American Cocker Spaniel vs Portuguese Water Dog
Compare two breeds
Pick two breeds to see them compared side by side.
American Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel descends from English Cocker Spaniels brought to the United States in the nineteenth century, where selective breeding over a few decades produced a smaller, more compact type with a fuller coat than its European relative. In 1946 the breed was formally split off from the English Cocker as its own American breed. At around 13 kilograms, it is one of the smallest gundog breeds, though most individuals today have never seen a day of field hunting. The long, silky coat with heavy feathering on the legs needs intensive, frequent grooming, often including professional trimming. Long, pendulous ears are a known risk factor for ear infections and need regular checking. Temperament is friendly and sensitive, quick to bond with its family. It ranked among the most popular breeds in the US for a long stretch of the mid twentieth century. Life expectancy runs 12 to 15 years.
Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese fishermen used this dog to help with work at sea: carrying messages between boats, herding fish into nets, and retrieving anything that fell overboard. The curly or wavy single coat, with no undercoat, functions much like a poodle's, repels water and sheds very little, which is why the breed is often cited among the more allergy friendly options. A male can weigh up to 25 kilograms of muscular, swimming built frame with webbed feet. The breed came close to extinction as motorized boats replaced sailing vessels and fishermen no longer needed its help, but it was revived in the mid 20th century by dedicated breeders, including a Portuguese businessman. High energy and intelligence mean it needs consistent engagement. Life expectancy runs 11 to 13 years.
At a glance
| American Cocker Spaniel | Portuguese Water Dog | |
|---|---|---|
| Height (male) | 38.0–38.0 cm | 50.0–57.0 cm |
| Weight (male) | 11.0–13.0 kg | 19.0–25.0 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 yrs | 11–13 yrs |
| Coat | long, silky, flat or slightly wavy coat with heavy feathering | profuse, curly or wavy single coat, no undercoat |
Temperament & Family Life
| American Cocker Spaniel | Portuguese Water Dog | |
|---|---|---|
| Family friendly | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Trainability |
Exercise, Energy & Space
| American Cocker Spaniel | Portuguese Water Dog | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy level | ||
| Exercise need | ||
| Apartment friendly | ||
| Prey drive | ||
| Hunting instinct |
Guarding & Alertness
| American Cocker Spaniel | Portuguese Water Dog | |
|---|---|---|
| Guarding instinct | ||
| Watchfulness | ||
| Barking level |
Grooming & Care
| American Cocker Spaniel | Portuguese Water Dog | |
|---|---|---|
| Shedding | ||
| Drooling | ||
| Grooming need |
Temperament and care scores (1-5) are a general guide based on the breed standard — every individual dog is different.