Spanish Water Dog vs Wire Fox Terrier

Herding · Medium vs Terrier · Small

Quick take
  • Spanish Water Dog is the larger breed at 40–49 lbs (males) vs 17–19 lbs for the Wire Fox Terrier.
  • The Wire Fox Terrier typically lives longer (12–15 years).
  • The Wire Fox Terrier has higher daily energy needs.

Side-by-side traits

TraitSpanish Water DogWire Fox Terrier
Group
HerdingTerrier
Size
MediumSmall
Origin
SpainEngland
Height (male)
17.5–19.75"15"
Height (female)
15.75–18"15"
Weight (male)
40–49 lbs17–19 lbs
Weight (female)
31–40 lbs15–17 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–14 years12–15 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
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)Low (2/5)
Good with strangers
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
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
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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 Wire Fox Terrier

The Wire Fox Terrier is a confident, alert, gregarious fox-bolter — high-spirited British show ring star with a wiry white coat. Originally from England, this small terrier breed typically weighs 17–19 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as confident, alert, gregarious.

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Spanish Water Dog health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders
  • Hypothyroidism

Wire Fox Terrier health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Patellar luxation
  • Eye disorders
  • Hypothyroidism