American Water Spaniel vs Portuguese Water Dog

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

American Water Spaniel
Category
Portuguese Water Dog

📏 Physical Stats

25 - 45
Weight (lbs)
35 - 60
15 - 18
Height (inches)
17 - 23
10 - 12 years
Life Expectancy
11 - 13 years
Sporting
Breed Group
Working
United States
Origin
Portugal
Bird flushing and retrieving
Bred For
Water work, fishing assistance, 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
5/5
Better
5/5
Good with Children
5/5
5/5
Better
Good with Other Dogs
4/5
2/5
Better
Grooming Needs
4/5

💰 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
$2,775
Portuguese Water Dog
American Water Spaniel
Expense
Portuguese Water Dog
$2,427
Lower ✓
Annual Cost
$2,775
$3,147
Lower ✓
First Year
$3,495
$27,417
Lower ✓
Lifetime Total
$34,020
$552
Food (annual)
$552
$630
Vet Care (annual)
$630
$560
Lower ✓
Grooming (annual)
$704
$660
Lower ✓
Insurance (annual)
$864
$55
Lower ✓
Insurance (monthly)
$72

Over their lifetimes, a American Water Spaniel (~11 yrs) costs approximately $6,603 less than a Portuguese Water Dog (~12 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, Curious

Portuguese Water Dog

Adventurous, Athletic, Loyal, Spirited, Intelligent, Obedient, Docile, Impetuous, Energetic, Affectionate