Is the American Water Spaniel or the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen better for families with children?

Both the American Water Spaniel and the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.

Which sheds more, the American Water Spaniel or the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen?

The American Water Spaniel and Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the American Water Spaniel or the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen?

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

Is American Water Spaniel or Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen bigger?

American Water Spaniel and Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, American Water Spaniel or Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, American Water Spaniel or Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen?

For apartment or flat living, American Water Spaniel and Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen are an even match — either can work well.

American Water Spaniel vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen

American Water Spaniel vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen: full comparison

Trait	American Water Spaniel	Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	High	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	Low
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The American Water Spaniel is a mid-sized breed that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. By comparison, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a mid-sized breed that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. 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 needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The American Water Spaniel needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The American Water Spaniel is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, American Water Spaniel announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.

Which is better for…

For apartment or flat living, American Water Spaniel and Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, American Water Spaniel and Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, American Water Spaniel 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 Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, American Water Spaniel and Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the American Water Spaniel if you want an easier dog to train or you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

Choose the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the American Water Spaniel on temperament, size and care.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the American Water Spaniel or the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen better for families with children?: Both the American Water Spaniel and the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.
Which sheds more, the American Water Spaniel or the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen?: The American Water Spaniel and Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the American Water Spaniel or the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen?: The American Water Spaniel is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is American Water Spaniel or Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen bigger?: American Water Spaniel and Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, American Water Spaniel or Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, American Water Spaniel or Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen?: For apartment or flat living, American Water Spaniel and Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen are an even match — either can work well.