Tweed Water Spaniel vs Smithfield - Breed Comparison

Both Tweed Water Spaniel and Smithfield are originated from United Kingdom. Tweed Water Spaniel may grow 7 cm / 3 inches higher than Smithfield. Tweed Water Spaniel may weigh 7 kg / 16 pounds more than Smithfield. Both Tweed Water Spaniel and Smithfield has almost same life span. Both Tweed Water Spaniel and Smithfield has almost same litter size. Both Tweed Water Spaniel and Smithfield requires Moderate maintenance.

History

The Tweed Water Spaniel is extinct. Fortunately, we have some beautiful dogs that come from this dog. It is involved in bringing about the Golden Retriever. They were athletic dogs from Berwick-upon-Tweed.

It was in 1816 that Richard Lawrence wrote of the origins of the Tweed Water Spaniel which is thought to have come from the Newfoundland dog. It is believed that huntsmen used these dogs to retrieve the ducks and geese they shot. This purebred dog wasn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club or the FCI.

smithfield - historyThe Smithfield is also known as the Smithfield, Smithy or Tasmanian Smithfield and is a herding dog found in Australia but originating in the UK. There is also the possibility that there was an Australian dog bred at a place known as Smithfield, near Texas which is just inside the Queensland border.

It is thought by some that the Smithfield is extinct. The dog was first introduced to the Land Down Under in colonial times.

The Smithfield isn’t recognised by the Canine Councils, but in 1862 the first Dog Show was held in Australia.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
46 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
46 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
3 - 8
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Ladykirk Spaniel
Smithy, Tasmanian Smithfield
Colors Available:
Liver
grey or reddish brown., black, White
Coat:
Medium length, wavy to curly
Medium length, rough shaggy
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

The Tweed Water Spaniel had a curly liver-colored coat with a long feathery tail and medium-sized floppy ears. It is thought that he was a large dog standing at between 50 to 60cm in height and weighing between 25 and 32kg.

The Tweed Water Spaniel, regarded as a moderate shedder, would have required being brushed from time to time.

Temperament:

The Tweed Water Spaniel had so many wonderful characteristics that made him a splendid family pet. He was smart and able to learn basic commands. He was also very playful and would have made a robust, playful friend for children.

They made gentle, loyal companions for their human family and wee able to get on well with other pets in the home. They would have got on well with other pets in the home too and it is believed that they were amicable enough to have been suited as a therapy dog.

They made good watchdogs too, being active and alert, just loving the outdoors. They’re well suited to life in the country or a home with a big garden and wouldn’t like to be cooped up on a small property in the city.

smithfield puppy - descriptionThe Smithfield is a medium to large sized dog, strong and square-bodied with a wedge shaped head. Many people liken his looks to a Bearded Collie.

He has a rough, medium length coat. The coat has different colors such as white, black, grey or reddish brown. The coat is shaggy and in fact they are often clipped to give them a groomed look and to prevent grass and burrs clinging to the coat.

The tail of the dog can either be a natural bobtail or it could have a longer tail. When the tail is long it is carried low with an upward turn at the tip. The ears are mostly floppy and held close to the head.

He stands at between 46 to 53cm in height and weighs between 16 and 25kg. A bright, alert expression is a distinctive feature of the Smithfield.

Temperament:

The Smithfield is an active, robust dog and they have well balanced, stable personalities. They are often described as being laid-back.

You won’t find any signs of shyness or aggression with these dogs and they are known to be gentle and calm. They are self confident and well adjusted and also hard working.

They are devoted and loving to their human family and are also intelligent. When they’ve been trained and socialized they make splendid family pets, wonderful with children, just loving to run and play. These are dogs you can rely on to be consistent in nature.

Characteristics

Intelligent, courageous and friendly, it seems such a pity that the Tweed Water Spaniel is extinct because he seemed to have been a super dog.

Luckily we have dogs such as the Golden Retriever that remind us of what a good family pet he was.

smithfield dog - characteristicsThose who have owned a Smithfield love them and say that once you’ve owned one, you’ll want another.

These easy going dogs have all the characteristics necessary to ensure a good pet, playmate and companion. They are devoted to their human family, and given the chance will become a very special 4-legged member of any family who appreciates the friendship a such a dog offers.

Health Problems

Because this dog is extinct and because no health records were kept, it is assumed that he would have had the same health issues as a Golden Retriever. Typical health issues of this dog would include hip dysplasia, obesity, cardiomyopathy.

Obesity:

This is a preventable disease in dogs, and if dog owners only knew what damage they do by allowing their dogs to become obese. Certainly, obesity shortens a dog’s life.

It is mind-boggling to realize that scientific evidence tells us that fat tissue is biologically active, secreting inflammatory hormones and also putting stress on the dog’s joints. Obese dogs develop an increased risk for cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Cardiomyopathy:

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle characterized by an enlarged heart. The heart doesn’t function properly with the ventricles becoming enlarged. The muscle wall of the heart becomes thinner and this causes the heart to lose the ability to pump blood to the rest of the body.

Fluid can accumulate in the lungs. This can all lead to congestive heart failure. Your dog will battle to breathe, be panting and coughing, have an extended abdomen and may even collapse.

smithfield puppies - health problemsThese dogs enjoy exceptional good health and can reach between 10 and 14 years of age.

You have to be careful with your pet however, because there are quite a few common dog illnesses that can plague your pet, and we look at a few -

Canine Distemper:

This is caused by a contagious virus. Infected dogs develop symptoms such as runny eyes, fever, coughing, vomiting and even seizures. Unfortunately this disease is often fatal. There is luckily a vaccine against it and it is highly recommended for your pet.

Canine parvovirus:

Also a very contagious disease which attacks the gastrointestinal system, causing fever, vomiting and diarrhea. It is often spread by contaminated stools and feeding utensils of dogs. Many dogs die from parvo but there is also a vaccine against it.

Heatstroke:

This is terrible for your pet and is a huge risk for dogs during Summer. Never leave your pet in a car unattended, especially on a hot day. Remember that stub-nosed dogs such as Boxers, Pugs, Bulldogs and Boston Terriers are more prone to respiratory problems and heat can be deadly for them.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

The Tweed Water Spaniel had floppy ears and as a water dog, he may well have had ear infections in his day. One wonders if dog owners of that time were aware of the need to have the inside of the dog's ears clean and dry.

The Tweed Water Spaniel would have needed to have his eyes checked too. Pus in the eyes could indicate the dog wasn’t well.

Exercise:

The Tweed Water Spaniel would have required a lot of exercise and would have loved long walks and hikes. He wouldn’t need an invitation to go swimming and if you threw a stick or ball into the water, he’d be right there, jumping right in.

If you were a person that thrived on an active life this dog would have been for you.

Diet:

Nobody really knows what the Tweed Water Spaniel would have eaten in the 19th century when he was around. He’s the kind of dog you’d have to be careful with as he could put on weight easily.

If he were around today, you’d give him a high quality commercially manufactured food that was designed for large, active dogs. No doubt in those days, the owners gave the dog scraps off the table.

Today if you wanted to give your dog home-made food, you’d stick to healthy foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some healthy vegetables such as spinach, carrots and sweet potatoes.

Puppies would have required 4 bowls of food a day while the adult dog would require 2 meals a day.

Exercise:

smithfield dogs - caringThe Smithfield has plenty of energy and loves nothing more than lots of games with the children. He will also look forward to a walk every day as well as other activities.

Grooming:

When it comes to grooming, you can save money by grooming your dog at home. Whether you have your pet’s hair cut or you leave it as is, get into the habit of brushing the fur at least twice a week. You can speak to your vet or groomer and get advice on what comb of brush to use on your Smithfield.

It you want to cut your pet’s hair, it is important to use the right equipment so you don't accidentally injure him. Certainly if you feel unsure about shaving your dog at home, leave this grooming aspect to the experts.

Have your pet’s nails trimmed.

Check your pet’s eyes. They must be clear and bright. Check inside his mouth for bad teeth. Check inside his ears to make sure they aren’t red with infection.

Diet:

Your Smithfield is relying on you to provide him with good food. For convenience, it is always a good idea to have a packet of the best dry kibble there is. Check out the label and make sure to buy one that has a good balance of vitamins and minerals.

Give him some tasty homemade food too. Remember to keep it plain and simple. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are nutritious and tasty. This food can all be chopped up and small portions added to the dry kibble twice a week as a treat.

You’ll never have to worry about digestion problems with your dog. A little bit of raw meat can also go a long way to ensuring his skin stays healthy and free of skin infections. Ensure that he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  2. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Chesapeake Bay Retriever - Breed Comparison
  3. Tweed Water Spaniel vs German Wirehaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  4. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  5. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Gordon Setter - Breed Comparison
  6. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Magyar Agar - Breed Comparison
  7. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Eurohound - Breed Comparison
  8. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Noir - Breed Comparison
  9. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Orange - Breed Comparison
  10. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Grand Anglo-Francais Tricolore - Breed Comparison
  11. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  12. Tweed Water Spaniel vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  13. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  14. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  15. Tweed Water Spaniel vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  17. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  18. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  19. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Samoyed - Breed Comparison
  20. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Labradoodle - Breed Comparison
  21. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Cane Corso - Breed Comparison
  22. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  23. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Mixed - Breed Comparison
  24. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  25. Smithfield vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  26. Smithfield vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  27. Smithfield vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  28. Smithfield vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Smithfield vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  30. Smithfield vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  31. Smithfield vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  32. Smithfield vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  33. Smithfield vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  34. Smithfield vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. Smithfield vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  36. Smithfield vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  37. Smithfield vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  38. Smithfield vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  39. Smithfield vs Pyrenean Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  40. Smithfield vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  41. Smithfield vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  42. Smithfield vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. Smithfield vs Queensland Heeler - Breed Comparison
  44. Smithfield vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  45. Smithfield vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  46. Smithfield vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  47. Smithfield vs Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  48. Smithfield vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  49. Smithfield vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds