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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
Spain

Spanish Water Dog

Herding Group
Medium

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
Germany/France

Poodle

Non-Sporting Group
Medium

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

Size:

Medium

Male:

18–22 kg

Coat:

Curly, woolly

Lifespan:

12–14 years

Female:

14–18 kg

Energy:

High energy

Size:

Medium

Male:

20–32 kg

Coat:

Curly, dense

Lifespan:

12–15 years

Female:

18–27 kg

Energy:

High energy

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

Spanish Water Dog

Friendliness
4/5

Generally sociable with family and familiar people

Intelligence
5/5

Quick learner, excels in obedience and tasks

Energy Level
5/5

Highly active, requires regular physical exercise

Playfulness
4/5

Enjoys games and interactive activities

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to new routines and environments

Poodle

Friendliness
5/5

Warm and sociable with family and guests

Intelligence
5/5

Highly intelligent and quick to learn commands

Energy Level
4/5

Needs regular activity and enjoys exercise

Playfulness
5/5

Loves games and interactive playtime

Adaptability
5/5

Easily adjusts to new environments and routines

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

Spanish Water Dog

Grooming:
High grooming needs (monthly trimming)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Quick learner
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates, struggles with extreme heat
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy

Poodle

Grooming:
High grooming needs (at least weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Highly trainable
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

Spanish Water Dog

First-time Owner
2/5

Challenging for beginners

Needs experienced handling and consistent training

Apartment Living
2/5

Not ideal

Needs space and mental stimulation to thrive

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Excellent match

Thrives with active owners and frequent exercise

Kids
4/5

Very suitable

Patient and energetic with respectful, well-supervised children

Multiple Pets
4/5

Good fit

Generally sociable with other pets when socialized early

Being Left Alone
1/5

Prone to anxiety

Dislikes being left alone for extended periods

Poodle

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Intelligent and eager to please, Poodles are easy for beginners to train and manage.

Apartment Living
4/5

Highly suitable

Poodles adapt well to apartment life if given daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Perfect fit

Their energy and love for activity make them great companions for active households.

Kids
5/5

Very friendly

Poodles are gentle and patient with children when socialized from a young age.

Multiple Pets
4/5

Gets along well

Poodles usually coexist peacefully with other pets, especially if socialized early.

Being Left Alone
2/5

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

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

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