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

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American Water Spaniel Versus Harrier: Introduction

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

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

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 Harrier.

American Water Spaniel versus Harrier: Overview

Both the American Water Spaniel and the Harrier are similar in size. The American Water Spaniel and the Harrier are both medium-sized dogs.

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 Harrier 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 Harrier: Comparison Table

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

Factor American Water Spaniel Harrier
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 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Weight 25 to 45 pounds 45 to 60 pounds
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 1/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 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
    		•
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • 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 Harrier. 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 Harrier is 81 out of 125.

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

    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 Harrier 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 Harrier

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

    • American Water Spaniels do not get along well with other dogs. However, Harriers get along well with other dogs.
    • American Water Spaniels 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. However, Harriers are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.

    The Similarities Between the American Water Spaniel and the Harrier

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

    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Harrier do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Harrier do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Harrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Harrier cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Harrier can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Harrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Harrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Harrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Harrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Harrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Harrier are very playful.

    Size Comparison of American Water Spaniel versus Harrier

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

    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, Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Water Spaniel versus Harrier

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

    American Water Spaniels live longer than Harriers.

    Health Problems of American Water Spaniel versus Health Problems of Harrier

    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 Harrier 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 Harrier.

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

    3 health tests are recommended for American Water Spaniel while 2 tests are recommended for the Harrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in American Water Spaniels and in Harriers.

    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.

    Harrier Health Problems

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

  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Harriers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Water Spaniel versus Harrier

    American Water Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do American Water Spaniels shed more than Harriers?

    American Water Spaniels shed moderately.

    Harriers shed moderately.

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

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

    Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    American Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Harriers are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Harriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

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

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

    Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

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

    Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Water Spaniel vs. Harrier

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

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

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

    American Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Harriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

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

    Harriers get along very well with other dogs.

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

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are American Water Spaniels and Harriers?

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

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

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

    American Water Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Harriers are not easy to train.

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

    American Water Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Harriers are OK for new dog owners.

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