American Staffordshire Terrier vs American Water Spaniel (variant): full comparison
| Trait | American Staffordshire Terrier | American Water Spaniel (variant) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Energy level | High | High |
| Trainability | High | High |
| Friendliness | High | High |
| Good with children | High | High |
| Grooming needs | Very Low | High |
| Shedding | Medium | Medium |
| Barking | Low | Medium |
| Protectiveness | Medium | Medium |
| Adaptability | High | High |
| Typical lifespan | 13 years | 13 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Key differences at a glance
- The American Water Spaniel (variant) has noticeably higher grooming than the American Staffordshire Terrier.
Which should you choose?
Choose the American Staffordshire Terrier if you prefer lower grooming upkeep or you prefer a quieter dog.
Choose the American Water Spaniel (variant) 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 (variant) better for families with children?
- Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Water Spaniel (variant) are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.
- Which sheds more, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the American Water Spaniel (variant)?
- The American Staffordshire Terrier and American Water Spaniel (variant) shed a similar amount (medium).
- Which is easier to train, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the American Water Spaniel (variant)?
- Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.