Which is Better Between the American Water Spaniel and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog?

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American Water Spaniel Versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Water Spaniel and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog? 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 American Water Spaniel and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog 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 American Water Spaniel and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Water Spaniel and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog 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 American Water Spaniel and for the Anatolian Shepherd Dog. 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 American Water Spaniel and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.

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

American Water Spaniel versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the American Water Spaniel and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Water Spaniel is a medium-sized dog while the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog 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.

American Water Spaniel versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Water Spaniel to the Anatolian Shepherd Dog 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 American Water Spaniel and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Factor American Water Spaniel Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Height 1 foot, 3 inches to 1 foot, 6 inches tall at the s 2 feet, 3 inches to 2 feet, 5 inches tall at the s
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 13 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Weight 25 to 45 pounds 80 to 150 pounds
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.0 years
Price Range No Data $750 – $1150
Average Price No Data $990
Temperament Score 77.8 percent 83.3 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination- Biennial exams until age 6 (every two years).
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Water Spaniel 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 Anatolian Shepherd Dog. 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 American Water Spaniel is 71 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is 75 out of 125.

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

    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 American Water Spaniel and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Water Spaniel and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog

    Below is a list of where the American Water Spaniel and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog are most different:

    • American Water Spaniels cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs can tolerate cold weather.
    • American Water Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
    • American Water Spaniels are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are not prone to nip and chew at things.

    The Similarities Between the American Water Spaniel and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog

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

    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog are very easy to train.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Size Comparison of American Water Spaniel versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Water Spaniel and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.

    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.

    On the other hand, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs weigh 80 to 150 pounds when fully grown. Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are 2 feet, 3 inches to 2 feet, 5 inches tall at the s when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Water Spaniel versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog

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

    The lifespan of Anatolian Shepherd Dogs is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Anatolian Shepherd Dogs is 12.0 years.

    American Water Spaniels live longer than Anatolian Shepherd Dogs.

    Temperament of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Versus the American Water Spaniel

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog has a better temperament than the American Water Spaniel.

    This is because the temperament score for the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is 83.3 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 77.8 percent, the American Water Spaniel has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 83.3 percent, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Water Spaniel and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog by measuring the temperaments of 9 American Water Spaniels and 36 Anatolian Shepherd Dogs.

    Health Problems of American Water Spaniel versus Health Problems of Anatolian Shepherd Dog

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the American Water Spaniel and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the American Water Spaniel is prone to more genetic health problems than the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the American Water Spaniel than for the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.

    3 health tests are recommended for American Water Spaniel while 2 tests are recommended for the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in American Water Spaniels and in Anatolian Shepherd Dogs.

    American Water Spaniel Health Problems

    American Water Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing American Water Spaniel puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a American Water Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your American Water Spaniel breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen American Water Spaniels for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination- Biennial exams until age 6 (every two years).
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for American Water Spaniels here.

    Anatolian Shepherd Dog Health Problems

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Anatolian Shepherd Dog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Anatolian Shepherd Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Anatolian Shepherd Dog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Anatolian Shepherd Dogs for:

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Anatolian Shepherd Dogs here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Water Spaniel versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog

    American Water Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do American Water Spaniels shed more than Anatolian Shepherd Dogs?

    American Water Spaniels shed moderately.

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the American Water Spaniel or the Anatolian Shepherd Dog

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

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Water Spaniel or the Anatolian Shepherd Dog?

    American Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Does the American Water Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Anatolian Shepherd Dog?

    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.

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs 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 American Water Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Anatolian Shepherd Dogs?

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

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can American Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Anatolian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Water Spaniel vs. Anatolian Shepherd Dog

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

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can American Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Anatolian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

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

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are American Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about Anatolian Shepherd Dogs?

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

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Water Spaniels and Anatolian Shepherd Dogs?

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

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Is the American Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the Anatolian Shepherd Dog?

    American Water Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are very easy to train.

    Is the American Water Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Anatolian Shepherd Dog?

    American Water Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: American Water Spaniel versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog. 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 American Water Spaniel and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog better suits you and your family.