Spanish Water Dog vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison

Spanish Water Dog vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed ComparisonIrish Staffordshire Bull Terrier is originated from Ireland but Spanish Water Dog is originated from Spain. Both Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Spanish Water Dog are having almost same height. Both Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Spanish Water Dog are having almost same weight. Both Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Spanish Water Dog has same life span. Both Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Spanish Water Dog has almost same litter size. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier requires Low Maintenance. But Spanish Water Dog requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Herding dogs
undefined
Ireland
Spain
Height Male:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
44 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
40 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
18 - 22 kg
39 - 49 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
5 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Irish Staffie
Perro de agua Español SWD Turco Andaluz • Turkish Dog
Colors Available:
Fawn, black or brindle - bi-colored, tan
solid black, beige, brown, or white; bicolour where the second colour is white; or particolour
Coat:
Short and smooth
distinctive curly coat which is woolly in texture and may form cords when long
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

irish staffordshire bull terrierThe Staffordshire Bull Terrier comes from Staffordshire, England, but the Irish Staffie was later developed by Irish breeders so its origin is essentially Ireland. They were developed from bulldogs and different terrier breeds.

The dog was always used for bull baiting, but when this sport died out, the Irish breeders wanted to create a taller, leaner dog suited for dog fighting. When dog fighting was banned the breed became rare again, but today it has been restored and is essentially a popular companion pet.

spanish water dogBred in Spain to guard and herd sheep, the Spanish Water Dog was also used in hunting because he could retrieve in water. The breed is closely aligned with other water dogs like the Irish Water Spaniel, Portuguese Water Dog and French Barbel. It is especially true that the Spanish Water Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog share some of the same ancestors. The two breeds are closely related.

In the early days of the breed, they were separated into three different sizes and types. The dogs from Northern Spain were smaller than the others and came from the regions of Cantabria and Asturias. These lighter colored dogs eventually became their own breed – the Cantabria Water Dog. The second group came from western Andalusia marsh lands. He had a long chorded coat. The third group was the strongest and largest and came from the southern Andalusian sierras. This was by far the largest and most influential group, most of whom were herders. Eventually the groups interbred and today’s SWD carries the traits of all three. They were and still are a very versatile breed. In addition to herding they fished or retrieved for hunters.

The breed was revived in the 1970”s by two breeders, Santiago Montesinos and Antonio Garcia Perez travelled through southern Spain to buy or borrow dogs for breeding. By 1980, they had established the Spanish Water Dog Club of Spain and reestablished the breed. They fought to the breed recognized in Spain first. After five years of hard work, the Federation Cynologique Internationale recognized the breed permanently in 1999.

The UKC, or United Kennel Club, of the United States, recognized the breed in 2001, accepting them for confirmation by 2004. In the United States the breed was championed by Ken and Jerry Mann to attain that UKC recognition. Still the AKC, or American Kennel Club, held out on their recognition. The Manns showed the SWD in 2000 in the AKC Rare Breed Conformation and the UKC multi-breed show in 2004.

The Manns also used their breed for herding in the United States in entered them into the herding competition. In the they advocated for and got the SWD into the herding group for confirmation with the UKC in 2013. The American Kennel Club approved the requests of the Spanish Water Dog Club, Inc and recognized the breed in 2005 as foundation stock. By 2008 the AKC recognized the SWD to be able to compete in field trials by not conformation. In 2015 the SWD will be admitting to AKC conformation and fully recognized as a member of the herding group. They were also recognized by the American Herding Breed Association in 2007.

Description

irish staffordshire bull terrier puppy - descriptionThe Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a medium sized pure-breed dog standing at roughly 43 to 48cm and weighing anything from 14 to 18kg.

He has a short, smooth coat which can be a mix of colors such as fawn, tan, black or brindle. The coat can also be bi-colored such as in fawn and white or black and white. He is a powerfully built dog with short legs which are fairly wide apart.

He has a large head and short muzzle with powerful jaws.Sometimes when he pants after a hectic bout of exercise he gets a comical, grinning look on his face. The ears are semi-erect, semi-upright and he has a long tail.

Temperament:

Your Irish Staffy is a feisty, confident dog that has been known to have a temperament which leads towards aggression. It is why he should be trained and socialized to make him more amicable and obedient. He is an intelligent and alert dog, so won't have difficulty with training.

A well trained and socialized Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier will get on well with children in the home as he is a playful, jovial dog, always ready for a game.

spanish water dog puppy - descriptionThe Spanish Water Dog is an athletic, medium size, robust breed that is not as tall as it is long. In countries like the US, the tails are docked but it is not a conformation fault if they are not. The carry themselves with pride and elegance, have a strong head and expressive eyes which are brown. They have flat skulls and wide set eyes. Their paw pads, eye-rims and nose should be darker than their coat or at least the same color. Their eyes are chestnut, hazel or dark brown and their ears are medium height and triangular. His coat is curly and his topline is straight. With a broad chest and arched rib, he is a very athletic looking dog. The breed has much respiratory capacity with broad shoulders and straight sturdy legs. The breed has rounded feet , tight toes, and resistant pads.

Characteristics

irish staffordshire bull terrier dog - characteristicsThe older Irish Staffie has always been an aggressive type dog used for fighting, but today the modern breed is capable of being a splendid, entertaining, amicable pet with an even temper. He is feisty for sure, being brave, fearless, loyal and loving with his human family members.

All it requires with this dog is to have a firm, loving upbringing, some training and socialization as well as good food and plenty of love and attention. Many dogs get labelled wrongly because of the humans that rear them the wrong way. When done correctly, the Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier promises to be a wonderful, loving, loyal pet.

1.Children friendliness - yes

2.Special talents - water/swimming search and rescue

spanish water dog dog - characteristics3.Adaptability - very adaptable with the right exercise. Neither heat nor cold bother them.

4.Learning ability – Smart but need a reliable recall.

Health Problems

irish staffordshire bull terrier puppies - health problemsThe Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier, just like with any other dog, has a good chance of living a good number of years if he is fed properly. He can live to be anything up to between 10 and 16 years.

Say what you like, good nutrition and the lifestyle you provide for your Irish Staffie will determine how long he lives. An unhappy dog that has to beg for love and attention won't do well. Your Irish Staffie can live to a ripe age but he is still at risk for certain health problems.

Mastocytoma:

These mast cell tumors are graded according to their location in the skin. Certain dogs like Boxers and bulldogs are more susceptible to mast cell tumors than other breeds, and the Irish Staffie isn't immune either. Most times the tumor develops in an older dog, though young dogs have also been known to develop the tumor. These tumors can be inactive for a while and then experience some rapid growth with some redness and fluid build up. Immediate veterinary intervention will be required.

spanish water dog puppies - health problemsThe Spanish Water Dog has much of the same health problems as the other water dogs and dogs their size and heritage. Here are some of the health issues they are prone to.

  • PRA- Progressive retinal atrophy – can cause blindness.
  • Hip dysplasia- can cause lameness or arthritis.
  • Cherry eye – can be successfully treated.
  • Cataracts – usually in old age and not removed.
  • Hypothyroidism – affects the immune system of middle aged dogs.
  • Allergies – skin and food.

• Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency – inability to digest food – can be treated.

  • Addison’s Disease – Adrenal glands not functioning. Can be treated.

• CHG – Congenital Hypothyroidism with Goiter – inherited and pups don’t grow correctly.

• Neuroaxonal Dystrophy – cognitive and muscular dysfunction. Vitamin E and insulin deficiency

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

irish staffordshire bull terrier dogs - caringThe Irish Staffie is an active dog, who is always game for anything. He will certainly need active owners who include him in all their activities. He has a lot of stamina and endurance and will want to join you on your walks, hikes and swimming. Ignoring his exercise needs can turn him into a restless, unhappy, frustrated, destructive dog.

Grooming:

Having a short, smooth coat means your Irish Staffie being a low maintenance dog. He does shed a bit so his coat will need to be brushed at least twice a week to get rid of all those loose hairs. Its always a good opportunity to check him for fleas and ticks too.

If the short coat gets too dirty, a wipe down with a damp cloth can keep the coat bright and shiny. Certainly avoid bathing him too often as this can aggravate the skin.

Check his nails and trim them if they get too long. Check his ears and teeth as these are all problem areas which can contribute to your dog becoming ill.

Diet:

Your Irish Staffie is such an energetic dog that he will need excellent food that promotes this energy. Whether you buy him the best commercially manufactured kibble, you want to also add in some home-made food such as cooked chicken, rice and vegetables as well as including some raw meat occasionally. The food you provide your Staffie with needs to be full of vitamins and minerals to avoid illness. Always make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.

spanish water dog dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – Because of the breed propensity to some genetic dietary issues it is important to feed high quality food made from mostly meat. Avoid grains as much as possible. Don’t feed adult foods to the puppies. Feed puppy breed specific or medium size dogs.

2.Feeding the adult - Feed the adult as little grain and as much protein as possible. Feed adult breed specific or medium size dog’s food.

3.Points for Good Health - speed, stamina and agility

4. Games and Exercises – This is a working breed. Remember they are both herders and hunters and need exercise. They love strenuous hiking, running, jogging, long walks, swimming and playing fetch. Don’t over work the puppy/young dog until they have matured and their growth plates close.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Spanish Water Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Spanish Water Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Spanish Water Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Spanish Water Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Spanish Water Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Spanish Water Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Spanish Water Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Spanish Water Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Spanish Water Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Spanish Water Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Spanish Water Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Spanish Water Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Spanish Water Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Spanish Water Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Spanish Water Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Spanish Water Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Spanish Water Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Spanish Water Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Spanish Water Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Spanish Water Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Spanish Water Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Spanish Water Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Spanish Water Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Spanish Water Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Spanish Water Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison