Shih Tzu 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.
Shih Tzu
Toy Group
American Water Spaniel
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Shih Tzu Overview
Shih Tzus captivate with their luxurious flowing double coat and distinctive chrysanthemum-like face, where the hair grows upward on the nose. These compact, sturdy dogs possess a proud bearing with their head held high, level back, and plumed tail carried over their back. Their warm, trusting eyes and sweet expression perfectly match their affectionate and outgoing personality.
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: Shih Tzus are less energetic than American Water Spaniels, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Shih Tzus require more grooming attention compared to American Water Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Shih Tzus tend to be more reserved with strangers than American Water Spaniels.
- Trainability: Shih Tzus may be slightly easier to train due to their Shih Tzu's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzu and American Water Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Shih Tzu | American Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-18 years | 10-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | United States |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Shih Tzu | American Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9-11 inches 23-27 cm | 15-18 inches 38-46 cm |
| Weight | 9-16 lbs 4-7 kg | 25-45 lbs 11-20 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Shih Tzu | American Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing | Eager, Happy, Charming |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Shih Tzu | American Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Shih Tzu Temperament
The Shih Tzu is known for being affectionate, playful, outgoing, making them excellent family dogs. 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 Shih Tzu 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
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Shih Tzu
Rating: 3/5
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Shih Tzu
Rating: 2/5
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Shih Tzu Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Shih Tzus 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, Shih Tzus 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
Shih Tzu Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Dental Issues
American Water Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Cardiac Issues
- Allergies
- Ear Infections
Pros & Cons
Shih Tzu
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Good with children
- Adaptable to small spaces
- Low exercise needs
- Affectionate personality
Cons
- High grooming requirements
- Prone to health issues
- Can be stubborn
- Temperature sensitive
- Difficult to housebreak
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 Shih Tzu and American Water Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.