Spanish Water Dog vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison

Spanish Water Dog vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed ComparisonSpanish Water Dog is originated from Spain but New Guinea Singing Dog is originated from Papua New Guinea. Spanish Water Dog may grow 12 cm / 5 inches higher than New Guinea Singing Dog. Spanish Water Dog may weigh 7 kg / 16 pounds more than New Guinea Singing Dog. Spanish Water Dog may live 6 years less than New Guinea Singing Dog. Both Spanish Water Dog and New Guinea Singing Dog has almost same litter size. Both Spanish Water Dog and New Guinea Singing Dog requires Moderate 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.

new guinea singing dog - historyIn 1957 the New Guinea Singing Dog was “discovered” in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea and he is found no where else. There is a lot of debate among scientists, taxonomists and biologist as to what is really a species and what is a subspecies. When the NGSD was found he was classified as a new canid species then in 2007 they were downgraded to a subspecies.

Today the NGSD is considered to be a wild dog and a primitive dog. They have lived in Papua New Guinea in the Highlands for thousands of years. They are closely related to other wild dogs, such as Australia’s dingo. They are today as they were a thousand years ago – wild. So wild that many counties have them in their zoos.

With the right care and enough socialization, they do very well as companion animals living with people. They are difficult to domesticate however and the person who owns one should be a part of the NGSD community in order to get support, share issues, and learn from others who have lived with these “wild dogs” for many years.

Any New Guinea Singing Dog found in North America or Europe is a direct descendent of two couples that were taken to zoos in China and Australia. The NGSD makes a howling sound that modulates and undulates through a wide series of tones. No other dog makes this musical sound. Rare even in New Guinea today, the Singer is thought to be the rarest of all dogs.

The only organization that recognizes the Singing Dog is the UKC and they are allowed in UKC competition. The NGSD now holds the classification of a domestic dog – a Canis lupus dingo - which is a subspecies of Canis lupus. In 2016 a group of 15 wild dogs were photographed for the first time ever. Prior to this the NGSD were never seen in more than pairs.

It is believed that they do not live and operate in packs, but rather solitary, pairs or family groups where both the parents do the work of raising the pups.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Miscellaneous dogs
Origin:
Spain
Papua New Guinea
Height Male:
44 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
35 - 38 cm
13 - 15 inches
Height Female:
40 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
32 - 35 cm
12 - 14 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 22 kg
39 - 49 pounds
8 - 15 kg
17 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
6 - 10 kg
13 - 23 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
15 - 20 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
1 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Perro de agua Español SWD Turco Andaluz • Turkish Dog
Hallstrom Dog, NGSD, New Guinea Highland Dog, New Guinea Dingo, Singer, New Guinea Wild Dog
Colors Available:
solid black, beige, brown, or white; bicolour where the second colour is white; or particolour
Black and tan with white markings, golden red.
Coat:
distinctive curly coat which is woolly in texture and may form cords when long
weather resistant coat double coat breed
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal
Affectionate, Alert, Curious, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

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.

new guinea singing dog puppy - descriptionThe New Guinea Singing Dog is a medium sized dog with short legs and a broad head. They are about average height and they are very limber and flexible. They can rotate their paws and spread their legs at much greater angles than the average canine. Thus, they can easily climb a tree. They can jump like a cat.

They have very reflective eyes that are shaped like almonds and have dark rims. The color of the eye can be dark brown to dark amber. It is also believed that they can see better than other domestic dogs in low light settings. Their pupils let in more light due to pupils that are wider than most other dogs.

The ears of the NGSD are lined with fur, pointed and erect. The are forward laying and can be rotated in order to hear even the farthest and faintest of sounds. There are dark guard hairs on the spine and back of the ears and tail. On young dogs the muzzle is black but by age 7 it is already beginning to turn gray.

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.

Children friendliness

new guinea singing dog dog - characteristicsThey could be, but it must be remembered that this is a wild dog.

Special talents

Varying the pitches when howling

Adaptability

It’s possible but not recommended. Leave them wild.

Learning ability

Highly intelligent but trainability is questionable unless well socialize and attached to their people.

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

Health Problems

new guinea singing dog puppies - health problemsThough the breed is not extinct – it is so wild and secretive that there is no history or record of any health problems. However, the small number of domestic companion animals have shown health issues in recent years.

Pancreatitis – can be chronic or acute. If chronic it needs to be treated and diet changed. If acute it is usually deadly.

Hip Dysplasia – can cause lameness or arthritis.

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 the puppy

new guinea singing dog dogs - caringIn the wild both pups and adults are thought to eat small mammals and birds as well as fruits. In homes feed a high protein diet. Because of the tendency toward pancreatitis do not feed raw or under cooked meat. If feeding meet do so in small amounts well cooked, very lean. Stay away from the fat. Feed puppies very small amounts. ¾-1 cup high quality dry puppy food twice a day.

Feeding the adult

Same as the puppy when it comes to meat although you could give the adult a little more. 1 ½ cups od high quality medium breed dog food twice a day.

Points for Good Health

In the wild there is no indication of health issue. A very healthy breed.

Games and Exercises

The NGSD needs a lot of stimulation both mental and physical. They must have a daily walk and somewhere to run. They are escape artist in homes. Remember they can jump like cats and climb trees. If their head can pass through a hole, so can the rest of their body.

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. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Other - Breed Comparison
  27. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Olde English Bulldogge - Breed Comparison
  28. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Aussie Doodles - Breed Comparison
  29. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Indian Pariah Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Dingo - Breed Comparison
  31. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  32. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Sapsali - Breed Comparison
  33. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Peruvian Hairless - Breed Comparison
  34. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Lottatore Brindisino - Breed Comparison
  35. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Carolina Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Mountain Feist - Breed Comparison
  37. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Jonangi - Breed Comparison
  38. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  39. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Perro de Presa Mallorquin - Breed Comparison
  40. Spitz vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Schnauzer vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Schnoodle vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. New Guinea Singing Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  44. New Guinea Singing Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  45. New Guinea Singing Dog vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  47. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  48. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  49. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  50. New Guinea Singing Dog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds