Is the American Water Spaniel Better than the Basset Fauve de Bretagne as a Pet? Our Answer.

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American Water Spaniel Versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Water Spaniel and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne? 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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne 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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Water Spaniel and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne 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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne. 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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne.

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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne.

American Water Spaniel versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne: Overview

A very important difference between the American Water Spaniel and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Water Spaniel is a medium-sized dog while the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a small-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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

American Water Spaniel versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Water Spaniel to the Basset Fauve de Bretagne 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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne

Factor American Water Spaniel Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 1 foot, 3 inches to 1 foot, 6 inches tall at the s 12 to 15 inches.
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years.
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Weight 25 to 45 pounds 25 to 35 pounds.
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 5/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 1/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data No Data
Average Price No Data No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination- Biennial exams until age 6 (every two years).
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne. 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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne is 91 out of 125.

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

    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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne 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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne

    Below is a list of where the American Water Spaniel and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne are most different:

    • American Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather. However, Basset Fauve de Bretagnes cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • American Water Spaniels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Basset Fauve de Bretagnes do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    The Similarities Between the American Water Spaniel and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne

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

    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne are very easy to train.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of American Water Spaniel versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Water Spaniel and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne.

    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, Basset Fauve de Bretagnes weigh 25 to 35 pounds. when fully grown. Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are 12 to 15 inches. when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Water Spaniel versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne

    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 Basset Fauve de Bretagnes is between 12 to 15 years. . The average lifespan of Basset Fauve de Bretagnes is 13.5 years.

    Health Problems of American Water Spaniel versus Health Problems of Basset Fauve de Bretagne

    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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne 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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the American Water Spaniel.

    3 health tests are recommended for American Water Spaniel while 3 tests are recommended for the Basset Fauve de Bretagne.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in American Water Spaniels and in Basset Fauve de Bretagnes.

    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.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagne Health Problems

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Basset Fauve de Bretagne 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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Basset Fauve de Bretagne 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 Basset Fauve de Bretagnes for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Basset Fauve de Bretagnes here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Water Spaniel versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne

    American Water Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do American Water Spaniels shed more than Basset Fauve de Bretagnes?

    American Water Spaniels shed moderately.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the American Water Spaniel or the Basset Fauve de Bretagne

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

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Water Spaniel or the Basset Fauve de Bretagne?

    American Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are very easy to groom.

    Does the American Water Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Basset Fauve de Bretagne?

    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.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do American Water Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Basset Fauve de Bretagnes?

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

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can American Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Water Spaniel vs. Basset Fauve de Bretagne

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

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

    Can American Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Water Spaniel or the Basset Fauve de Bretagne?

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

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes get along very well with other dogs.

    Are American Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about Basset Fauve de Bretagnes?

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

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Water Spaniels and Basset Fauve de Bretagnes?

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

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the American Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the Basset Fauve de Bretagne?

    American Water Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are fairly easy to train.

    Is the American Water Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Basset Fauve de Bretagne?

    American Water Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Water Spaniel or the Basset Fauve de Bretagne?

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

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: American Water Spaniel versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne. 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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne better suits you and your family.