Saarlooswolfhond vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Saarlooswolfhond vs American Water Spaniel - Breed ComparisonAmerican Water Spaniel is originated from United States but Saarlooswolfhond is originated from Netherlands. American Water Spaniel may grow 29 cm / 11 inches shorter than Saarlooswolfhond. American Water Spaniel may weigh 25 kg / 55 pounds lesser than Saarlooswolfhond. Both American Water Spaniel and Saarlooswolfhond has almost same life span. Both American Water Spaniel and Saarlooswolfhond has same litter size. American Water Spaniel requires Moderate Maintenance. But Saarlooswolfhond requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Herding dogs
undefined
United States
Netherlands
Height Male:
36 - 46 cm
14 - 19 inches
60 - 75 cm
23 - 30 inches
Height Female:
34 - 44 cm
13 - 18 inches
60 - 75 cm
23 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
11 - 20 kg
24 - 45 pounds
30 - 45 kg
66 - 100 pounds
Weight Female:
11 - 18 kg
24 - 40 pounds
30 - 45 kg
66 - 100 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
4 - 6
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Amerikanischer Wasserspaniel • AWS • AM Water Spaniel
Saarloos Wolf Dog, Saarloos Wolfhound
Colors Available:
Liver, Brown, Dark Chocolate
cream, wolf-grey, white and red
Coat:
DOuble, Wavy and Curly, thick
Shortish, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal, Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

american water spanielThe American Water Spaniel was developed in the United States. He is the state dog of Wisconsin and was developed there in the 19th century. The bloodlines of this spaniel are varied but certainly include the English Water Spaniel and the Irish Water Spaniel. Even though they are the state dog of Wisconsin they were almost extinct when Dr. Fred J. Pfeifer rescued the breed. The numbers had fallen after World War II because hunting was now a recreational sport and not needed to provide food for the family. He then started a breed club and wrote a breed standard, both of which were recognized by the United Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club. When first developed the American Water Spaniel was known as the American Brown Spaniel. It was bred with a curly, thick coat so that it cold be sustained in Wisconsin winters and cold water. It was bred to hunt grouse, water fowl and prairie chickens as well as furry land animals. Pfeifer advertised his dogs for sale everywhere using a mailer that read: “, "The American Brown Spaniel is distinctively an American production. Hunters have known this type for years and it was through their efforts that this dog was propagated.... For years we have bred only selective stock, breeding for gameness, stability, courage, intelligence, and beauty. They are dogs to admire and trust under all conditions whether in the home circle or in the field with the outdoor man."[2]

In Wisconsin, around the wolf River and the Fox River, hunters were looking for a water dog that could also hunt on land. They needed a dog that could work a variety of fowl and game but who was small enough for a skiff and strong enough for the artic water temperatures of Wisconsin in the Winter. So, in addition to the spaniels named above, other breeds such as the Curly Coated Retriever, the Poodle, Native Indian dogs and the Sussex Spaniel were intermixed. When first developed the American Water Spaniel was known as the American Brown Spaniel. It was bred with a curly, thick coat so that it cold be sustained in Wisconsin winters and cold water. It was bred to hunt grouse, water fowl and prairie chickens as well as furry land animals. The American Water Spaniel was then itself used to develop another new breed, the Boykin Spaniel. In 1985 Wisconsin declared the American Water Spaniel to be the official state dog. Even so there remain only a few thousand dogs in existence. Though recognized by the AKC, they are neither spaniels nor retrievers and remain unclassified. Because of this they cannot compete in AKC field trials, but they do compete in AKC hunt tests. Though rare, the American Water Spaniel is a great hunting dog, retriever and companion.

saarlooswolfhondDutch breeder Leendert Saarloos began to breed German Shepherds to a European wolf. His goal was to bring out a dog that was more hard working.

The Dutch Kennel Club recognized this dog breed in 1975, and to give honor to the breeder, they gave the name to the dog - Saarloos Wolfdog. The dog was also recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale.

Today the Saarloos is regarded as a pet and companion. It was in 2015 that a study found that this dog showed more genetic association with the gray wolf.

Description

american water spaniel puppy - descriptionThe American Water spaniel is a midsized, muscular dog. There is nothing flashy about his looks or his work performance. He is however a consistent, competent swimmer and hunter. His brown coat is wavy or tightly curled, waterproof and dense. His feet have thick pads and webbed toes. The AWS is intelligent, happy, and easy going. He is a very versatile hunting dog on land and in water. The breed has not changed much since it originated in the 19th century. They can be liver, chocolate or brown. The eyes should be the same as the color of the coat. They have broad skulls with wide, long ears and an undocked tail.

They have a square, medium sized muzzle and wide nose. They have a bite that is level or scissors. The legs of the muscular American Water Spaniel are medium in length and the tail is full, with a medium length, curved and feathered. The dewclaws might or might not be removed.

saarlooswolfhond puppy - descriptionThe Saarloos Wolfdog is a large dog standing at between 60–75cm male and female and weighing between 30 and 45kg. He is athletic and muscular with a short, dense coat. Colors are wolf-grey, white and red. The Saarloos has wolf-like expressions so the ears are erect, the muzzle pointed and the tail long and plumed. They eyes are a yellow color. The face is bright and alert, showing how intelligent he is.

Temperament

The Saarloos Wolfhound is full of energy so will be looking toward his owner to come up with good exercise for him.

A walk will always be welcome, but for such a lively dog, he’ll want something more energetic such as a hike, swimming, being allowed to run off his leash in the park and lots of vigorous ball- and rope games.

He is an independent dog and for this reason you’ll want him trained and socialized to make him obedient. He is loyal and loving but some of his wolf-like characteristics might mean that he isn’t a good choice for the first-time dog owner. If the first time dog owner is firm, consistent, strong and kind, then everything will be alright.

Characteristics

american water spaniel dog - characteristicsBred to work the American Water Spaniels are loyal to their people, want to please them, but are not so great with strangers. They are stubborn and love to be the center of attention. They are often one person or one family dogs. They need an owner who is the pack leader and willing to put in the time to train them. However, they are a versatile breed and need variety in training and activities rather than repetitive activities. They are prone to resource guarding, slow maturation and dominance. These negative traits are dissipated with a strong leader, good training and a lot of daily activity. They are sensitive as well as stubborn. Do not use a punishment-oriented training with them. They will respond out of love and loyalty or not at all. This is a breed that wants to be the alpha over the people and will do so if you let him. Keep them fenced as being hunters they love to wander and will leave home whenever they can.

saarlooswolfhond dog - characteristicsThe Saarloos Wolfhound is a beautiful wolf-like dog that is full of life and energy. When you bring him into your life, you’re going to to have a wonderful addition to your family.

He is an independent dog that is strong-willed so it pays to have him trained and socialized, and then he becomes a balanced, well mannered dog that is loving and loyal with his beloved human family.

Health Problems

american water spaniel puppies - health problemsThe American Water Spaniel is a hardy, healthy breed without a lot of the genetic concerns of other breeds. Some of the concerns of this breed include vision, cardiac, hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy. They might also have skin issues and metabolic disorders.

saarlooswolfhond puppies - health problemsA well bred Saarloos Wolfhound is regarded as very healthy, and with good care they can reach up to 12, 13, 14 or 15 years of age.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a common canine disease which comes about when a dog’s hip joints don’t develop properly. For a dog diagnosed with hip dyslasia it can be painful lying down and getting around.

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition, but diet also plays a part as well as environmental factors. All dogs breeds are susceptible to hip dysplasia. Try and avoid your dog putting on too much weight as then it puts excessive strain on the joints. There are different treatment options to make it more comfortable for your pet.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

american water spaniel dogs - caringFeeding the American Water Spaniel is no mystery. They need a high quality dry dog food with an eye toward calorie consumption. Some AWS have a tendency to become obese. Treats are important to the AWS in training but can add to the obesity concerns.

Health

Like other isolated breeds that were bred true, the genetic issues we see in many other popular breeds are not seen as much in the American Water Spaniel. They do however have a few issues to contend with.

Eyes: These issues appear to be inherited with progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. Many AWS that develop cataracts do so at a very young age, usually under a year. Metabolic: Diabetes, hypothyroidism, glandular disorders and epilepsy. Baldness and Cardiac Issues. Orthopedic: Hip dysplasia. There is no evidence to suggest any elbow dysplasia. Additional concerns are hypothyroidism, allergies, epilepsy, diabetes and glandular disorders which Of course, the American Water Spaniel is an athlete who loves to be outdoors. He loves to swim, run and hunt. He needs daily exercise, or he can become loud and destructive. They thrive on having a job and they are not happy if they don’t have one. They are good at agility, obedience, dock diving and field trials. They also enjoy flyball and barn hunt.

Exercise:

saarlooswolfhond dogs - caringHe’s an active dog so he will need a good dose of exercise to keep that muscular, lean look.

Grooming:

You will need to brush the dense double coat twice a week to ensure the removal of loose hairs and to keep the coat shiny and glossy. Trim his nails and check inside his mouth as he can’t tell you when he has a rotten tooth which can cause a lot of pain.

Diet:

Feed puppies 4x a day.

Puppies 6 months on can have 2 meals a day.

Always feed your dog premium-quality dry food. Twice a week you can add home-made food to the dry kibble as a tasty treat. Add boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This food can all be chopped up and a portion added to the kibble. The rest can be frozen and then a portion warmed up for another meal.

Try and add some raw meat to his food occasionally as this helps to keep skin problems at bay.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Your pet needs a warm, dry, comfortable place to sleep to call his own.

If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, make sure there is both shade and sun.

Spaying and Neutering – beneficial if you don’t want puppies.

Vaccinations for puppies and adults to stave off deadly canine diseases.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Saarlooswolfhond vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Saarlooswolfhond vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Saarlooswolfhond vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Saarlooswolfhond vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Saarlooswolfhond vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Saarlooswolfhond vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Saarlooswolfhond vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Saarlooswolfhond vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Saarlooswolfhond vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Saarlooswolfhond vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Saarlooswolfhond vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Saarlooswolfhond vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Saarlooswolfhond vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Saarlooswolfhond vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Saarlooswolfhond vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Saarlooswolfhond vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Saarlooswolfhond vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Saarlooswolfhond vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Saarlooswolfhond vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Saarlooswolfhond vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Saarlooswolfhond vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Saarlooswolfhond vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Saarlooswolfhond vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Saarlooswolfhond vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Saarlooswolfhond vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. American Water Spaniel vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. American Water Spaniel vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. American Water Spaniel vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. American Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. American Water Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. American Water Spaniel vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. American Water Spaniel vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. American Water Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. American Water Spaniel vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. American Water Spaniel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. American Water Spaniel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. American Water Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. American Water Spaniel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. American Water Spaniel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. American Water Spaniel vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. American Water Spaniel vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. American Water Spaniel vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. American Water Spaniel vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. American Water Spaniel vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. American Water Spaniel vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. American Water Spaniel vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. American Water Spaniel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. American Water Spaniel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. American Water Spaniel vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. American Water Spaniel vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison