Spanish Water Dog vs Poodle
Discover the differences between Spanish Water Dog and Poodle to make the best choice for your situation.
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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.

Poodle
Elegant, intelligent, and highly trainable, this breed stands out for its lively spirit and loyal companionship. Their hypoallergenic coat and playful personality make them ideal family pets.
Quick comparison
Medium
18–22 kg
Curly, woolly
12–14 years
14–18 kg
High energy
Medium
20–32 kg
Curly, dense
12–15 years
18–27 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
Poodle
Warm and sociable with family and guests
Highly intelligent and quick to learn commands
Needs regular activity and enjoys exercise
Loves games and interactive playtime
Easily adjusts to new environments and routines
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Spanish Water Dog
Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy
Poodle
Hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease
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
Poodle
Great choice
Intelligent and eager to please, Poodles are easy for beginners to train and manage.
Highly suitable
Poodles adapt well to apartment life if given daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Perfect fit
Their energy and love for activity make them great companions for active households.
Very friendly
Poodles are gentle and patient with children when socialized from a young age.
Gets along well
Poodles usually coexist peacefully with other pets, especially if socialized early.
Prone to anxiety
Poodles can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods regularly.
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
Poodle
- Highly intelligent and easy to train
- Hypoallergenic coat reduces shedding
- Strong bond with family members
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Excellent performance in canine sports
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
Poodle
- Requires regular professional grooming
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- Needs daily mental and physical stimulation
- Can be reserved with unfamiliar people
- Susceptible to certain genetic health issues
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