Spanish Water Dog vs Welsh Terrier

Herding · Medium vs Terrier · Small

Quick take
  • Spanish Water Dog is the larger breed at 40–49 lbs (males) vs 20 lbs for the Welsh Terrier.
  • The Welsh Terrier typically lives longer (12–15 years).

Side-by-side traits

TraitSpanish Water DogWelsh Terrier
Group
HerdingTerrier
Size
MediumSmall
Origin
SpainWales
Height (male)
17.5–19.75"15–15.5"
Height (female)
15.75–18"15–15.5"
Weight (male)
40–49 lbs20 lbs
Weight (female)
31–40 lbs20 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–14 years12–15 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.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
High (4/5)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)High (4/5)
Good with kids
High (4/5)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.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
longwirehaired
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
YesYes
Ad slot · compare-mid

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.

About the Welsh Terrier

The Welsh Terrier is a spirited, friendly, intelligent Welsh otter and badger hunter — looks like a smaller Airedale. Originally from Wales, this small terrier breed typically weighs 20 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as spirited, friendly, intelligent.

Ad slot · compare-bottom

Spanish Water Dog health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders
  • Hypothyroidism

Welsh Terrier health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders
  • Allergies