DogMatchUp

Spanish Water Dog vs Caucasian Shepherd Dog

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
Medium

Spanish Water Dog

Herding Group

Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Large

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Foundation Stock Service

Quick Comparison

Size

Spanish Water Dog Medium
Caucasian Shepherd Dog Large

Lifespan

Spanish Water Dog 12-14 years
Caucasian Shepherd Dog 10-12 years

Exercise Needs

Spanish Water Dog 4/5
Caucasian Shepherd Dog 2/5

Grooming Needs

Spanish Water Dog 6/5
Caucasian Shepherd Dog 4/5

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.

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

Caucasian Shepherd Dog Overview

Majestic and powerful, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog boasts a massive frame covered in a thick, weatherproof double coat. Their large head features a broad muzzle and strong jaws, while their muscular build reflects their guardian heritage. These dogs display remarkable strength and agility despite their size, moving with surprising grace when alert.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Size: Large
Temperament: Fearless, Bold, Kind

Key Differences

  • Energy Level: Spanish Water Dogs are more energetic than Caucasian Shepherd Dogs, requiring more daily exercise.
  • Grooming: Spanish Water Dogs require more grooming attention compared to Caucasian Shepherd Dogs.
  • Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Spanish Water Dogs tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Caucasian Shepherd Dogs.
  • Trainability: Caucasian Shepherd Dogs may be slightly easier to train due to their Caucasian Shepherd Dog's higher intelligence ranking.
  • Living Situation: Caucasian Shepherd Dogs 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.

Basic Information

Feature Spanish Water Dog Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Size Medium Large
Life Expectancy 12-14 years 10-12 years
Country of Origin Unknown Unknown
Breed Group Herding Group Foundation Stock Service

Physical Characteristics

Feature Spanish Water Dog Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Height
16-20 inches
40-50 cm
23-30 inches
58-76 cm
Weight
31-49 lbs
14-22 kg
99-170 lbs
45-77 kg
Coat Type Short, dense coat Short, dense coat
Coat Length Short Short
Shedding Infrequent Regularly

Temperament & Behavior

Feature Spanish Water Dog Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Temperament Playful but also Work-Oriented. Very Active and Upbeat. Fearless, Bold, Kind
Energy Level
4/5
2/5
Intelligence
1/5
3/5

Compatibility

Feature Spanish Water Dog Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Good with Children
4/5
3/5
Good with Other Dogs
3/5
2/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
3/5

Temperament & Personality

Spanish Water Dog Temperament

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

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.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog Temperament

Fearless Bold Kind

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is characterized by being fearless, bold, kind, which makes them better for households without small children. 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 moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.

Temperament Comparison

When comparing the Spanish Water Dog and Caucasian Shepherd Dog, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:

Sociability with Strangers

Spanish Water Dog
3/5
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
2/5

Good with Children

Spanish Water Dog
4/5
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
3/5

Side-by-Side Trait Ratings

GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Spanish Water Dog

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 4/5

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

Spanish Water Dog

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 2/5

ENERGY LEVEL

Spanish Water Dog

Low High

Rating: 4/5

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Low High

Rating: 2/5

TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE

Spanish Water Dog

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 1/5

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 3/5

GROOMING NEEDS

Spanish Water Dog

Low High

Rating: 5/5

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Low High

Rating: 4/5

Care & Maintenance

Spanish Water Dog Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

4/5

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

6/5

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.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

2/5

Caucasian Shepherd Dogs need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.

Grooming Requirements

4/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Caucasian Shepherd 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

Spanish Water Dog Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 12-14 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • PRA
  • CHD
  • Allergies
  • Hypothyroidism

Caucasian Shepherd Dog Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 10-12 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Heart Issues
  • Eye Problems
  • Joint Issues
  • Obesity

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

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Pros

  • Exceptional guardian abilities
  • Loyal to family
  • Weather-resistant coat
  • Powerful and protective

Cons

  • Challenging to train
  • Requires extensive socialization
  • Not suitable for novice owners
  • High maintenance costs

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

Now that you've compared the Spanish Water Dog and Caucasian Shepherd Dog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.