Is the American Water Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer better for families with children?

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

Which sheds more, the American Water Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer?

The American Water Spaniel and Portuguese Pointer shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the American Water Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is American Water Spaniel or Portuguese Pointer bigger?

American Water Spaniel and Portuguese Pointer are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, American Water Spaniel or Portuguese Pointer?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, American Water Spaniel or Portuguese Pointer?

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 Portuguese Pointer: Compared

American Water Spaniel vs Portuguese Pointer: full comparison

Trait	American Water Spaniel	Portuguese Pointer
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	Very High
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Medium	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
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 is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Portuguese Pointer is a moderately built dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. 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 Portuguese Pointer 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 sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Portuguese Pointer asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The American Water Spaniel takes to training fast and works willingly, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Portuguese Pointer takes to training fast and works willingly, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, American Water Spaniel will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Portuguese Pointer will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

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 Portuguese Pointer are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, American Water Spaniel and Portuguese Pointer are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, American Water Spaniel has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, American Water Spaniel and Portuguese Pointer 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 Portuguese Pointer if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the American Water Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer better for families with children?: Both the American Water Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the American Water Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer?: The American Water Spaniel and Portuguese Pointer shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the American Water Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is American Water Spaniel or Portuguese Pointer bigger?: American Water Spaniel and Portuguese Pointer are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, American Water Spaniel or Portuguese Pointer?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, American Water Spaniel or Portuguese Pointer?: 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 Portuguese Pointer