American Water Spaniel vs Collie (Rough)

Sporting · Medium vs Herding · Large

Quick take
  • Collie (Rough) is the larger breed at 60–75 lbs (males) vs 30–45 lbs for the American Water Spaniel.
  • The Collie (Rough) typically lives longer (12–14 years).
  • The American Water Spaniel sheds less.
  • The Collie (Rough) is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitAmerican Water SpanielCollie (Rough)
Group
SportingHerding
Size
MediumLarge
Origin
USAScotland
Height (male)
15–18"24–26"
Height (female)
15–18"22–24"
Weight (male)
30–45 lbs60–75 lbs
Weight (female)
25–40 lbs50–65 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
10–14 years12–14 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Low (2/5)High (4/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
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)Very High (5/5)
Good with other dogs
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Good with strangers
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
mediumlong
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 Collie (Rough)

The Collie (Rough) is a devoted, graceful, proud Scottish herder — Lassie, the world's most famous fictional dog. Originally from Scotland, this large herding breed typically weighs 60–75 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as devoted, graceful, proud.

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American Water Spaniel health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders
  • Cardiac problems

Collie (Rough) health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Collie eye anomaly
  • MDR1 gene mutation
  • Hip dysplasia