Quick Links: Table of Contents
- American Water Spaniel Versus Samoyed: Introduction
- American Water Spaniel versus Samoyed: Overview
- American Water Spaniel versus Samoyed: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Water Spaniel and the Samoyed
- The Similarities Between the American Water Spaniel and the Samoyed
- Size (Weight and Height) of American Water Spaniel versus Samoyed
- Lifespan of American Water Spaniel versus Samoyed
- Temperament of the American Water Spaniel Versus the Samoyed
- The Intelligence of the American Water Spaniel versus the Intelligence of the Samoyed
- The Popularity of American Water Spaniel versus Popularity of Samoyed
- Health Problems of American Water Spaniel versus Health Problems of Samoyed
- Tolerates Being Alone: American Water Spaniel versus Samoyed
- Do American Water Spaniels shed more than Samoyeds?
- Which one drools more, the American Water Spaniel or the Samoyed
- Which is Easier to Groom, the American Water Spaniel or the Samoyed?
- Does the American Water Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Samoyed?
- Do American Water Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Samoyeds?
- Can American Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Samoyeds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: American Water Spaniel vs. Samoyed
- Can American Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Samoyeds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Water Spaniel or the Samoyed?
- Are American Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about Samoyeds?
- How Kid-friendly are American Water Spaniels and Samoyeds?
- Is the American Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the Samoyed?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Water Spaniel
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Samoyed
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: American Water Spaniel versus Samoyed. Which One is a Better Pet?
American Water Spaniel Versus Samoyed: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Water Spaniel and the Samoyed? 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 Samoyed 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 Samoyed.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Water Spaniel and the Samoyed 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 Samoyed. 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 Samoyed.
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 Samoyed.
American Water Spaniel versus Samoyed: Overview
Both the American Water Spaniel and the Samoyed are similar in size. The American Water Spaniel and the Samoyed 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 Samoyed belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
American Water Spaniel versus Samoyed: Comparison Table
The table below compares the American Water Spaniel to the Samoyed 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 Samoyed
| Factor | American Water Spaniel | Samoyed |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 3 inches to 1 foot, 6 inches tall at the s | 1 foot, 7 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 45 pounds | 50 to 60 pounds |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 | 13.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1500 – $3000 |
| Average Price | No Data | $2460 |
| Temperament Score | 77.8 percent | 80.3 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 159 | 61 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 44 | 33 |
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 Samoyed. 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 Samoyed is 71 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Samoyed is not better or worse than the American Water Spaniel. So, you can get the Samoyed or the American Water Spaniel!
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 Samoyed 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 Samoyed
Below is a list of where the American Water Spaniel and the Samoyed are most different:
The Similarities Between the American Water Spaniel and the Samoyed
The American Water Spaniel and the Samoyed are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Water Spaniel and the Samoyed are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of American Water Spaniel versus Samoyed
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Water Spaniel and the Samoyed.
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, Samoyeds weigh 50 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Samoyeds are 1 foot, 7 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of American Water Spaniel versus Samoyed
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 Samoyeds is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Samoyeds is 13.0 years.
American Water Spaniels live longer than Samoyeds.
Temperament of the American Water Spaniel Versus the Samoyed
The Samoyed has a better temperament than the American Water Spaniel.
This is because the temperament score for the Samoyed is 80.3 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 80.3 percent, the Samoyed has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Water Spaniel and the Samoyed by measuring the temperaments of 9 American Water Spaniels and 294 Samoyeds.
The Intelligence of the American Water Spaniel versus the Intelligence of the Samoyed
| American Water Spaniel | Samoyed | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 44 out of 130 dog breeds | 33 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 Repetitions |
Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.
According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.
This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.
To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.
Prof. Coren found that the American Water Spaniel has an obedience intelligence rank of 44 out of 130 dog breeds. The American Water Spaniel belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that American Water Spaniels tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.
The Samoyed has an obedience intelligence rank of 33 out of 130 dog breeds. The Samoyed belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Samoyeds tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.
The Samoyed is more intelligent than the American Water Spaniel.
However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.
The Popularity of American Water Spaniel versus Popularity of Samoyed
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the American Water Spaniel and the Samoyed over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Samoyed is more popular with dog owners than the American Water Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Samoyed is 61 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the American Water Spaniel is 159 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of American Water Spaniel
Popularity of Samoyed
| Year | American Water Spaniel Popularity Rank | Samoyed Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 144 | 67 |
| 2014 | 160 | 68 |
| 2015 | 157 | 61 |
| 2016 | 156 | 65 |
| 2017 | 167 | 57 |
| 2018 | 166 | 59 |
| 2019 | 164 | 58 |
| 2020 | 158 | 56 |
Health Problems of American Water Spaniel versus Health Problems of Samoyed
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 Samoyed 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 Samoyed is prone to more genetic health problems than the American Water Spaniel.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Samoyed than for the American Water Spaniel.
3 health tests are recommended for American Water Spaniel while 5 tests are recommended for the Samoyed.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in American Water Spaniels and in Samoyeds.
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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for American Water Spaniels here.
Samoyed Health Problems
Samoyeds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Samoyed 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 Samoyed puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Samoyed 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 Samoyeds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Samoyeds here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in American Water Spaniels and Samoyeds
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the American Water Spaniel Breed is Eyes problems.
This is because the American Water Spaniel ranks 16 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 160 American Water Spaniels, 6 of them had Eyes problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in American Water Spaniels, and how common these diseases are in American Water Spaniels relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Samoyed Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the Samoyed ranks 46 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 486 Samoyeds, 1 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Samoyeds, and how common these diseases are in Samoyeds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in American Water Spaniel and in Samoyed and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the American Water Spaniel and the Samoyed:
| Disease | American Water Spaniel Rank | Samoyed Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Eyes problems | 16 out of 182 dog breeds | 123 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 21 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 38 out of 159 dog breeds | 50 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 95 out of 115 dog breeds | 103 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 122 out of 144 dog breeds | 100 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 133 out of 198 dog breeds | 110 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 46 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 98 out of 145 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: American Water Spaniel versus Samoyed
American Water Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Samoyeds do not like to be left alone.
Do American Water Spaniels shed more than Samoyeds?
American Water Spaniels shed moderately.
Samoyeds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the American Water Spaniel or the Samoyed
American Water Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Samoyeds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the American Water Spaniel or the Samoyed?
American Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.
Samoyeds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the American Water Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Samoyed?
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.
Samoyeds 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 Samoyeds?
American Water Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.
Samoyeds bark and howl, but not very much.
Can American Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Samoyeds Tolerate Cold Weather?
American Water Spaniels cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Samoyeds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: American Water Spaniel vs. Samoyed
American Water Spaniels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Samoyeds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can American Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Samoyeds Tolerate Hot Weather?
American Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
Samoyeds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Water Spaniel or the Samoyed?
American Water Spaniels do not get along well with other dogs.
Samoyeds get along very well with other dogs.
Are American Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about Samoyeds?
American Water Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Samoyeds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are American Water Spaniels and Samoyeds?
American Water Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Samoyeds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the American Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the Samoyed?
American Water Spaniels are very easy to train.
Samoyeds are fairly easy to train.
Is the American Water Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Samoyed?
American Water Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.
Samoyeds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Water Spaniel or the Samoyed?
American Water Spaniels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Samoyeds 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Samoyed
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Samoyed 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 Samoyed:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the American Water Spaniel and how the Samoyed compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the American Water Spaniel and of the Samoyed to other breeds:
American Water Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
American Water Spaniel versus Peek A Poo American Water Spaniel versus Manchester Terrier American Water Spaniel versus Boerboel American Water Spaniel versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle American Water Spaniel versus Chi-Poo American Water Spaniel versus Curly-Coated Retriever American Water Spaniel versus Boykin Spaniel American Water Spaniel versus Pomchi American Water Spaniel versus Norwegian Buhund American Water Spaniel versus Sloughi American Water Spaniel versus Chow Chow American Water Spaniel versus Flat-Coated Retriever American Water Spaniel versus Basset Hound American Water Spaniel versus Azawakh American Water Spaniel versus Akita American Water Spaniel versus Shiba Inu American Water Spaniel versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog American Water Spaniel versus Siberian Husky American Water Spaniel versus Black Mouth Cur American Water Spaniel versus Maltese American Water Spaniel versus Cockapoo American Water Spaniel versus Leonberger American Water Spaniel versus French Spaniel American Water Spaniel versus Chinese Crested
Samoyed Versus Other Dog Breeds
Samoyed versus Saint Berdoodle Samoyed versus Boerboel Samoyed versus Bracco Italiano Samoyed versus Pyrenean Mastiff Samoyed versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Samoyed versus English Toy Spaniel Samoyed versus Hovawart Samoyed versus Leonberger Samoyed versus Barbet Samoyed versus Finnish Lapphund Samoyed versus Boston Terrier Samoyed versus Boykin Spaniel Samoyed versus Irish Water Spaniel Samoyed versus King Shepherd Samoyed versus Lakeland Terrier Samoyed versus Bichon Frise Samoyed versus Schnoodle Samoyed versus Alaskan Klee Kai Samoyed versus Sussex Spaniel Samoyed versus Giant Schnauzer Samoyed versus Cavachon Samoyed versus Pomsky Samoyed versus Papillon Samoyed versus German Longhaired Pointer Samoyed versus Pekingese
Conclusion: American Water Spaniel versus Samoyed. 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 Samoyed better suits you and your family.