Which is Better Between the American Water Spaniel and the Goldendoodle?

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

American Water Spaniel Versus Goldendoodle: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Water Spaniel and the Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle. 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 Goldendoodle.

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 Goldendoodle.

American Water Spaniel versus Goldendoodle: Overview

A very important difference between the American Water Spaniel and the Goldendoodle is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Water Spaniel is a medium-sized dog while the Goldendoodle is a large-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 Goldendoodle belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

American Water Spaniel versus Goldendoodle: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Water Spaniel to the Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle

Factor American Water Spaniel Goldendoodle
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 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 15 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Weight 25 to 45 pounds 50 to 90 pounds
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
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 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.5 years
Price Range No Data $1500 – $2500
Average Price No Data $2170
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination- Biennial exams until age 6 (every two years).
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    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 Goldendoodle. 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 Goldendoodle is 90 out of 125.

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

    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 Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle

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

    • American Water Spaniels do not get along well with other dogs. However, Goldendoodles get along well with other dogs.
    • American Water Spaniels are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Goldendoodles are not prone to nip and chew at things.

    The Similarities Between the American Water Spaniel and the Goldendoodle

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

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

    Size Comparison of American Water Spaniel versus Goldendoodle

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

    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, Goldendoodles weigh 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Goldendoodles are 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Water Spaniel versus Goldendoodle

    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 Goldendoodles is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Goldendoodles is 12.5 years.

    American Water Spaniels live longer than Goldendoodles.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Water Spaniel versus Goldendoodle

    American Water Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Goldendoodles can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do American Water Spaniels shed more than Goldendoodles?

    American Water Spaniels shed moderately.

    Goldendoodles do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

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

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

    Goldendoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    American Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Goldendoodles are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodles?

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

    Goldendoodles bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Goldendoodles can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Water Spaniel vs. Goldendoodle

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

    Goldendoodles have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    American Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodle?

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

    Goldendoodles get along very well with other dogs.

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

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are American Water Spaniels and Goldendoodles?

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

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

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

    American Water Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Goldendoodles are very easy to train.

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

    American Water Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Goldendoodles do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Goldendoodles are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: American Water Spaniel versus Goldendoodle. 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 Goldendoodle better suits you and your family.