Is the American Water Spaniel or the Welsh Springer Spaniel better for families with children?

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

Which sheds more, the American Water Spaniel or the Welsh Springer Spaniel?

The American Water Spaniel and Welsh Springer Spaniel shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the American Water Spaniel or the Welsh Springer Spaniel?

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

Is American Water Spaniel or Welsh Springer Spaniel bigger?

American Water Spaniel and Welsh Springer Spaniel are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, American Water Spaniel or Welsh Springer Spaniel?

American Water Spaniel tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Welsh Springer Spaniel is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, American Water Spaniel or Welsh Springer Spaniel?

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

American Water Spaniel vs Welsh Springer Spaniel: Quieter?

American Water Spaniel vs Welsh Springer Spaniel: full comparison

Trait	American Water Spaniel	Welsh Springer Spaniel
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	High	Medium
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	Low
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The American Water Spaniel is a mid-sized breed that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Welsh Springer Spaniel is a mid-sized breed 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 needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Welsh Springer Spaniel 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 sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Welsh Springer Spaniel needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The American Water Spaniel learns quickly and enjoys the training process, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and suits families with children particularly well. The Welsh Springer Spaniel learns quickly and enjoys the training process, speaks up only now and then and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, American Water Spaniel will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Welsh Springer Spaniel will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Welsh Springer Spaniel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, American Water Spaniel has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, American Water Spaniel and Welsh Springer Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Welsh Springer Spaniel has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, American Water Spaniel and Welsh Springer Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the American Water Spaniel if you want a more outgoing, sociable dog.

Choose the Welsh Springer Spaniel if you prefer a quieter dog or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the American Water Spaniel or the Welsh Springer Spaniel better for families with children?: Both the American Water Spaniel and the Welsh Springer Spaniel are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the American Water Spaniel or the Welsh Springer Spaniel?: The American Water Spaniel and Welsh Springer Spaniel shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the American Water Spaniel or the Welsh Springer Spaniel?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is American Water Spaniel or Welsh Springer Spaniel bigger?: American Water Spaniel and Welsh Springer Spaniel are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, American Water Spaniel or Welsh Springer Spaniel?: American Water Spaniel tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Welsh Springer Spaniel is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, American Water Spaniel or Welsh Springer Spaniel?: For apartment or apartment living, Welsh Springer Spaniel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

American Water Spaniel vs Welsh Springer Spaniel