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 |
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 DoggyQ quiz and get a personalised match from 200+ breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences.
Find your perfect match Try the free quizFrequently 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 socialised 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.