American Staffordshire Terrier vs American Water Spaniel: full comparison
| Trait | American Staffordshire Terrier | American Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Energy level | High | High |
| Trainability | High | High |
| Friendliness | High | High |
| Good with children | High | High |
| Grooming needs | Very Low | Medium |
| Shedding | Medium | Medium |
| Barking | Low | Medium |
| Protectiveness | Medium | Medium |
| Adaptability | High | Medium |
| Typical lifespan | 13 years | 13 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Key differences at a glance
- The American Water Spaniel has noticeably higher grooming than the American Staffordshire Terrier.
Which should you choose?
Choose the American Staffordshire Terrier if you prefer lower grooming upkeep, you want a more adaptable dog, or you prefer a quieter dog.
Choose the American Water Spaniel if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the American Staffordshire Terrier on temperament, size and care.
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Find your perfect match Try the free quizFrequently asked questions
- Is the American Staffordshire Terrier or the American Water Spaniel better for families with children?
- Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Water Spaniel are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.
- Which sheds more, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the American Water Spaniel?
- The American Staffordshire Terrier and American Water Spaniel shed a similar amount (medium).
- Which is easier to train, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the American Water Spaniel?
- Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.