American Water Spaniel vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi
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
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Herding 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.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Overview
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are compact, sturdy herding dogs with distinctive fox-like faces and short legs. Their double coat comes in red, sable, fawn, or black and tan, often with white markings. Despite their small stature, they possess remarkable strength and agility, featuring a long body, erect ears, and their signature stubby tail. Their alert expression and confident bearing reflect their heritage as capable herding dogs.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: American Water Spaniels are less energetic than Pembroke Welsh Corgis, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: American Water Spaniels require more grooming attention compared to Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, American Water Spaniels tend to be more reserved with strangers than Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
- Trainability: Pembroke Welsh Corgis may be slightly easier to train due to their Pembroke Welsh Corgi's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Pembroke Welsh Corgis adapt better to apartment living, while American Water Spaniels typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the American Water Spaniel and Pembroke Welsh Corgi, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | American Water Spaniel | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-14 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | United States | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | American Water Spaniel | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-18 inches 38-46 cm | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm |
| Weight | 25-45 lbs 11-20 kg | 28-30 lbs 13-14 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | American Water Spaniel | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Eager, Happy, Charming | Affectionate, Smart, Alert |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | American Water Spaniel | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Temperament
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is characterized by being affectionate, smart, alert, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. 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 Pembroke Welsh Corgi, 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
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 3/5
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.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pembroke Welsh Corgis 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, Pembroke Welsh Corgis 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
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Von Willebrand's
- Eye Problems
- DM
- Intervertebral Disk Disease
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
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pros
- Intelligent and trainable
- Affectionate with family
- Good watchdog
- Compact size
- Long lifespan
Cons
- Heavy shedder
- Can be vocal
- Prone to back problems
- Strong herding instinct
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the American Water Spaniel and Pembroke Welsh Corgi, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.