American Water Spaniel vs Portuguese Water Dog

Compare the American Water Spaniel to the Portuguese Water Dog. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between American Water Spaniels and Portuguese Water Dogs.

American Water Spaniel vs Portuguese Water Dog
American Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
American Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
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General Details
American Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
Yes
Lifespan
10-12 Years
10-14 Years
Height
15-18 Inches
17-22 Inches
Weight
25-45 Pounds
35-60 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Above Average
History
American Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Origin Country
United States
Portugal
Origin Year
1920 AD
1297 AD
Temperament
American Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Below Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Average
Average
Personality
American Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Needy
Protective
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Willing to Please
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Living Environment
American Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Apartment
No
No
Indoor
No
Yes
Small Yard
No
No
Medium Yard
No
No
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
55-80 °F
40-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Above Average
Average
Exercise Needs
American Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Energy Level
Medium to High
High to Very High
Exercise Required
Medium
High to Very High
Top Running Speed
22 MPH
22 MPH
Strength
Medium
High
Grooming Needs
American Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Coat Maintenance
Medium to High
Medium to High
Shedding
Low to Medium
None
Dander
Low to Medium
None to Low
Drool
Low
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
American Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
American Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
Yes
Yes
Breed Instincts
American Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Aggression
Below Average
None
Burrow / Digging
Average
Below Average
Chasing
Average
Below Average
Follow Commands
None
Below Average
Fighting
Below Average
Below Average
Guarding
Average
Below Average
Herding
Below Average
None
Hunting
Above Average
Below Average
Protection
Average
Average
Remove Vermin
Average
None
Sled Pulling
None
None
Watch / Guardian
Average
Above Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
American Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Average Lifespan
10-12 Years
10-14 Years
Health Concerns
American Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Common Health Issues
Mitral valve disease
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Hypothyroidism
Distichiasis
Degenerative myelopathy
Retinal dysplasia
Heart problems
Addison's disease
Entropion
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Ectropion
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Irritable bowel syndrome
Gangliosidosis
Hair Loss
Appearance Comparison
Coat
American Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Coat Type
Hair
Hair
Coat Layering
Double
Curly
Single
Coat Texture
Wavy
Wavy
Coat Length
Medium
Medium
Coat Coloring
American Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Breed Colors
Black
Black
Black and White
Black and White
Brown
Brown
Brown and White
Brown and White
White
White
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