American Water Spaniel vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Sporting · Medium vs Herding · Small

Quick take
  • American Water Spaniel is the larger breed at 30–45 lbs (males) vs 30–38 lbs for the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • The Cardigan Welsh Corgi typically lives longer (12–15 years).
  • The American Water Spaniel sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitAmerican Water SpanielCardigan Welsh Corgi
Group
SportingHerding
Size
MediumSmall
Origin
USAWales
Height (male)
15–18"10.5–12.5"
Height (female)
15–18"10.5–12.5"
Weight (male)
30–45 lbs30–38 lbs
Weight (female)
25–40 lbs25–34 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
10–14 years12–15 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Low (2/5)Moderate (3/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with kids
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Good with other dogs
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Good with strangers
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
mediummedium
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
YesNo
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About the American Water Spaniel

The American Water Spaniel is an eager, charming, energetic Wisconsin water retriever — state dog, bred for icy duck hunts. Originally from USA, this medium sporting breed typically weighs 30–45 lbs and lives 10–14 years. Breeders describe them as eager, charming, energetic.

About the Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a loyal, smart, affectionate herding dwarf with a long tail — Pembroke's older, mellower cousin. Originally from Wales, this small herding breed typically weighs 30–38 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as loyal, smart, affectionate.

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American Water Spaniel health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders
  • Cardiac problems

Cardigan Welsh Corgi health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • IVDD
  • Eye disorders