Scottish Deerhound 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.
Scottish Deerhound
Hound Group
American Water Spaniel
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Scottish Deerhound Overview
Majestic and noble, Scottish Deerhounds possess a commanding presence with their tall, lean build and rough coat. Standing up to 32 inches at the shoulder, these graceful giants combine strength with elegance. Their dignified bearing reflects their aristocratic heritage, while their gentle eyes and soft expression reveal their characteristically kind nature.
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: Scottish Deerhounds are less energetic than American Water Spaniels, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Scottish Deerhounds require less grooming attention compared to American Water Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Scottish Deerhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than American Water Spaniels.
- Trainability: Scottish Deerhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Scottish Deerhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: American Water Spaniels adapt better to apartment living, while Scottish Deerhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Scottish Deerhound and American Water Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | American Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 8-11 years | 10-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | United States |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | American Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 28-32 inches 71-81 cm | 15-18 inches 38-46 cm |
| Weight | 75-110 lbs 34-50 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 | Scottish Deerhound | American Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Dignified, Polite | Eager, Happy, Charming |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | American Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Scottish Deerhound Temperament
The Scottish Deerhound is known for being gentle, dignified, polite, 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.
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 Scottish Deerhound 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
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 5/5
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 2/5
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Scottish Deerhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Scottish Deerhounds 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, Scottish Deerhounds 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
Scottish Deerhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Cardiomyopathy
- Bloat
- Hip dysplasia
- Osteosarcoma
- Liver shunt
American Water Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Cardiac Issues
- Allergies
- Ear Infections
Pros & Cons
Scottish Deerhound
Pros
- Gentle and dignified temperament
- Low barking tendency
- Good with other dogs
- Minimal grooming needs
Cons
- Requires large living space
- High exercise needs
- Short lifespan
- Strong prey drive
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 Scottish Deerhound and American Water Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.