A Detailed Comparison of the American Water Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier.

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American Water Spaniel Versus Patterdale Terrier: Introduction

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

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

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 Patterdale Terrier.

American Water Spaniel versus Patterdale Terrier

American Water Spaniel versus Patterdale Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the American Water Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Water Spaniel is a medium-sized dog while the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

American Water Spaniel versus Patterdale Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Water Spaniel to the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier

Factor American Water Spaniel Patterdale Terrier
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
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 11 to 14 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Weight 25 to 45 pounds 11 to 13 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 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
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 3/5
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 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.5 years
Price Range No Data $550 – $950
Average Price No Data $680
Temperament Score 77.8 percent 80.0 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 Patterdale Terrier. 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 Patterdale Terrier is 77 out of 125.

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

    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 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier

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

  • American Water Spaniels have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Patterdale Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.

    • The Similarities Between the American Water Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier

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

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

    • Size (Weight and Height) of American Water Spaniel versus Patterdale Terrier

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

    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, Patterdale Terriers weigh 11 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Patterdale Terriers are 12 to 15 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Water Spaniel versus Patterdale Terrier

    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 Patterdale Terriers is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Patterdale Terriers is 12.5 years.

    American Water Spaniels live longer than Patterdale Terriers.

    Temperament of the American Water Spaniel Versus the Patterdale Terrier

    The Patterdale Terrier has a better temperament than the American Water Spaniel.

    This is because the temperament score for the Patterdale Terrier is 80.0 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 80.0 percent, the Patterdale Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Water Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 9 American Water Spaniels and 5 Patterdale Terriers.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Water Spaniel versus Patterdale Terrier

    American Water Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Water Spaniels shed more than Patterdale Terriers?

    American Water Spaniels shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the American Water Spaniel or the Patterdale Terrier

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

    Patterdale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    American Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can American Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Patterdale Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Water Spaniel vs. Patterdale Terrier

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

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

    Can American Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Patterdale Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

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

    Patterdale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are American Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Water Spaniels and Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the American Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the Patterdale Terrier?

    American Water Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Patterdale Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the American Water Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Patterdale Terrier?

    American Water Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Patterdale Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Water Spaniel

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the American Water Spaniel that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the American Water Spaniel:

  • Border Collie (74 percent match with American Water Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs Border Collie.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Patterdale Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Patterdale Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Patterdale Terrier:

  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the American Water Spaniel vs Field Spaniel.
  • Portuguese Pointer (78 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the American Water Spaniel vs Portuguese Pointer.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the American Water Spaniel and how the Patterdale Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the American Water Spaniel and of the Patterdale Terrier to other breeds:

    American Water Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    American Water Spaniel versus Cesky Terrier     American Water Spaniel versus Cavapoo     American Water Spaniel versus Lhasa Apso     American Water Spaniel versus Cane Corso     American Water Spaniel versus Belgian Tervuren     American Water Spaniel versus Morkie     American Water Spaniel versus American Pit Bull Terrier     American Water Spaniel versus Bullmastiff     American Water Spaniel versus Papillon     American Water Spaniel versus Siberian Husky     American Water Spaniel versus Aussiedoodle     American Water Spaniel versus Schnoodle     American Water Spaniel versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     American Water Spaniel versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     American Water Spaniel versus Shiloh Shepherd     American Water Spaniel versus Bull Terrier     American Water Spaniel versus Norfolk Terrier     American Water Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer     American Water Spaniel versus Aussiedoodle     American Water Spaniel versus Spinone Italiano     American Water Spaniel versus Irish Water Spaniel     American Water Spaniel versus Great Dane     American Water Spaniel versus English Cocker Spaniel     American Water Spaniel versus Valley Bulldog     American Water Spaniel versus Welsh Terrier     

    Patterdale Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Patterdale Terrier versus Briard     Patterdale Terrier versus Morkie     Patterdale Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog     Patterdale Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Boston Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Canaan Dog     Patterdale Terrier versus Keeshond     Patterdale Terrier versus Borzoi     Patterdale Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Patterdale Terrier versus Jack Russell Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Bichon Frise     Patterdale Terrier versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Patterdale Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Patterdale Terrier versus Japanese Spitz     Patterdale Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur     Patterdale Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Patterdale Terrier versus Vizsla     Patterdale Terrier versus Bouvier des Flandres     Patterdale Terrier versus Akita     Patterdale Terrier versus Jack Russell Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Spinone Italiano     Patterdale Terrier versus Norwegian Lundehund     Patterdale Terrier versus Pomchi     Patterdale Terrier versus Welsh Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel     

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