American Eskimo Dog

Non-Sporting Group

Height: 15-19 in

Weight: 25-35 lbs

Life Span: 13-15 years

FriendlyAlertReservedIntelligent

American Water Spaniel

Sporting Group

Height: 15-18 in

Weight: 30-45 / 25-40 lbs

Life Span: 10-14 years

FriendlyEnergeticObedientIntelligent
American Eskimo Dog
American Water Spaniel
Best

Physical Traits

60% similar
Breed Group
Non-Sporting
Sporting
Size Category
Medium
Medium
Height (in)
15-19
15-18
Weight (lbs)
25-35
30-4525-40
Life Span
13-15
10-14

Personality & Temperament

American Eskimo Dog

FriendlyAlertReservedIntelligentProtective

"The American Eskimo Dog is a highly intelligent, loyal, and versatile breed with a strong bond to its family. Energetic and eager to please, they thrive on companionship and mental challenges, making them playful and affectionate with their owners while also being alert and watchful of their surroundings. Their curiosity and trainability make them quick learners, but they can become destructive if left alone or understimulated."

⚠️

Owners may face challenges with constant shedding and the need for frequent grooming, as well as potential separation anxiety or destructive behavior if left alone for long periods.

💡

This breed is best suited for an active, engaged owner or family who can provide plenty of interaction, mental stimulation, and regular exercise, preferably in a home with a securely fenced yard.

American Water Spaniel

FriendlyEnergeticObedientIntelligentProtectiveTrainable

"The American Water Spaniel is a charming, eager, and happy breed with a strong work ethic and affectionate nature. Highly intelligent and trainable, they thrive when given a job or task, such as retrieving or participating in canine sports, and are loyal companions who bond closely with their families. Their aloofness with strangers and occasional stubbornness add to their unique character, making them both engaging and independent."

⚠️

Owners may face challenges with the breed's high energy and need for constant activity, as well as potential stubbornness during training or socialization with strangers.

💡

This breed is ideal for an active, experienced dog owner or family who can provide ample exercise, mental stimulation, and outdoor adventures, particularly those interested in hunting, water activities, or dog sports.

Purpose & Suitability

Purpose
Versatile farm dog and performing dog (circus, vaudeville, Wild West shows)
Hunting companion (retrieving waterfowl, upland game birds, and rabbit hunting)
Best Suited For
Active families, experienced dog owners, or individuals who can provide companionship and mental stimulation
Active families or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities, hunting, or canine sports; adaptable to homes with yards or access to water
Training Difficulty
Easy
Moderate
Care Difficulty
Moderate
Moderate

Coat & Appearance

🧵 Coat Type
Double
Double
📏 Coat Length
Medium
Medium
🎨 Colors
WhiteWhite & Biscuit
BrownChocolateLiver
✨ Markings

Care & Health

American Eskimo Dog

Care

Grooming
  • American Eskimo Dog grooming requires minimal effort but demands consistency
  • Brush their fluffy double coat 2-3 times weekly to reduce shedding and prevent mats
  • Bathing should be occasional (every few months) to avoid dry, irritated skin
  • Regular nail trimming is essential, like with all breeds
  • Their natural fur oils repel dirt, so brushing alone often keeps them clean
  • Shedding occurs almost constantly, so consistent grooming is key
Exercise
  • American Eskimo Dog exercise needs: an active, quick, and curious breed requiring plenty of exercise and mental challenges to prevent destructive behavior
  • securely fenced yard and varied toys help provide stimulation but should not replace human interaction
  • must stay indoors as they bond strongly with their owners and thrive on companionship
  • despite their warm coat, they are not suited for outdoor-only confinement
  • energy levels typically decrease after middle age, requiring adjusted activity levels
Training
  • American Eskimo Dog training guidance: early socialization and puppy training classes are essential
  • highly intelligent and eager to please, making them among the most trainable breeds
  • learn new commands quickly, sometimes by observing other dogs
  • thrive on companionship and interaction with owners
  • prone to developing problem behaviors if left alone too often for long periods
  • historically excelled in trained-dog acts like circuses and vaudeville shows
Nutrition
  • American Eskimo Dog nutrition: feed high-quality dog food (commercial or vet-approved homemade) suited to age (puppy, adult, or senior)
  • monitor calorie intake and weight to prevent obesity, as some dogs are prone to gaining weight
  • use treats for training but limit amounts to avoid obesity
  • consult vet for safe human foods and dietary concerns
  • ensure clean, fresh water is always available

Health

Ethical American Eskimo Dog breeders prioritize health testing for common genetic issues like hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Regular ear cleaning is essential to prevent debris buildup and wax accumulation, while consistent teeth brushing helps maintain overall oral health, just as it does for all dog breeds.

Recommended Tests:

Hip EvaluationOphthalmologist EvaluationProgressive Retinal Atrophy, PRCD (PRA-prcd, PRCD) - DNA Test

American Water Spaniel

Care

Grooming
  • American Water Spaniel grooming requires attention to its dense, waterproof double-layer coat
  • weekly grooming with a rubber-tipped pin brush during summer for a sparser coat
  • use a slicker brush year-round, especially during shedding season, to remove dead undercoat hair
  • trim nails regularly as part of standard care
  • coat is tightly curled or wavy, designed for insulation in icy waters
  • grooming process remains simple despite the breed's working heritage
Exercise
  • American Water Spaniel exercise needs: outdoorsy, high-energy breed requiring ample activity to prevent barking/destructiveness
  • daily vigorous play sessions with owner or companion dog in parks/large backyards essential
  • thrive with purposeful tasks like hunting or field trials due to natural instincts
  • excels in obedience, agility, or dock diving events to channel energy positively
  • minimal activity risks behavioral issues like excessive barking or property damage
  • ideal for active owners who can provide structured, engaging outdoor work.
Training
  • American Water Spaniel training: early socialization (7 weeks to 4 months) via varied exposures to people/places/situations is key for well-adjusted adults
  • aloofness with strangers and slight stubbornness may appear, but their desire to please owners makes training rewarding and enjoyable
  • high energy and natural abilities suit canine sports like tracking, agility, barn hunt, and flyball
  • field events (flushing/retrieving waterfowl) provide engaging training opportunities
  • puppy training classes are strongly recommended for foundational development
  • their eager-to-please nature enhances bonding through shared activities.
Nutrition
  • American Water Spaniel nutrition: feed high-quality dog food (commercial or vet-approved homemade) suited to age (puppy, adult, or senior)
  • monitor calorie intake and weight to prevent obesity, limit treats to avoid excess weight gain
  • consult vet for safe human foods and dietary concerns
  • ensure clean, fresh water is always available
  • avoid overfeeding treats during training
  • check with vet if unsure about diet or weight management

Health

Like most breeds, American Water Spaniels typically enjoy long, healthy lives with proper care and routine veterinary checkups. Ethical breeders prioritize health testing for common issues, including hip dysplasia, eye conditions, heart abnormalities, and degenerative myelopathy.

Recommended Tests:

Hip EvaluationCardiac ExamOphthalmologist Evaluation

Trait Comparison

61% similar
💡 Compare their traits above to see differences
Affectionate With Family
Affectionate With Family for American Eskimo Dog: 5 out of 5 (Very Affectionate)
Affectionate With Family for American Water Spaniel: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
American Eskimo Dog
Good With Young Children
Good With Young Children for American Eskimo Dog: 5 out of 5 (Excellent with Kids)
Good With Young Children for American Water Spaniel: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
American Eskimo Dog
Good With Other Dogs
Good With Other Dogs for American Eskimo Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Good With Other Dogs for American Water Spaniel: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced
Shedding Level
Shedding Level for American Eskimo Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Shedding Level for American Water Spaniel: 1 out of 5 (Minimal Shedding)
American Eskimo Dog
Coat Grooming Frequency
Coat Grooming Frequency for American Eskimo Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Coat Grooming Frequency for American Water Spaniel: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced
Drooling Level
Drooling Level for American Eskimo Dog: 1 out of 5 (Rarely Drools)
Drooling Level for American Water Spaniel: 1 out of 5 (Rarely Drools)
🐾 Balanced
Openness To Strangers
Openness To Strangers for American Eskimo Dog: 5 out of 5 (Very Friendly)
Openness To Strangers for American Water Spaniel: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
American Eskimo Dog
Playfulness Level
Playfulness Level for American Eskimo Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Playfulness Level for American Water Spaniel: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced
Watchdog/Protective Nature
Watchdog/Protective Nature for American Eskimo Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Watchdog/Protective Nature for American Water Spaniel: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced
Adaptability Level
Adaptability Level for American Eskimo Dog: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Adaptability Level for American Water Spaniel: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
American Eskimo Dog
Trainability Level
Trainability Level for American Eskimo Dog: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Trainability Level for American Water Spaniel: 5 out of 5 (Very Eager to Learn)
American Water Spaniel
Energy Level
Energy Level for American Eskimo Dog: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Energy Level for American Water Spaniel: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
American Eskimo Dog
Barking Level
Barking Level for American Eskimo Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Barking Level for American Water Spaniel: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced
Mental Stimulation Needs
Mental Stimulation Needs for American Eskimo Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Mental Stimulation Needs for American Water Spaniel: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced

Note: Scores reflect typical breed tendencies. Individual dogs may vary based on training, environment, and genetics.

Note: Some traits may be unavailable for certain breeds due to limited or inconsistent data from recognized sources.

Common Questions

Answers to popular questions about American Eskimo Dog and American Water Spaniel.

American Eskimo Dog is generally considered a better option for families with young children than American Water Spaniel, as they tend to be more patient and tolerant.
Both breeds are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train.
No, American Eskimo Dog typically sheds more than American Water Spaniel.
Both breeds can be suitable for first-time owners, depending on your lifestyle and dedication to training and care.

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American Eskimo Dog vs American Water Spaniel: Size, Temperament & Care Comparison