American Water Spaniel vs Golden Retriever

Side-by-side comparison — size, temperament, traits, costs, and health

American Water Spaniel
Category
Golden Retriever

📏 Physical Stats

25 - 45
Weight (lbs)
55 - 75
15 - 18
Height (inches)
21.5 - 24
10 - 12 years
Life Expectancy
10 - 12 years
Sporting
Breed Group
Sporting
United States
Origin
Scotland
Bird flushing and retrieving
Bred For
Retrieving

⚡ Temperament & Traits

Scores are 1–5 from breed data. Higher = more of that trait. Barking: lower is quieter.

4/5
Energy Level
4/5
2/5
Trainability
2/5
5/5
Good with Children
5/5
5/5
Good with Other Dogs
5/5
2/5
Better
Grooming Needs
5/5

💰 Cost of Ownership

Based on breed-specific cost data at a moderate care level — quality food, routine vet, occasional grooming, standard insurance. Actual costs vary by location and provider.

Annual Cost
$2,427
American Water Spaniel
vs
Annual Cost
$2,844
Golden Retriever
American Water Spaniel
Expense
Golden Retriever
$2,427
Lower ✓
Annual Cost
$2,844
$3,147
Lower ✓
First Year
$3,564
$27,417
Lower ✓
Lifetime Total
$32,004
$552
Lower ✓
Food (annual)
$780
$630
Lower ✓
Vet Care (annual)
$735
$560
Grooming (annual)
$440
Lower ✓
$660
Lower ✓
Insurance (annual)
$864
$55
Lower ✓
Insurance (monthly)
$72

Over their lifetimes, a American Water Spaniel (~11 yrs) costs approximately $4,587 less than a Golden Retriever (~11 yrs) in total.

🏥 Health Considerations

Health conditions listed are common concerns for these breeds or breed groups. Not every dog will develop these conditions. Regular vet check-ups are the best prevention.

🐾 Temperament

American Water Spaniel

Friendly, Energetic, Obedient, Intelligent, Protective, Affectionate, Loyal, Playful, Smart, Curious, Athletic, Funny

Golden Retriever

Intelligent, Kind, Reliable, Friendly, Trustworthy, Confident, Affectionate, Curious, Gentle, Funny, Playful, Quiet, Smart, Loyal, Couch