Comparison: American Water Spaniel and Portuguese Water Dog

American Water Spaniel and Portuguese Water Dog are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

American Water Spaniel
Photo: awsguy1 Uploaded by Awsguy1 at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Portuguese Water Dog
Photo: andreaarden, CC BY 2.0, source
American Water SpanielPortuguese Water Dog
FCI group8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
Country of originUnited StatesPortugal
CategoryMediumMedium
Height at withers38–46 cm43–57 cm
Weight11–20 kg16–25 kg
Life span–11–14 years
Recognition features
  • Marcel (even-waved) to closely curled liver, brown or dark chocolate coat
  • Medium-sized muscular dog, slightly longer than tall
  • Smooth forehead without topknot, well-haired ears, tail with moderate feathering
  • Curly or wavy non-shedding coat
  • Often clipped in a "lion" clip
  • Strong, medium-sized build
CoatRanges from marcel (uniform waves) to closely curled, varying across the body; undercoat is important for protection against weather and water. Forehead covered with short smooth hair without topknot; tail hair to the tip with moderate feathering. May be trimmed, ears may be shaved. Colour solid liver, brown or dark chocolate; a little white on toes and chest permissible.Curly or wavy non-shedding coat.
PurposeAn all-round hunting dog developed in the USA to retrieve from skiffs and canoes and to work the ground with ease.Portuguese fishermen used it to herd fish into nets and carry messages between boats.

Breed page: American Water Spaniel · Breed page: Portuguese Water Dog

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.