American Water Spaniel vs Greyhound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
American Water Spaniel
Sporting Group
Greyhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
American Water Spaniel Overview
American Water Spaniels showcase a distinctive curly brown coat and muscular build, standing 15-18 inches at the shoulder. Their medium-sized, sturdy frame reflects their sporting heritage, while their expressive eyes and alert ears convey intelligence. These versatile dogs combine eager enthusiasm with a charming personality, displaying both working ability and companionable traits.
Greyhound Overview
Graceful and athletic, Greyhounds possess a distinctive streamlined silhouette with deep chest, powerful legs, and long, elegant neck. Their short, smooth coat comes in various colors. Despite their racing heritage, these noble sighthounds are gentle souls at home, displaying a calm and dignified demeanor that belies their incredible speed and agility.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: American Water Spaniels are less energetic than Greyhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: American Water Spaniels require more grooming attention compared to Greyhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, American Water Spaniels tend to be more reserved with strangers than Greyhounds.
- Trainability: Greyhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Greyhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: American Water Spaniels adapt better to apartment living, while Greyhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the American Water Spaniel and Greyhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | American Water Spaniel | Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-14 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | United States | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | American Water Spaniel | Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-18 inches 38-46 cm | 27-30 inches 69-76 cm |
| Weight | 25-45 lbs 11-20 kg | 60-70 lbs 27-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | American Water Spaniel | Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Eager, Happy, Charming | Gentle, Independent, Noble |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | American Water Spaniel | Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
American Water Spaniel Temperament
The American Water Spaniel is known for being eager, happy, charming, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Greyhound Temperament
The Greyhound is characterized by being gentle, independent, noble, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the American Water Spaniel and Greyhound, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Greyhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Greyhound
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Greyhound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
Greyhound
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Greyhound
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
American Water Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
American Water Spaniels require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, American Water Spaniels require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Greyhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Greyhounds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Greyhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
American Water Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Cardiac Issues
- Allergies
- Ear Infections
Greyhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Bloat
- Osteosarcoma
- Heart issues
- Dental disease
- Eye problems
Pros & Cons
American Water Spaniel
Pros
- Excellent water retrievers
- Versatile hunting companions
- Good family dogs
- Moderate size
- Smart and trainable
Cons
- Requires regular grooming
- Can be stubborn
- Needs lots of exercise
- May be reserved with strangers
Greyhound
Pros
- Gentle and calm indoors
- Low grooming needs
- Good with other dogs
- Quiet and well-mannered
Cons
- High prey drive
- Needs secure fencing
- Cold sensitive
- Independent nature
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the American Water Spaniel and Greyhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.