Is the Akbash Better than the American Water Spaniel as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Akbash Versus American Water Spaniel: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Akbash and for the American Water Spaniel. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Akbash or the American Water Spaniel.

Akbash versus American Water Spaniel: Overview

A very important difference between the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Akbash is a large-sized dog while the American Water Spaniel is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Akbash belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the American Water Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Akbash versus American Water Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Akbash to the American Water Spaniel based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel

Factor Akbash American Water Spaniel
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 1/5
Height 27 to 34 inches 1 foot, 3 inches to 1 foot, 6 inches tall at the s
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Weight 75 to 140 pounds 25 to 45 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $610 No Data
Price Range $500 – $800 No Data
Temperament Score 87.5 percent 77.8 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination- Biennial exams until age 6 (every two years).
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Akbash in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the American Water Spaniel. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Akbash is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the American Water Spaniel is 71 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Akbash is a better pet than the American Water Spaniel. So, you should get the Akbash!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel

    Below is a list of where the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel are most different:

    • Akbashs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, American Water Spaniels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Akbashs have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time. However, American Water Spaniels have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Akbashs have low exercise needs. However, American Water Spaniels require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Akbashs can be left alone for some time without problems. However, American Water Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    The Similarities Between the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel

    The Akbash and the American Water Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel are most similar:

    • Both the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Both the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Size Comparison of Akbash versus American Water Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel.

    Akbashs weigh 75 to 140 pounds when fully grown. Akbashs are 27 to 34 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, American Water Spaniels weigh 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown. American Water Spaniels are 1 foot, 3 inches to 1 foot, 6 inches tall at the s when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Akbash versus American Water Spaniel

    The lifespan of Akbashs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Akbashs is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of American Water Spaniels is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of American Water Spaniels is 13.5 years.

    American Water Spaniels live longer than Akbashs.

    Temperament of the Akbash Versus the American Water Spaniel

    The Akbash has a better temperament than the American Water Spaniel.

    This is because the temperament score for the Akbash is 87.5 percent while the temperament score for the American Water Spaniel is 77.8 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 87.5 percent, the Akbash has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 77.8 percent, the American Water Spaniel has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 16 Akbashs and 9 American Water Spaniels.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Akbash versus American Water Spaniel

    Akbashs can be left alone for some time without problems.

    American Water Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Akbashs shed more than American Water Spaniels?

    Akbashs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    American Water Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Akbash or the American Water Spaniel

    Akbashs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    American Water Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Akbash or the American Water Spaniel?

    Akbashs are moderately easy to groom.

    American Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Akbash Have a Higher Prey Drive than the American Water Spaniel?

    Akbashs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    American Water Spaniels have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Akbashs Bark and Howl? What about American Water Spaniels?

    Akbashs bark and howl, but not very much.

    American Water Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Akbashs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can American Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Akbashs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    American Water Spaniels cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Akbash vs. American Water Spaniel

    Akbashs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    American Water Spaniels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Akbashs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can American Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Akbashs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    American Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Akbash or the American Water Spaniel?

    Akbashs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    American Water Spaniels do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Akbashs good family dogs? What about American Water Spaniels?

    Akbashs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    American Water Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Akbashs and American Water Spaniels?

    Akbashs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    American Water Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Akbash Easier to Train than the American Water Spaniel?

    Akbashs are fairly easy to train.

    American Water Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Is the Akbash Better for Apartment Owners than the American Water Spaniel?

    Akbashs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    American Water Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Akbash or the American Water Spaniel?

    Akbashs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    American Water Spaniels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Akbash versus American Water Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Akbash and the American Water Spaniel better suits you and your family.