Spanish Water Dog vs Border Collie
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Spanish Water Dog
Herding Group
Border Collie
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Border Collie Overview
Border Collies showcase a medium-sized, athletic build with distinctive black and white coat patterns, though other colors exist. Their almond-shaped eyes possess an intense, intelligent gaze that reflects their keen herding instinct. A graceful, agile frame supports their remarkable working ability, complemented by a deep chest and strong legs built for endurance.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Spanish Water Dogs are less energetic than Border Collies, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Spanish Water Dogs require more grooming attention compared to Border Collies.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Spanish Water Dogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Border Collies.
- Trainability: Border Collies may be slightly easier to train due to their Border Collie's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Border Collies 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 Spanish Water Dog and Border Collie, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Spanish Water Dog | Border Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Spanish Water Dog | Border Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-20 inches 40-50 cm | 18-22 inches 46-56 cm |
| Weight | 31-49 lbs 14-22 kg | 30-55 lbs 14-25 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Spanish Water Dog | Border Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful but also Work-Oriented. Very Active and Upbeat. | Affectionate, Smart, Energetic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Spanish Water Dog | Border Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Spanish Water Dog Temperament
The Spanish Water Dog is known for being playful but also work-oriented. very active and upbeat., making them excellent family dogs. 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.
Border Collie Temperament
The Border Collie is characterized by being affectionate, smart, energetic, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Spanish Water Dog and Border Collie, 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
Spanish Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
Border Collie
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Spanish Water Dog
Rating: 3/5
Border Collie
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Spanish Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
Border Collie
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Spanish Water Dog
Rating: 1/5
Border Collie
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Spanish Water Dog
Rating: 5/5
Border Collie
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Spanish Water Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Spanish Water Dogs 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
With their short, dense coat coat, Spanish Water Dogs require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Border Collie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Border Collies 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, Border Collies 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
Spanish Water Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- CHD
- Allergies
- Hypothyroidism
Border Collie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- CEA
- MDR1
- TNS
- CL
Pros & Cons
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
Border Collie
Pros
- Extremely intelligent
- Highly trainable
- Athletic and agile
- Loyal and devoted
- Excellent working dog
Cons
- Requires extensive exercise
- May be too intense for novice owners
- Strong herding instinct
- Needs constant mental stimulation
- Can be overly sensitive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Spanish Water Dog and Border Collie, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.