Spanish Water Dog vs German Shepherd
Discover the differences between Spanish Water Dog and German Shepherd to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Spanish Water Dog
Energetic, loyal, and highly trainable, this curly-coated breed thrives in active households. Adaptable and affectionate, the Spanish Water Dog makes a devoted companion and versatile working partner.
German Shepherd
Confident, loyal, and highly intelligent, this breed thrives as both a devoted family companion and a reliable working partner. Always alert and eager to learn, it adapts to many roles with ease.
Quick comparison
Medium
18–22 kg
Curly, woolly
12–14 years
14–18 kg
High energy
Large
30–40 kg
Double coat, dense undercoat
9–13 years
22–32 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Spanish Water Dog
Generally sociable with family and familiar people
Quick learner, excels in obedience and tasks
Highly active, requires regular physical exercise
Enjoys games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to new routines and environments
German Shepherd
Warm with family, reserved with strangers
Quick learner, highly trainable and alert
Needs regular activity and vigorous exercise
Enjoys games, interactive and engaging
Adjusts well to new situations and environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Spanish Water Dog
Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy
German Shepherd
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Spanish Water Dog
Challenging for beginners
Needs experienced handling and consistent training
Not ideal
Needs space and mental stimulation to thrive
Excellent match
Thrives with active owners and frequent exercise
Very suitable
Patient and energetic with respectful, well-supervised children
Good fit
Generally sociable with other pets when socialized early
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods
German Shepherd
Challenging for beginners
Needs experienced, consistent training and socialization
Not ideal
Needs space and frequent exercise to prevent boredom
Perfect fit
Thrives with active owners who can provide daily physical and mental challenges
Highly suitable
Loyal and protective, can be gentle and patient with proper socialization
Usually compatible
Can get along with other pets if raised together and well socialized
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop behavioral issues
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Spanish Water Dog
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn tasks
- Strong swimming and retrieving instincts
- Loyal and forms close family bonds
- Adaptable to various environments and activities
- Low-shedding, curly coat reduces dander
German Shepherd
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn tasks
- Strong loyalty to family members
- Excellent working and service dog abilities
- Protective instincts make them good guardians
- Adaptable to various training activities
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Spanish Water Dog
- Requires regular mental stimulation and challenges
- Prone to coat matting without routine grooming
- Reserved or aloof with unfamiliar people
- Needs consistent, positive training approach
- High energy levels demand daily vigorous exercise
German Shepherd
- Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
- High exercise needs require daily activity
- Can develop separation anxiety if left alone
- May be wary of strangers without socialization
- Heavy seasonal shedding requires frequent grooming
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