Australian Shepherd vs Spanish Water Dog Comparison

Quick Verdict

Who wins in each category?

Overall Winner

Australian Shepherd

5/6

categories

Best for Apartments

Australian Shepherd

3/5 · Acceptable

Easiest Grooming

Spanish Water Dog

2/5 · Low maintenance

Longest Lifespan

Australian Shepherd

11-15 years

Easiest to Train

Australian Shepherd

4/5 · Easy

Most Active

Australian Shepherd

5/5 · Active

Best for First-Time Owners

🤝 Tie

5/6

83%

Australian Shepherd

👑 Winner

2/6

33%

Spanish Water Dog

* This summary is based on data from our database. Always make your final decision based on your individual needs.

Basic Info

Origin
United S
Spain
Popularity
#17
#148
Common Names & Aliases
Little Blue DogAussie
Perro De Agua Español
Breed Classification
Purebred
Purebred
Size Classification
Large
Medium
Weight Statistics
Male: 25-29 kg, Female: 18-25 kg
Male: 18-22 kg, Female: 14-18 kg
Average Weight
Male: 26.1 kg, Female: 21.5 kg
Male: 20.2 kg, Female: 15.9 kg
Height
Male: 52-58 cm, Female: 46-53 cm
Male: 44-50 cm, Female: 40-46 cm
Average Height
Male: 55 cm, Female: 46-53 cm
Male: 47 cm, Female: 43 cm
Intelligence Rating
4/5
2/5
Watchdog Rating
5/5
4/5
Training Difficulty
5/5
4/5
Territorial Protection
5/5
5/5
Price Range
$600-$800
$1000-$1200
Availability
5/5
4/5
Personality Traits
ActiveFriendlyIntelligentLovingAffectionateGood-naturedProtective
AffectionateDiligentTrainableAthleticLoyal
Sensitivity Level
5/5
5/5
Impulse to Wander or Roam
1/5
4/5
Prey Drive
4/5
4/5
Affection Level
4/5
5/5
Social Needs
4/5
4/5
Barking Frequency
2/5
3/5
Playful Nature
5/5
4/5
Apartment Adaptability
3/5
2/5
Lifestyle Adaptability
5/5
4/5
Alone Time Tolerance
Low
Low
Bite Risk Assessment
Low
Low
Mouthing Tendency
4/5
4/5
Bite Strength Rating
Between 200 and 400 PSI
Between 200 and 400 PSI
Average Lifespan
11-15 years
10-14 years
Climate Tolerance
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Health Concerns
3/5
3/5
Health Problems
AllergiesCancerCataractsCollie Eye AnomalyDeafnessDetached RetinaDistichiasisDrug SensitivityElbow DysplasiaEpilepsyHip DysplasiaHypothyroidismNasal Solar DermatitisOsteochondrosis DissecansPersistent Pupillary MembranesProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Addison's DiseaseAllergiesCataractsCherry EyeDistichiasisExocrine Pancreatic InsufficiencyHip DysplasiaHypothyroidismNeuroaxonal DystrophyProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Vet Care Frequency
Average
Average
Energy Rating
5/5
4/5
Sleeping Need
1/5
2/5
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
5/5
4/5
Obesity Tendency
4/5
3/5
Food Consumption
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Allergy Friendliness
No
Yes
Coat Colors
RedBlueMerleBlack
ChestnutWhiteBlackBlack & WhiteBrown & White
Grooming Requirements
3/5
2/5
Shedding Level
3/5
1/5
Drooling Tendency
1/5
2/5
Stinkiness Rating
Medium
Medium
Coat Characteristics
Feathered
CurlyWaterproofGrow into dreadlocksWoollyNo Undercoat
Bathing Needs
6-8 weeks
3-4 weeks
Cat Friendly
3/5
2/5
Child Compatibility
5/5
2/5
Dog Friendly
3/5
3/5
Stranger Friendly
2/5
2/5
Office Friendly
No
No
Senior Citizens Friendly
Highly Recommended
Below Average
Pet Compatibility
Average
Below Average
Good For First Time Owners
Yes
Yes
Service Dog Capability
Not really
Not really
Therapy Work Suitability
Not really
Not really
Scent Detection Ability
Not really
Not really
Search & Rescue Potential
Not really
Not really
Maritime Work Ability
Not really
Yes
Draft Work Capability
Not really
Not really
Military Service Background
Not really
Not really
Puppy Litter Size
6-9 puppies, average 7
4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
60-64 days
60-64 days
Breeding Frequency
Once a year.
Once a year.
AKC Classification
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryContinental Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.National Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.United Kennel ClubAmerican Canine Association, Inc.Australian Shepherd Club Of America
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleNational Kennel ClubNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.United Kennel ClubAmerican Canine Association, Inc.
Winner / Best value