Spanish Water Dog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison

Spanish Water Dog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed ComparisonSpanish Water Dog is originated from Spain but Alaskan Malamute is originated from United States. Spanish Water Dog may grow 14 cm / 5 inches shorter than Alaskan Malamute. Spanish Water Dog may weigh 17 kg / 37 pounds lesser than Alaskan Malamute. Both Spanish Water Dog and Alaskan Malamute has almost same life span. Both Spanish Water Dog and Alaskan Malamute has same litter size. Spanish Water Dog requires Moderate maintenance. But Alaskan Malamute requires High maintenance

History

spanish water dog - historyBred 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.

alaskan malamute - historyAlaskan Malamute is one of the oldest breeds. Thousands of years ago, native people in the land between Alaska and Siberia. From the beginning, this breed is used as working dogs. Alaskan Malamute was a perfect dog for seal or bear hunting, and sledding supplies back home. During the gold rush, this breed became even more popular, and that popularity only grew over the years. They have been popular even during the war years. Army used them as sled dogs in the war.

Description

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.

alaskan malamute puppy - descriptionAverage weight of Alaskan Malamute variates from dog to dog, but male weights 37-39kg, while female weight is 32-34kg. An average height of the male is 62-64cm, while females are slightly smaller with a height of 56-58cm.

A lifespan of this breed is 12-15, but if your dog is healthy with the balanced diet they tend to live much longer.

Litter Size of Alaskan Malamute is 4-8 puppies, but this depends on every dog.

Other Names for Alaskan Malamute are Mal and Mally

Characteristics

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.

alaskan malamute dog - characteristicsAlaskan Malamutes are playful dogs that love running, playing and spending time outside with their family. They would greet anyone who comes to your house, no matter if they are first-time visitors. That makes them bad watchdogs. Since they are a pack breed, they love spending time with humans and they love being included in activities. Generally speaking, they are great with children. They have a lot of patience for the little ones in your family. If they are socialized properly, you will not have any problems with other animals. They love playing and spending time running around, so you will not have to worry. They might run towards cats, so you have to be careful. Alaskan Malamute is not very easy to train because they are very intelligent and stubborn breed. Not very recommendable for new owners. The best way to train your puppy is with patience, consistency and positive awarding. They do not like the old-fashioned way of punishment with beating included. Instead, rather try being positive and give your dog nice treat when the task is completed.

Health Problems

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

alaskan malamute puppies - health problemsUsually Alaskan Malamute is a very healthy breed. They do not have any major issues but like every other breed, they can develop some illness. Cataracta, Chondrodysplasia, and hip dysplasia are the most common health issues, but you shouldn’t be worried because they are not happening all the time. You must talk with people who are giving you the puppy to examine the genetics. With healthy breed, and regular vet checks you will have a happy and a healthy dog for a long time.

Caring The Pet

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.

Feeding Alaskan Malamute

alaskan malamute dogs - caringFeeding of your Alaskan Malamute depends on various things. Metabolism, size of the dog, age, quality of the food, build and activity. So you have to understand your dog's needs. Overall, 4-5 cups of high-quality dry food would be enough. Of course, you can give your dog some fruit or vegetables too, as a treat. If your dog likes to spend most of the day on the couch, you don’t have to feed it as much as people who have more active dogs.

Feeding the puppy

Developing puppies need more food than an adult dog. They should eat 3-5 times per day, of high-quality puppy food. Puppy food contains more nutrient that will help to develop your dog into a healthy adult.

Grooming Alaskan Malamute

Grooming Alaskan Malamute may be little challenging. They have a lot of hair, so regular brushing is a must. 2-3 times a week at least. They shed a lot 2 times a year, and you will have to use vacuum-cleaner every day.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
Origin:
Spain
United States
Height Male:
44 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
62 - 64 cm
24 - 26 inches
Height Female:
40 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
56 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 22 kg
39 - 49 pounds
37 - 39 kg
81 - 86 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
32 - 34 kg
70 - 75 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
4 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Perro de agua Español SWD Turco Andaluz • Turkish Dog
Mal and Mally
Colors Available:
solid black, beige, brown, or white; bicolour where the second colour is white; or particolour
gray, white, black
Coat:
distinctive curly coat which is woolly in texture and may form cords when long
double
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal
Affectionate, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Lively, Loving, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Spanish Water Dog vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  2. Spanish Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Spanish Water Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  4. Spanish Water Dog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Spanish Water Dog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  6. Spanish Water Dog vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  7. Spanish Water Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  8. Spanish Water Dog vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Spanish Water Dog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  10. Spanish Water Dog vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Spanish Water Dog vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  12. Spanish Water Dog vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  13. Spanish Water Dog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  14. Spanish Water Dog vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  15. Spanish Water Dog vs Pyrenean Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  16. Spanish Water Dog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  17. Spanish Water Dog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  18. Spanish Water Dog vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Spanish Water Dog vs Queensland Heeler - Breed Comparison
  20. Spanish Water Dog vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  21. Spanish Water Dog vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Spanish Water Dog vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  23. Spanish Water Dog vs Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  24. Spanish Water Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  25. Spanish Water Dog vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  27. Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  28. Alaskan Malamute vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  29. Alaskan Malamute vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  30. Alaskan Malamute vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  31. Alaskan Malamute vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  32. Alaskan Malamute vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  33. Alaskan Malamute vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  34. Alaskan Malamute vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. Alaskan Malamute vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  36. Alaskan Malamute vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  37. Alaskan Malamute vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  38. Alaskan Malamute vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  39. Alaskan Malamute vs Antebellum Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  40. Bullmastiff vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  41. Great Pyrenees vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  42. Boerboel vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  43. Presa Canario vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  44. Labrador Husky vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  45. Argentine Dogo vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  46. Giant Schnauzer vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  47. Goldador vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  48. Dogo Cubano vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  49. Dogo Sardesco vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  50. Central Asian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds