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American Water Spaniel vs Pit Pei Comparison. Which dog is better for you: AWS or Shar Pit?

Compare the American Water Spaniel and Pit Pei breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a AWS or a Shar Pit? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Other names

American Brown Spaniel, American Brown Water Spaniel, AWS
Shar Pit, Sharpull Terrier, Shar Pei, Shar-Pei Pitbull Terrier

Weight

What is the average weight of American Water Spaniel and Pit Pei?
32.5 pounds ( 15 kg )
40.5 pounds ( 18 kg )

Height

What is the average height of American Water Spaniel and Pit Pei
16.5 inches ( 41.9 cm )
16.5 inches ( 41.9 cm )

Hypoallergenic

Are American Water Spaniels or Pit Peis hypoallergenic, or neither?

No

Unfortunately, neither American Water Spaniel nor Pit Pei are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of American Water Spaniel and Pit Pei dogs?
Energetic
Intelligent
Protective
Friendly
Obedient
Trainable

Loving
Stubborn
Independent
Clownish
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Obedient
Loyal
Devoted
Strong
Willed
Aggressive
Reserved
Suspicious

Shedding Level

Do American Water Spaniels shed more than Pit Peis, or which breed sheds more, American Water Spaniels or Pit Peis?

American Water Spaniels shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Pit Peis are low shedding dogs, requiring minimal coat care.

Ancestry

What are the origins of American Water Spaniel and Pit Pei breeds?
spaniel, retriever

Shar-Pei and American Pit Bull Terrier

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register American Water Spaniel and Pit Pei?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

Date of Birth

When were American Water Spaniel and Pit Pei breeds first developed?
1800s

Unknown

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of American Water Spaniel and Pit Pei dogs?
Hazel
Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of American Water Spaniel and Pit Pei?
Black
Brown

Blue
Black
Brown
Isabella

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for American Water Spaniel and Pit Pei breeds?
Black
Brown
Red
Sable

Black
Gray
Brown
Red
Cream
Isabella
Fawn
Blue
Silver
White

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for American Water Spaniel and Pit Pei breeds?

American Water Spaniels have medium-length coats.

Pit Peis have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of American Water Spaniel and Pit Pei?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of American Water Spaniel and Pit Pei?
Wavy

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for American Water Spaniel and Pit Pei?

10-13 puppies per pregnancy

An American Water Spaniel can have a litter of 10-13 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

5-8 puppies per pregnancy

A Pit Pei can have a litter of 5-8 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

American Water Spaniels are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Pit Peis have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

Health Issues

Between American Water Spaniel and Pit Pei, which breed is more prone to health problems?

While the American Water Spaniel breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Pit Peis typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for American Water Spaniel and Pit Pei breeds?
Mitral Valve Disease
Degenerative Myelopathy

Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning American Water Spaniel and Pit Pei?
Distichiasis
Lenticular Opacities
Hip Dysplasia
Heart Disease

Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for American Water Spaniel and Pit Pei breeds?
Hip X-Rays
Heart
Eye Examination

X-Rays
MRI
Physical Examination
ECG
Joint Fluid Sample
Blood Work
Full Chemistry Panel Tests and Blood Count

Social Needs

American Water Spaniel vs Pit Pei social needs comparison

American Water Spaniel has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Pit Pei has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: American Water Spaniel or Pit Pei?

American Water Spaniels are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Pit Peis have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: American Water Spaniel vs Pit Pei?

Roaming urge

American Water Spaniel vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

American Water Spaniel or Pit Pei - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep American Water Spaniel and Pit Pei entertained?
Swim, Walk, Run

Playing fetch, Walking, Watching tv, Tearing up toys, Eating Snacks, Sleeping, Running, Park, Toys, Walks, Cuddling, Catch treats, Tug-of-war, Fetch

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, American Water Spaniels or Pit Peis?

Medium

Both American Water Spaniel and Pit Pei are medium-energy dogs that enjoy socializing and playing with other dogs. They may engage in casual or sustained games of chase, and occasionally have bursts of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How many miles should American Water Spaniel or Pit Pei walk each week?

8 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For American Water Spaniel, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

9 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Pit Pei, it's at least 9 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do American Water Spaniels or Pit Peis require more exercise?

60 minutes

In general most American Water Spaniels usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

45 minutes

In general most Pit Peis usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, American Water Spaniels or Pit Peis?

The American Water Spaniel requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

The Pit Pei has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for American Water Spaniel and Pit Pei dogs?

Daily

Ideally, American Water Spaniel should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Weekly

Pit Pei should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for American Water Spaniels and Pit Peis?
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Dematter
Comb
Deshedder
Clipper
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to American Water Spaniel or Pit Pei in cups?

2.5 cups

American Water Spaniel and Pit Pei share the same recommended daily food intake of 2.5 cups, although the appropriate quantity may vary depending on the quality and nutritional content of their food.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, American Water Spaniel or Pit Pei?

$2.50 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of an American Water Spaniel is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Pit Pei is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, American Water Spaniel or Pit Pei?

$74 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of an American Water Spaniel is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Pit Pei is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Sensitivity Level

How do American Water Spaniel and Pit Pei compare in sensitivity?

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

Pit Peis have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: American Water Spaniel or Pit Pei?

American Water Spaniels make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Pit Peis are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

Child Friendly

Do American Water Spaniels or Pit Peis have a friendlier temperament towards children?

American Water Spaniels make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Pit Peis have an average level of friendliness towards children.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - American Water Spaniel or Pit Pei?

Cat Friendly

Do American Water Spaniel or Pit Pei breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

American Water Spaniels are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Pit Peis are somewhat cat friendly and can be trained to get along with cats.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: American Water Spaniel or Pit Pei?

American Water Spaniels and Pit Peis are below average dog friendly dogs. American Water Spaniels and Pit Peis may not always get along well with other dogs they have not been raised with.

Pet friendly

How do American Water Spaniel or Pit Pei dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: American Water Spaniel or Pit Pei?

American Water Spaniels are highly friendly around strangers.

Pit Peis are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between American Water Spaniel and Pit Pei?

American Water Spaniels are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Pit Peis are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of American Water Spaniels and Pit Peis compare?

American Water Spaniel and Pit Pei dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Common match-ups