Hovawart vs Spanish Water Dog
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Hovawart
Foundation Stock Service
Spanish Water Dog
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Hovawart Overview
Hovawarts are powerful, medium-sized dogs with a noble bearing and distinctive tricolor coat. Their well-proportioned build combines strength with agility, featuring a broad chest and strong limbs. Alert eyes and a confident stance reflect their watchful nature, while their medium-length coat provides protection in various weather conditions.
Spanish Water Dog Overview
Spanish Water Dogs showcase a distinctive curly coat and athletic build, standing 40-50 cm at the shoulder. Their powerful frame combines agility with strength, featuring a well-proportioned body and expressive eyes. Known for their rustic appearance, these versatile herders display remarkable intelligence and an eager-to-please attitude while maintaining their natural working instincts.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Hovawarts are less energetic than Spanish Water Dogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Hovawarts require less grooming attention compared to Spanish Water Dogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Hovawarts tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Spanish Water Dogs.
- Trainability: Hovawarts may be slightly easier to train due to their Hovawart's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Hovawarts adapt better to apartment living, while Spanish Water Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Hovawart and Spanish Water Dog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Hovawart | Spanish Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-14 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Hovawart | Spanish Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-28 inches 58-71 cm | 16-20 inches 40-50 cm |
| Weight | 65-90 lbs 29-41 kg | 31-49 lbs 14-22 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Hovawart | Spanish Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Alert, Faithful, Intelligent | Playful but also Work-Oriented. Very Active and Upbeat. |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Hovawart | Spanish Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Hovawart Temperament
The Hovawart is known for being alert, faithful, intelligent, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Spanish Water Dog Temperament
The Spanish Water Dog is characterized by being playful but also work-oriented. very active and upbeat., which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Hovawart and Spanish Water Dog, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Hovawart
Rating: 4/5
Spanish Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Hovawart
Rating: 4/5
Spanish Water Dog
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Hovawart
Rating: 3/5
Spanish Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Hovawart
Rating: 2/5
Spanish Water Dog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Hovawart
Rating: 2/5
Spanish Water Dog
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Hovawart Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Hovawarts require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Hovawarts require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Spanish Water Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Spanish Water Dogs need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Spanish Water Dogs require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Hovawart Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Thyroid Issues
- Eye Problems
- Heart Disease
- Bloat
Spanish Water Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- CHD
- Allergies
- Hypothyroidism
Pros & Cons
Hovawart
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Intelligent
- Good with family
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- Strong-willed
- Needs extensive training
- High exercise needs
- Reserved with strangers
Spanish Water Dog
Pros
- Highly trainable
- Excellent swimming ability
- Low shedding coat
- Versatile working dog
Cons
- High grooming maintenance
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be reserved with strangers
- Strong herding instincts
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Hovawart and Spanish Water Dog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.