DogMatchUp

Spanish Water Dog vs Sealyham Terrier

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

Sealyham Terrier
Small

Sealyham Terrier

Terrier Group

Quick Comparison

Size

Spanish Water Dog Medium
Sealyham Terrier Small

Lifespan

Spanish Water Dog 12-14 years
Sealyham Terrier 12-14 years

Exercise Needs

Spanish Water Dog 4/5
Sealyham Terrier 3/5

Grooming Needs

Spanish Water Dog 6/5
Sealyham Terrier 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.

Sealyham Terrier Overview

Sealyham Terriers showcase a distinctive white coat and muscular build, standing 10.5 inches at the shoulder. Their powerful jaws and strong neck reflect their hunting heritage, while their long, broad head features dark eyes and folded ears. These sturdy terriers combine an alert, outgoing personality with a charming sense of humor, making them both capable workers and delightful companions.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Size: Small
Temperament: Alert, Outgoing, Sense Of Humor

Key Differences

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

Basic Information

Feature Spanish Water Dog Sealyham Terrier
Size Medium Small
Life Expectancy 12-14 years 12-14 years
Country of Origin Unknown Unknown
Breed Group Herding Group Terrier Group

Physical Characteristics

Feature Spanish Water Dog Sealyham Terrier
Height
16-20 inches
40-50 cm
11-11 inches
27-27 cm
Weight
31-49 lbs
14-22 kg
23-24 lbs
10-11 kg
Coat Type Short, dense coat Short, dense coat
Coat Length Short Short
Shedding Infrequent Seasonal

Temperament & Behavior

Feature Spanish Water Dog Sealyham Terrier
Temperament Playful but also Work-Oriented. Very Active and Upbeat. Alert, Outgoing, Sense Of Humor
Energy Level
4/5
3/5
Intelligence
1/5
2/5

Compatibility

Feature Spanish Water Dog Sealyham Terrier
Good with Children
4/5
3/5
Good with Other Dogs
3/5
3/5
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.

Sealyham Terrier Temperament

Alert Outgoing Sense Of Humor

The Sealyham Terrier is characterized by being alert, outgoing, sense of humor, 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 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 Sealyham Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:

Sociability with Strangers

Spanish Water Dog
3/5
Sealyham Terrier
4/5

Good with Children

Spanish Water Dog
4/5
Sealyham Terrier
3/5

Side-by-Side Trait Ratings

GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Spanish Water Dog

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 4/5

Sealyham Terrier

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

Spanish Water Dog

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

Sealyham Terrier

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

ENERGY LEVEL

Spanish Water Dog

Low High

Rating: 4/5

Sealyham Terrier

Low High

Rating: 3/5

TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE

Spanish Water Dog

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 1/5

Sealyham Terrier

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 2/5

GROOMING NEEDS

Spanish Water Dog

Low High

Rating: 5/5

Sealyham Terrier

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.

Sealyham Terrier Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

3/5

Sealyham Terriers 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, Sealyham Terriers 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

Sealyham Terrier Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 12-14 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Retinal Dysplasia
  • Lens Luxation
  • Hip Issues
  • Allergies
  • Deafness

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

Sealyham Terrier

Pros

  • Good with families
  • Alert watchdog
  • Minimal shedding
  • Adaptable to various homes

Cons

  • Regular grooming needed
  • Can be stubborn
  • May chase small animals
  • Requires experienced handling

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

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