Newfoundland vs Spanish Water Dog

Working · Giant vs Herding · Medium

Quick take
  • Newfoundland is the larger breed at 130–150 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 has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Spanish Water Dog sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitNewfoundlandSpanish Water Dog
Group
WorkingHerding
Size
GiantMedium
Origin
CanadaSpain
Height (male)
28"17.5–19.75"
Height (female)
26"15.75–18"
Weight (male)
130–150 lbs40–49 lbs
Weight (female)
100–120 lbs31–40 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
9–10 years12–14 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Low (2/5)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.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Very High (5/5)Very Low (1/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very High (5/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Low (2/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with kids
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Good with other dogs
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with strangers
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Coat length
longlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoYes
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About the Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is a sweet, patient, devoted water-rescue dog — the gentle 'nanny dog' from Canada's Atlantic coast. Originally from Canada, this giant working breed typically weighs 130–150 lbs and lives 9–10 years. Breeders describe them as sweet, patient, devoted.

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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Newfoundland health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Heart disease
  • Bloat
  • Cystinuria

Spanish Water Dog health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders
  • Hypothyroidism