Is the American Water Spaniel or the English Shepherd better for families with children?

Both the American Water Spaniel and the English Shepherd are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the American Water Spaniel or the English Shepherd?

The American Water Spaniel and English Shepherd shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the American Water Spaniel or the English Shepherd?

The English Shepherd is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is American Water Spaniel or English Shepherd bigger?

American Water Spaniel and English Shepherd are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, American Water Spaniel or English Shepherd?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, American Water Spaniel or English Shepherd?

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

American Water Spaniel vs English Shepherd: Which Is Calmer?

American Water Spaniel vs English Shepherd: full comparison

Trait	American Water Spaniel	English Shepherd
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	Very High
Trainability	High	Very High
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	High
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The American Water Spaniel is a moderately built dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the English Shepherd is a moderately built dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. 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 Water Spaniel demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The English Shepherd is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The American Water Spaniel wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The English Shepherd wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The American Water Spaniel takes to training fast and works willingly, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and suits families with children particularly well. The English Shepherd learns at a pace few breeds can match, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, American Water Spaniel announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas English Shepherd is naturally alert and defends its people.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, American Water Spaniel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, American Water Spaniel and English Shepherd are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, English Shepherd has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, American Water Spaniel and English Shepherd are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, American Water Spaniel and English Shepherd are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the American Water Spaniel if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

Choose the English Shepherd if you want an easier dog to train, you want a more protective, watchful guardian, or you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the American Water Spaniel or the English Shepherd better for families with children?: Both the American Water Spaniel and the English Shepherd are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the American Water Spaniel or the English Shepherd?: The American Water Spaniel and English Shepherd shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the American Water Spaniel or the English Shepherd?: The English Shepherd is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is American Water Spaniel or English Shepherd bigger?: American Water Spaniel and English Shepherd are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, American Water Spaniel or English Shepherd?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, American Water Spaniel or English Shepherd?: For apartment or apartment living, American Water Spaniel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

American Water Spaniel vs English Shepherd