |
Size | Small | Medium |
Origin | England | Spain |
Height (male) | 10–15" | 17.5–19.75" |
Height (female) | 10–15" | 15.75–18" |
Weight (male) | 13–17 lbs | 40–49 lbs |
Weight (female) | 13–17 lbs | 31–40 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 13–18 years | 12–14 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Moderate (3/5) | 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. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Very High (5/5) | 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. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | short | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
Ad slot · compare-mid
About the Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a fearless, vocal, athletic small fox terrier — Eddie from Frasier, ten pounds of pure energy. Originally from England, this small terrier breed typically weighs 13–17 lbs and lives 13–18 years. Breeders describe them as fearless, vocal, athletic.
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
Jack Russell Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Eye disorders
- • Deafness
Spanish Water Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism