Which is Better Between the American Water Spaniel and the King Shepherd?

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American Water Spaniel Versus King Shepherd: Introduction

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

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

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 King Shepherd.

American Water Spaniel versus King Shepherd: Overview

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

American Water Spaniel versus King Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Water Spaniel to the King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd

Factor American Water Spaniel King Shepherd
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 2/5
Height 1 foot, 3 inches to 1 foot, 6 inches tall at the s 25 to 31 inches
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 11 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Weight 25 to 45 pounds 75 to 150 pounds
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 10.5 years
Price Range No Data $2500 – $3000
Average Price No Data $2500
Temperament Score 77.8 percent 100.0 percent
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 King Shepherd. 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 King Shepherd is 84 out of 125.

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

    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 King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd

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

    • American Water Spaniels do not have the tendency to drool. However, King Shepherds have a very high tendency to drool.
    • American Water Spaniels cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, King Shepherds can tolerate cold weather.
    • American Water Spaniels do not get along well with other dogs. However, King Shepherds get along well with other dogs.

    The Similarities Between the American Water Spaniel and the King Shepherd

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

    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the King Shepherd do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the King Shepherd are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the King Shepherd have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the King Shepherd do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the King Shepherd can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the King Shepherd are very easy to train.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the King Shepherd get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the King Shepherd require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the King Shepherd are very playful.

    Size Comparison of American Water Spaniel versus King Shepherd

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

    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, King Shepherds weigh 75 to 150 pounds when fully grown. King Shepherds are 25 to 31 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Water Spaniel versus King Shepherd

    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 King Shepherds is between 10 to 11 years . The average lifespan of King Shepherds is 10.5 years.

    American Water Spaniels live longer than King Shepherds.

    Temperament of the American Water Spaniel Versus the King Shepherd

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

    This is because the temperament score for the King Shepherd is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the King Shepherd has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Water Spaniel and the King Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 9 American Water Spaniels and 1 King Shepherds.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Water Spaniel versus King Shepherd

    American Water Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    King Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Water Spaniels shed more than King Shepherds?

    American Water Spaniels shed moderately.

    King Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the American Water Spaniel or the King Shepherd

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

    King Shepherds have a very high tendency to drool.

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

    American Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    King Shepherds are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    King Shepherds 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 King Shepherds?

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

    King Shepherds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can American Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can King Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    King Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Water Spaniel vs. King Shepherd

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

    King Shepherds 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 King Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    King Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

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

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

    King Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are American Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about King Shepherds?

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

    King Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Water Spaniels and King Shepherds?

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

    King Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the American Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the King Shepherd?

    American Water Spaniels are very easy to train.

    King Shepherds are very easy to train.

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

    American Water Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    King Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    King Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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