Spanish Water Dog vs Field Spaniel
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
Field Spaniel
Sporting 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.
Field Spaniel Overview
Field Spaniels showcase a noble sporting dog appearance with their distinctive silky coat and balanced proportions. Their medium-sized frame carries graceful lines, featuring long ears and a gentle expression. Known for their rich dark liver coloring and well-feathered legs, these dogs combine elegance with athletic ability, displaying a strong yet refined build suited to their sporting heritage.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Spanish Water Dogs are more energetic than Field Spaniels, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Spanish Water Dogs require more grooming attention compared to Field Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Spanish Water Dogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Field Spaniels.
- Trainability: Field Spaniels may be slightly easier to train due to their Field Spaniel's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Field Spaniels 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 Field Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Spanish Water Dog | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Spanish Water Dog | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-20 inches 40-50 cm | 17-18 inches 43-46 cm |
| Weight | 31-49 lbs 14-22 kg | 35-50 lbs 16-23 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Spanish Water Dog | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful but also Work-Oriented. Very Active and Upbeat. | Sweet, Fun-Loving, Sensitive |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Spanish Water Dog | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Field Spaniel Temperament
The Field Spaniel is characterized by being sweet, fun-loving, sensitive, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. 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 Field Spaniel, 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
Field Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Spanish Water Dog
Rating: 3/5
Field Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Spanish Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
Field Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Spanish Water Dog
Rating: 1/5
Field Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Spanish Water Dog
Rating: 5/5
Field Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
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.
Field Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Field Spaniels 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
With their short, dense coat coat, Field Spaniels require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Spanish Water Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- CHD
- Allergies
- Hypothyroidism
Field Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Hypothyroidism
- Heart Issues
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
Field Spaniel
Pros
- Gentle temperament
- Good with families
- Sporting abilities
- Moderate exercise needs
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- Can be reserved with strangers
- Prone to ear infections
- Needs consistent training
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Spanish Water Dog and Field Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.