Berger Picard vs American Water Spaniel
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Berger Picard
Herding Group
American Water Spaniel
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Berger Picard Overview
Berger Picards are elegant herding dogs with distinctive upright ears and a shaggy, tawny coat. Their muscular build and alert expression reflect their heritage as working dogs. Standing 23.5-25.5 inches tall, these medium-sized dogs combine strength with agility. Their natural, rustic appearance features a harsh double coat and expressive eyebrows that give them a uniquely charming look.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Berger Picards are more energetic than American Water Spaniels, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Berger Picards require less grooming attention compared to American Water Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Berger Picards tend to be more reserved with strangers than American Water Spaniels.
- Trainability: American Water Spaniels may be slightly easier to train due to their American Water Spaniel's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: American Water Spaniels adapt better to apartment living, while Berger Picards typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Berger Picard and American Water Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Berger Picard | American Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 10-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | United States |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Berger Picard | American Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-25 inches 55-65 cm | 15-18 inches 38-46 cm |
| Weight | 50-70 lbs 23-32 kg | 25-45 lbs 11-20 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Berger Picard | American Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Good-Natured, Observant | Eager, Happy, Charming |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Berger Picard | American Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Berger Picard Temperament
The Berger Picard is known for being loyal, good-natured, observant, 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. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
American Water Spaniel Temperament
The American Water Spaniel is characterized by being eager, happy, charming, 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 moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Berger Picard and American Water Spaniel, 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
Berger Picard
Rating: 3/5
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Berger Picard
Rating: 3/5
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Berger Picard
Rating: 5/5
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Berger Picard
Rating: 1/5
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Berger Picard
Rating: 2/5
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Berger Picard Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Berger Picards require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Berger Picards require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
American Water Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
American Water Spaniels need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, American Water Spaniels require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Berger Picard Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Thyroid Issues
- Heart Disease
American Water Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Cardiac Issues
- Allergies
- Ear Infections
Pros & Cons
Berger Picard
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent herding instincts
- Good with families
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Can be stubborn
- May be reserved with strangers
- Requires experienced owner
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Berger Picard and American Water Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.