American Water Spaniel vs Newfoundland

Sporting · Medium vs Working · Giant

Quick take
  • Newfoundland is the larger breed at 130–150 lbs (males) vs 30–45 lbs for the American Water Spaniel.
  • The American Water Spaniel typically lives longer (10–14 years).
  • The American Water Spaniel has higher daily energy needs.
  • The American Water Spaniel sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitAmerican Water SpanielNewfoundland
Group
SportingWorking
Size
MediumGiant
Origin
USACanada
Height (male)
15–18"28"
Height (female)
15–18"26"
Weight (male)
30–45 lbs130–150 lbs
Weight (female)
25–40 lbs100–120 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
10–14 years9–10 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)Low (2/5)
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)Very High (5/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Very High (5/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Good with kids
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with other dogs
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with strangers
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Coat length
mediumlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
YesNo
Ad slot · compare-mid

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 Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is a sweet, patient, devoted water-rescue dog — the gentle 'nanny dog' from Canada's Atlantic coast. Originally from Canada, this giant working breed typically weighs 130–150 lbs and lives 9–10 years. Breeders describe them as sweet, patient, devoted.

Ad slot · compare-bottom

American Water Spaniel health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders
  • Cardiac problems

Newfoundland health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Heart disease
  • Bloat
  • Cystinuria