Which is Better Between the American Water Spaniel and the Spinone Italiano?

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American Water Spaniel Versus Spinone Italiano: Introduction

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

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

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 Spinone Italiano.

American Water Spaniel versus Spinone Italiano: Overview

A very important difference between the American Water Spaniel and the Spinone Italiano is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Water Spaniel is a medium-sized dog while the Spinone Italiano is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the American Water Spaniel and the Spinone Italiano are Sporting Dogs. This means both the American Water Spaniel and the Spinone Italiano 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.

American Water Spaniel versus Spinone Italiano: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Water Spaniel to the Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano

Factor American Water Spaniel Spinone Italiano
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 22 to 28 inches
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 14 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Weight 25 to 45 pounds 61 to 86 pounds
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
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 12.0 years
Price Range No Data $1000 – $1000
Average Price No Data $1090
Temperament Score 77.8 percent 50.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination- Biennial exams until age 6 (every two years).
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Recommend annual exams beginning at 1 year of age
  • 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 Spinone Italiano. 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 Spinone Italiano is 86 out of 125.

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

    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 Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano

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

    • American Water Spaniels do not have the tendency to drool. However, Spinone Italianos have a very high tendency to drool.
    • American Water Spaniels do not get along well with other dogs. However, Spinone Italianos get along well with other dogs.
    • American Water Spaniels are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Spinone Italianos are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • American Water Spaniels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Spinone Italianos do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    The Similarities Between the American Water Spaniel and the Spinone Italiano

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

    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Spinone Italiano do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Spinone Italiano do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Spinone Italiano can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Spinone Italiano are very easy to train.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Spinone Italiano get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Spinone Italiano have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Spinone Italiano require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Spinone Italiano are very playful.

    Size Comparison of American Water Spaniel versus Spinone Italiano

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

    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, Spinone Italianos weigh 61 to 86 pounds when fully grown. Spinone Italianos are 22 to 28 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Water Spaniel versus Spinone Italiano

    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 Spinone Italianos is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Spinone Italianos is 12.0 years.

    American Water Spaniels live longer than Spinone Italianos.

    Temperament of the Spinone Italiano Versus the American Water Spaniel

    The American Water Spaniel has a better temperament than the Spinone Italiano.

    This is because the temperament score for the American Water Spaniel is 77.8 percent while the temperament score for the Spinone Italiano is 50.0 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 50.0 percent, the Spinone Italiano has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Water Spaniel and the Spinone Italiano by measuring the temperaments of 9 American Water Spaniels and 6 Spinone Italianos.

    Health Problems of American Water Spaniel versus Health Problems of Spinone Italiano

    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 Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano is prone to more genetic health problems than the American Water Spaniel.

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

    3 health tests are recommended for American Water Spaniel while 5 tests are recommended for the Spinone Italiano.

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

    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.

    Spinone Italiano Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Recommend annual exams beginning at 1 year of age
  • Hip Dysplasia

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Water Spaniel versus Spinone Italiano

    American Water Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Spinone Italianos do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Water Spaniels shed more than Spinone Italianos?

    American Water Spaniels shed moderately.

    Spinone Italianos shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the American Water Spaniel or the Spinone Italiano

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

    Spinone Italianos have a very high tendency to drool.

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

    American Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Spinone Italianos 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 Spinone Italiano?

    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.

    Spinone Italianos 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 Spinone Italianos?

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

    Spinone Italianos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can American Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spinone Italianos Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Spinone Italianos can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Water Spaniel vs. Spinone Italiano

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

    Spinone Italianos do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can American Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spinone Italianos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Spinone Italianos can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

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

    Spinone Italianos get along very well with other dogs.

    Are American Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about Spinone Italianos?

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

    Spinone Italianos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Water Spaniels and Spinone Italianos?

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

    Spinone Italianos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the American Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the Spinone Italiano?

    American Water Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Spinone Italianos are very easy to train.

    Is the American Water Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Spinone Italiano?

    American Water Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Spinone Italianos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Spinone Italianos are very good for new dog owners.

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