American Water Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz

Sporting · Medium vs Non-Sporting · Medium

Quick take
  • American Water Spaniel is the larger breed at 30–45 lbs (males) vs 25–33 lbs for the Finnish Spitz.
  • The Finnish Spitz typically lives longer (13–15 years).
  • The American Water Spaniel sheds less.
  • The American Water Spaniel is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitAmerican Water SpanielFinnish Spitz
Group
SportingNon-Sporting
Size
MediumMedium
Origin
USAFinland
Height (male)
15–18"17.5–20"
Height (female)
15–18"15.5–18"
Weight (male)
30–45 lbs25–33 lbs
Weight (female)
25–40 lbs20–28 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
10–14 years13–15 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
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)Very High (5/5)
Good with kids
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Good with other dogs
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
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)Moderate (3/5)
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 Finnish Spitz

The Finnish Spitz is a friendly, faithful, alert fox-red Finnish bark-pointer — national dog of Finland, hunts by yodeling. Originally from Finland, this medium non-sporting breed typically weighs 25–33 lbs and lives 13–15 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, faithful, alert.

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American Water Spaniel health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders
  • Cardiac problems

Finnish Spitz health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation
  • Epilepsy