Quick Links: Table of Contents
- American Water Spaniel Versus Schipperke: Introduction
- American Water Spaniel versus Schipperke: Overview
- American Water Spaniel versus Schipperke: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the American Water Spaniel and the Schipperke
- Size (Weight and Height) of American Water Spaniel versus Schipperke
- Lifespan of American Water Spaniel versus Schipperke
- Temperament of the Schipperke Versus the American Water Spaniel
- The Intelligence of the American Water Spaniel versus the Intelligence of the Schipperke
- The Popularity of American Water Spaniel versus Popularity of Schipperke
- Health Problems of American Water Spaniel versus Health Problems of Schipperke
- Tolerates Being Alone: American Water Spaniel versus Schipperke
- Do American Water Spaniels shed more than Schipperkes?
- Which one drools more, the American Water Spaniel or the Schipperke
- Which is Easier to Groom, the American Water Spaniel or the Schipperke?
- Does the American Water Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Schipperke?
- Do American Water Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Schipperkes?
- Can American Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Schipperkes Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: American Water Spaniel vs. Schipperke
- Can American Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Schipperkes Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Water Spaniel or the Schipperke?
- Are American Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about Schipperkes?
- How Kid-friendly are American Water Spaniels and Schipperkes?
- Is the American Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the Schipperke?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Water Spaniel
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Schipperke
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: American Water Spaniel versus Schipperke. Which One is a Better Pet?
American Water Spaniel Versus Schipperke: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Water Spaniel and the Schipperke? 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 Schipperke 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 Schipperke.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Water Spaniel and the Schipperke 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 Schipperke. 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 Schipperke.
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 Schipperke.
American Water Spaniel versus Schipperke: Overview
A very important difference between the American Water Spaniel and the Schipperke is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Water Spaniel is a medium-sized dog while the Schipperke is a tiny-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 Schipperke belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
American Water Spaniel versus Schipperke: Comparison Table
The table below compares the American Water Spaniel to the Schipperke 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 Schipperke
| Factor | American Water Spaniel | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 13 to 15 years |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 45 pounds | 11 to 18 pounds |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 | 14.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $900 – $1500 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1170 |
| Temperament Score | 77.8 percent | 91.5 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 159 | 109 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 44 | 15 |
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 Schipperke. 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 Schipperke is 73 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Schipperke is a better pet than the American Water Spaniel. So, you should get the Schipperke!
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 Schipperke so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the American Water Spaniel and the Schipperke
The American Water Spaniel and the Schipperke are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Water Spaniel and the Schipperke are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of American Water Spaniel versus Schipperke
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Water Spaniel and the Schipperke.
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, Schipperkes weigh 11 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Schipperkes are 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of American Water Spaniel versus Schipperke
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 Schipperkes is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Schipperkes is 14.0 years.
Schipperkes live longer than American Water Spaniels.
Temperament of the Schipperke Versus the American Water Spaniel
The Schipperke has a better temperament than the American Water Spaniel.
This is because the temperament score for the Schipperke is 91.5 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 91.5 percent, the Schipperke has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Water Spaniel and the Schipperke by measuring the temperaments of 9 American Water Spaniels and 130 Schipperkes.
The Intelligence of the American Water Spaniel versus the Intelligence of the Schipperke
| American Water Spaniel | Schipperke | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 44 out of 130 dog breeds | 15 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After 5 To 15 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 Schipperke has an obedience intelligence rank of 15 out of 130 dog breeds. The Schipperke belongs to the `Excellent Working Dogs` category. This means that Schipperkes tend to learn new commands after 5 to 15 repetitions.
The Schipperke 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 Schipperke
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 Schipperke over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Schipperke is more popular with dog owners than the American Water Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Schipperke is 109 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 Schipperke
| Year | American Water Spaniel Popularity Rank | Schipperke Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 144 | 109 |
| 2014 | 160 | 109 |
| 2015 | 157 | 109 |
| 2016 | 156 | 112 |
| 2017 | 167 | 110 |
| 2018 | 166 | 105 |
| 2019 | 164 | 106 |
| 2020 | 158 | 114 |
Health Problems of American Water Spaniel versus Health Problems of Schipperke
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 Schipperke 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 Schipperke is prone to more genetic health problems than the American Water Spaniel.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Schipperke than for the American Water Spaniel.
3 health tests are recommended for American Water Spaniel while 7 tests are recommended for the Schipperke.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in American Water Spaniels and in Schipperkes.
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.
Schipperke Health Problems
Schipperkes are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Schipperke 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 Schipperke puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Schipperke 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 Schipperkes for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Schipperkes here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in American Water Spaniels and Schipperkes
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 Schipperke Breed is Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
This is because the Schipperke ranks 5 out of 40 dog breeds for Legg-Calve-Perthes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 295 Schipperkes, 4 of them had Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Schipperkes, and how common these diseases are in Schipperkes relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in American Water Spaniel and in Schipperke and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the American Water Spaniel and the Schipperke:
| Disease | American Water Spaniel Rank | Schipperke Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Eyes problems | 16 out of 182 dog breeds | 165 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 | 36 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 95 out of 115 dog breeds | 50 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 122 out of 144 dog breeds | 93 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 133 out of 198 dog breeds | 142 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | Not Common | 5 out of 40 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 54 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 Schipperke
American Water Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Schipperkes can be left alone only for a short time.
Do American Water Spaniels shed more than Schipperkes?
American Water Spaniels shed moderately.
Schipperkes shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the American Water Spaniel or the Schipperke
American Water Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Schipperkes do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the American Water Spaniel or the Schipperke?
American Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.
Schipperkes are very easy to groom.
Does the American Water Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Schipperke?
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.
Schipperkes 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 Schipperkes?
American Water Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.
Schipperkes are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can American Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Schipperkes Tolerate Cold Weather?
American Water Spaniels cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Schipperkes can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: American Water Spaniel vs. Schipperke
American Water Spaniels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Schipperkes have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can American Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Schipperkes Tolerate Hot Weather?
American Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
Schipperkes cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Water Spaniel or the Schipperke?
American Water Spaniels do not get along well with other dogs.
Schipperkes do not get along well with other dogs.
Are American Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about Schipperkes?
American Water Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Schipperkes are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are American Water Spaniels and Schipperkes?
American Water Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Schipperkes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the American Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the Schipperke?
American Water Spaniels are very easy to train.
Schipperkes are not easy to train.
Is the American Water Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Schipperke?
American Water Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.
Schipperkes adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Water Spaniel or the Schipperke?
American Water Spaniels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Schipperkes 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 Schipperke
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Schipperke 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 Schipperke:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the American Water Spaniel and how the Schipperke compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the American Water Spaniel and of the Schipperke to other breeds:
American Water Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
American Water Spaniel versus Bolognese American Water Spaniel versus Greyhound American Water Spaniel versus Sealyham Terrier American Water Spaniel versus Shih Tzu American Water Spaniel versus German Shepherd Dog American Water Spaniel versus Catahoula Bulldog American Water Spaniel versus Welsh Terrier American Water Spaniel versus Collie American Water Spaniel versus Leonberger American Water Spaniel versus Irish Setter American Water Spaniel versus Lakeland Terrier American Water Spaniel versus Bernedoodle American Water Spaniel versus Samoyed American Water Spaniel versus Goldendoodle American Water Spaniel versus Dogue de Bordeaux American Water Spaniel versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog American Water Spaniel versus Westiepoo American Water Spaniel versus Norwegian Buhund American Water Spaniel versus Bich Poo American Water Spaniel versus Catahoula Leopard Dog American Water Spaniel versus Toy Fox Terrier American Water Spaniel versus Bolognese American Water Spaniel versus Chinook American Water Spaniel versus Irish Terrier American Water Spaniel versus Shiranian
Schipperke Versus Other Dog Breeds
Schipperke versus Boykin Spaniel Schipperke versus Lowchen Schipperke versus Pointer Schipperke versus King Shepherd Schipperke versus Toy Fox Terrier Schipperke versus Icelandic Sheepdog Schipperke versus Cavapoo Schipperke versus Chow Chow Schipperke versus Estrela Mountain Dog Schipperke versus Manchester Terrier Schipperke versus Sealyham Terrier Schipperke versus Australian Cattle Dog Schipperke versus Portuguese Water Dog Schipperke versus English Springer Spaniel Schipperke versus Australian Shepherd Schipperke versus Cane Corso Schipperke versus Shiloh Shepherd Schipperke versus Swedish Vallhund Schipperke versus Irish Wolfhound Schipperke versus Norfolk Terrier Schipperke versus Goldendoodle Schipperke versus Whippet Schipperke versus French Bulldog Schipperke versus Xoloitzcuintli Schipperke versus Dogue de Bordeaux
Conclusion: American Water Spaniel versus Schipperke. 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 Schipperke better suits you and your family.