Spanish Water Dog vs Golden Retriever Comparison. Which dog is better for you: SWD or Golden Flat Coat?
Compare the Spanish Water Dog and Golden Retriever breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a SWD or a Golden Flat Coat? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you
Other names
Perro De Agua EspaƱol, SWD
Golden Flat Coat, Yellow Retriever
Weight
What is the average weight of Spanish Water Dog and Golden Retriever?
17.5 pounds
( 8 kg )
70.0 pounds
( 32 kg )
Height
What is the average height of Spanish Water Dog and Golden Retriever
11.0 inches
( 27.9 cm )
23.0 inches
( 58.4 cm )
Weight Gain Potential
Which breed eats more: Spanish Water Dog or Golden Retriever?
Spanish Water Dog has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.
Golden Retriever tends to gain weight easily, needs increased exercise and playtime along with controlled food intake.
Hypoallergenic
Are Spanish Water Dogs or Golden Retrievers hypoallergenic, or neither?
Yes
While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Spanish Water Dogs are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.
No
Unfortunately, the Golden Retriever is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.
Temperament
What are the personalities of Spanish Water Dog and Golden Retriever dogs?
Do Spanish Water Dogs shed more than Golden Retrievers, or which breed sheds more, Spanish Water Dogs or Golden Retrievers?
Spanish Water Dogs shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.
Golden Retrievers are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.
Watchdog Ability
Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Spanish Water Dog or Golden Retriever?
Spanish Water Dogs make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.
Golden Retrievers are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.
Ancestry
What are the origins of Spanish Water Dog and Golden Retriever breeds?
Ancient European Water Dog
Retriever
Breed recognition
Which kennel clubs recognize/register Spanish Water Dog and Golden Retriever?
American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. National Kennel Club United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club
Date of Birth
When were Spanish Water Dog and Golden Retriever breeds first developed?
10th Century
1800s
Breed Group
What is the Breed Group of Spanish Water Dog and Golden Retriever?
Herding (AKC:2015) Gun Dog (UKC)
Sporting (AKC:1925) Gun Dog (UKC)
Litter Size
What is the usual litter size for Spanish Water Dog and Golden Retriever?
10-14 puppies per pregnancy
A Spanish Water Dog can have a litter of 10-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.
10-12 puppies per pregnancy
A Golden Retriever can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.
Adaptability
Spanish Water Dogs are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.
Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.
Health Issues
Between Spanish Water Dog and Golden Retriever, which breed is more prone to health problems?
While the Spanish Water Dog breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.
Golden Retrievers typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.
Major Concerns
What are the major health concerns for Spanish Water Dog and Golden Retriever breeds?
Hip Dysplasia Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Elbow Dysplasia Cataract Hip Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Spanish Water Dog and Golden Retriever?
What occasional tests are recommended for Spanish Water Dog and Golden Retriever breeds?
Hip And Eyes Blood Test Thyroid Tests X-Rays Eye Examination Physical Examination
Cardiac Eye Hip Elbow Blood Dna Test For Vwd X-Rays Physical Examination
Energy
How do the energy levels of Spanish Water Dogs and Golden Retrievers compare?
Spanish Water Dogs' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.
Golden Retrievers thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.
Social Needs
Spanish Water Dog vs Golden Retriever social needs comparison
Spanish Water Dog has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.
Golden Retriever has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.
Exercise Needed
Spanish Water Dog vs Golden Retriever exercise need comparison.
Spanish Water Dogs require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.
Golden Retrievers need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.
Sleeping Need
Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Spanish Water Dog or Golden Retriever?
Spanish Water Dogs sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.
Golden Retrievers are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more/less, Spanish Water Dog or Golden Retriever?
Spanish Water Dog has low drooling tendency, suitable for those who dislike drool marks.
Golden Retriever drools quite a bit, consider a different breed if drool is unappealing.
Tendency to Bark
Do Spanish Water Dogs or Golden Retrievers bark more/less frequently?
Spanish Water Dogs bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.
Golden Retriever dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.
Territorial
Is the Spanish Water Dog or Golden Retriever a better guard dog?
Spanish Water Dog dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.
While Golden Retriever dogs can defend their territory or owners, it's not their primary trait, and they are not ideal guard dogs.
Mouthiness
Mouthiness Comparison: Spanish Water Dog vs Golden Retriever?
Roaming urge
Spanish Water Dog vs Labrador: Running away tendency?
Prey Drive
Spanish Water Dog or Golden Retriever - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?
Past times
What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Spanish Water Dog and Golden Retriever entertained?
Long walks, Play
Hike, Swim, Run, Running, Jumping, Fetch, Sniffing, Walking, Kisses, Being pet, Go to Park, Walk, Play, Bath time, Ball, Playing, Petting, Digging, Chewing, Sticks, Belly rubs, Cuddling, Hugs, Dog Parks, Eating Snacks, Playdate, Tug-of-war, Exploring, Walks, Walkin
Tolerance of being left alone
Grooming
Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Spanish Water Dogs or Golden Retrievers?
The Spanish Water Dog has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.
The Golden Retriever requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.
Intelligence
Comparing Intelligence: Spanish Water Dogs vs Golden Retrievers
Spanish Water Dog has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.
Golden Retriever is highly intelligent and very trainable.
Sensitivity Level
How do Spanish Water Dog and Golden Retriever compare in sensitivity?
This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.
Golden Retrievers have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.
Affection Dependance
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Spanish Water Dog vs Golden Retriever?
Apartment Friendly
Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Spanish Water Dog or Golden Retriever?
It's not recommended to keep Spanish Water Dog or Golden Retriever in an apartment, but these breeds make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Dogs of these breeds living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.
Child Friendly
Do Spanish Water Dogs or Golden Retrievers have a friendlier temperament towards children?
Spanish Water Dogs are not the best choice for families with kids.
Golden Retrievers make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.
Senior-friendly
Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Spanish Water Dog or Golden Retriever?
Cat Friendly
Do Spanish Water Dog or Golden Retriever breeds have a better compatibility with cats?
Spanish Water Dogs are somewhat cat friendly and can be trained to get along with cats.
Golden Retrievers are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.
Dog Friendly
Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Spanish Water Dog or Golden Retriever?
Spanish Water Dogs are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.
Golden Retrievers are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.
Pet friendly
How do Spanish Water Dog or Golden Retriever dogs interact with other pets?
Stranger Friendly
Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Spanish Water Dog or Golden Retriever?
Spanish Water Dogs are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.
Golden Retrievers are highly friendly around strangers.
Playfulness
Which breed is more playful between Spanish Water Dog and Golden Retriever?
Spanish Water Dogs are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.
Golden Retrievers are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.
Trainability
How do the trainability levels of Spanish Water Dogs and Golden Retrievers compare?
Spanish Water Dog and Golden Retriever dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.