English Setter 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.
English Setter
Sporting Group
American Water Spaniel
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
English Setter Overview
English Setters showcase an elegant and athletic build with distinctive speckled coat patterns known as 'belton.' Their graceful movement and medium-sized, well-proportioned frame exemplify sporting dog refinement. Distinguished by their gentle expression, long neck, and deep chest, these dogs combine beauty with functionality. Their silky, flat coat features unique feathering on legs, chest, and tail.
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: English Setters are more energetic than American Water Spaniels, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: English Setters require less grooming attention compared to American Water Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, English Setters tend to be more outgoing 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 English Setters typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the English Setter and American Water Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | English Setter | American Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-12 years | 10-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | United States |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | English Setter | American Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm | 15-18 inches 38-46 cm |
| Weight | 45-80 lbs 20-36 kg | 25-45 lbs 11-20 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | English Setter | American Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Mellow, Merry | Eager, Happy, Charming |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | English Setter | American Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
English Setter Temperament
The English Setter is known for being friendly, mellow, merry, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. 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 English Setter 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
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
English Setter
Rating: 1/5
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
English Setter Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
English Setters 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, English Setters require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
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
English Setter Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Deafness
- Hypothyroidism
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
American Water Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Cardiac Issues
- Allergies
- Ear Infections
Pros & Cons
English Setter
Pros
- Gentle and friendly temperament
- Excellent with children
- Athletic and versatile
- Good hunting companion
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- High exercise needs
- Can be stubborn
- Moderate shedding
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 English Setter and American Water Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.