Spanish Water Dog vs American Water Spaniel

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

Spanish Water Dog
Category
American Water Spaniel

📏 Physical Stats

30 - 50
Weight (lbs)
25 - 45
16 - 20
Height (inches)
15 - 18
12 - 15 years
Life Expectancy
10 - 12 years
Sporting
Breed Group
Sporting
Spain
Origin
United States
Herding flocks of sheep and goats from one pasture to another
Bred For
Bird flushing and retrieving

⚡ Temperament & Traits

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

5/5
Better
Energy Level
4/5
4/5
Better
Trainability
2/5
3/5
Good with Children
5/5
Better
5/5
Good with Other Dogs
5/5
3/5
Grooming Needs
2/5
Better

💰 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
Spanish Water Dog
vs
Annual Cost
$2,427
American Water Spaniel
Spanish Water Dog
Expense
American Water Spaniel
$2,427
Annual Cost
$2,427
$3,147
First Year
$3,147
$33,485
Lifetime Total
$27,417
Lower ✓
$552
Food (annual)
$552
$630
Vet Care (annual)
$630
$560
Grooming (annual)
$560
$660
Insurance (annual)
$660
$55
Insurance (monthly)
$55

Over their lifetimes, a American Water Spaniel (~11 yrs) costs approximately $6,068 less than a Spanish Water Dog (~14 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

Spanish Water Dog

Diligent, Affectionate, Loyal, Intelligent, Playful

American Water Spaniel

Friendly, Energetic, Obedient, Intelligent, Protective, Affectionate, Loyal, Playful, Curious