Is the American Pit Bull Terrier or the American Water Spaniel better for families with children?

Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Water Spaniel are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the American Water Spaniel?

The American Water Spaniel sheds more than the American Pit Bull Terrier. If shedding is a concern, the American Pit Bull Terrier is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the American Water Spaniel?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is American Pit Bull Terrier or American Water Spaniel bigger?

American Pit Bull Terrier and American Water Spaniel are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, American Pit Bull Terrier or American Water Spaniel?

American Water Spaniel tends to be the more vocal of the two, so American Pit Bull Terrier is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, American Pit Bull Terrier or American Water Spaniel?

For apartment or apartment living, American Pit Bull Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Water Spaniel: Compared

American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Water Spaniel: full comparison

Trait	American Pit Bull Terrier	American Water Spaniel
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Low	Medium
Shedding	Low	Medium
Barking	Low	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	High	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a moderately built dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. By comparison, the American Water Spaniel is a moderately built dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The American Pit Bull Terrier needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The American Water Spaniel needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The American Pit Bull Terrier needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and drops very little hair. The American Water Spaniel needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The American Pit Bull Terrier takes to training fast and works willingly, speaks up only now and then and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The American Water Spaniel takes to training fast and works willingly, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, American Pit Bull Terrier announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas American Water Spaniel announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, American Pit Bull Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, American Pit Bull Terrier and American Water Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, American Pit Bull Terrier has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, American Pit Bull Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, American Pit Bull Terrier has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the American Pit Bull Terrier if you want a more adaptable dog, you prefer lower grooming upkeep, or you want less shedding around the home.

Choose the American Water Spaniel if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the American Pit Bull Terrier on temperament, size and care.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the American Pit Bull Terrier or the American Water Spaniel better for families with children?: Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Water Spaniel are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the American Water Spaniel?: The American Water Spaniel sheds more than the American Pit Bull Terrier. If shedding is a concern, the American Pit Bull Terrier is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the American Water Spaniel?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is American Pit Bull Terrier or American Water Spaniel bigger?: American Pit Bull Terrier and American Water Spaniel are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, American Pit Bull Terrier or American Water Spaniel?: American Water Spaniel tends to be the more vocal of the two, so American Pit Bull Terrier is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, American Pit Bull Terrier or American Water Spaniel?: For apartment or apartment living, American Pit Bull Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Water Spaniel