DogMatchUp

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer 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.

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer
Medium

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer

Foundation Stock Service

Spanish Water Dog
Medium

Spanish Water Dog

Herding Group

Quick Comparison

Size

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer Medium
Spanish Water Dog Medium

Lifespan

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer 12-15 years
Spanish Water Dog 12-14 years

Exercise Needs

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer 4/5
Spanish Water Dog 4/5

Grooming Needs

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer 2/5
Spanish Water Dog 6/5

Breed Overview

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer Overview

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointers possess a distinctive rough-textured coat and athletic build, standing 24.5 to 26.5 inches at the shoulder. Their muscular frame supports an agile, powerful hunting companion with a keen sense of smell. The breed exhibits a balanced temperament, combining determination in the field with gentleness at home. Their wire-haired coat provides protection in rough terrain while their expressive eyes convey intelligence and alertness.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Size: Medium
Temperament:

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.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Size: Medium
Temperament: Playful but also Work-Oriented. Very Active and Upbeat.

Key Differences

  • Energy Level: Slovakian Wirehaired Pointers are less energetic than Spanish Water Dogs, requiring less daily exercise.
  • Grooming: Slovakian Wirehaired Pointers require less grooming attention compared to Spanish Water Dogs.
  • Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Slovakian Wirehaired Pointers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Spanish Water Dogs.
  • Trainability: Slovakian Wirehaired Pointers may be slightly easier to train due to their Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer's higher intelligence ranking.
  • Living Situation: Spanish Water Dogs adapt better to apartment living, while Slovakian Wirehaired Pointers typically prefer homes with more space.

Detailed Comparison

Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer and Spanish Water Dog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.

Basic Information

Feature Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer Spanish Water Dog
Size Medium Medium
Life Expectancy 12-15 years 12-14 years
Country of Origin Unknown Unknown
Breed Group Foundation Stock Service Herding Group

Physical Characteristics

Feature Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer Spanish Water Dog
Height
23-27 inches
57-67 cm
16-20 inches
40-50 cm
Weight
50-65 lbs
23-29 kg
31-49 lbs
14-22 kg
Coat Type Short, dense coat Short, dense coat
Coat Length Short Short
Shedding Occasional Infrequent

Temperament & Behavior

Feature Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer Spanish Water Dog
Temperament Playful but also Work-Oriented. Very Active and Upbeat.
Energy Level
4/5
4/5
Intelligence
2/5
1/5

Compatibility

Feature Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer Spanish Water Dog
Good with Children
3/5
4/5
Good with Other Dogs
4/5
3/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
2/5

Temperament & Personality

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer Temperament

The Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer is known for being , making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.

Spanish Water Dog Temperament

Playful but also Work-Oriented. Very Active and Upbeat.

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 Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer and Spanish Water Dog, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:

Sociability with Strangers

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer
3/5
Spanish Water Dog
3/5

Good with Children

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer
3/5
Spanish Water Dog
4/5

Side-by-Side Trait Ratings

GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

Spanish Water Dog

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 4/5

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 4/5

Spanish Water Dog

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

ENERGY LEVEL

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer

Low High

Rating: 4/5

Spanish Water Dog

Low High

Rating: 4/5

TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 2/5

Spanish Water Dog

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 1/5

GROOMING NEEDS

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer

Low High

Rating: 2/5

Spanish Water Dog

Low High

Rating: 5/5

Care & Maintenance

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

4/5

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.

Grooming Requirements

2/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Slovakian Wirehaired Pointers 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

4/5

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

6/5

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

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 12-15 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye Problems
  • Bloat
  • Ear Infections
  • Allergies

Spanish Water Dog Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 12-14 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • PRA
  • CHD
  • Allergies
  • Hypothyroidism

Pros & Cons

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer

Pros

  • Excellent hunting abilities
  • Strong work ethic
  • Loyal family companion
  • Weather-resistant coat

Cons

  • High exercise needs
  • Independent nature
  • Regular grooming required
  • Strong prey drive

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 Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer and Spanish Water Dog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.