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

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

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

The Welsh Springer 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 Welsh Springer Spaniel?

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

Is American Pit Bull Terrier or Welsh Springer Spaniel bigger?

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

Which barks more, American Pit Bull Terrier or Welsh Springer Spaniel?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

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

For apartment or apartment living, American Pit Bull Terrier and Welsh Springer Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs Welsh Springer Spaniel: Compared

American Pit Bull Terrier vs Welsh Springer Spaniel: full comparison

Trait	American Pit Bull Terrier	Welsh Springer Spaniel
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	High	Medium
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Low	Medium
Shedding	Low	Medium
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	High	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Welsh Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. 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 Welsh Springer 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 only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and drops very little hair. The Welsh Springer Spaniel needs regular brushing to stay in good condition 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, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Welsh Springer Spaniel takes to training fast and works willingly, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, American Pit Bull Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Welsh Springer Spaniel will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, American Pit Bull Terrier and Welsh Springer Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, American Pit Bull Terrier has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
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 and Welsh Springer Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
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 outgoing, sociable dog, you want a more adaptable dog, or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

Choose the Welsh Springer Spaniel if you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Welsh Springer Spaniel better for families with children?: Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Welsh Springer Spaniel are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Welsh Springer Spaniel?: The Welsh Springer 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 Welsh Springer Spaniel?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is American Pit Bull Terrier or Welsh Springer Spaniel bigger?: American Pit Bull Terrier and Welsh Springer Spaniel are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, American Pit Bull Terrier or Welsh Springer Spaniel?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, American Pit Bull Terrier or Welsh Springer Spaniel?: For apartment or apartment living, American Pit Bull Terrier and Welsh Springer Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs Welsh Springer Spaniel