Shiloh Shepherd vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Shiloh Shepherd vs American Water Spaniel - Breed ComparisonBoth American Water Spaniel and Shiloh Shepherd are originated from United States. American Water Spaniel may grow 16 cm / 7 inches higher than Shiloh Shepherd. American Water Spaniel may weigh 45 kg / 99 pounds lesser than Shiloh Shepherd. Both American Water Spaniel and Shiloh Shepherd has same life span. American Water Spaniel may have less litter size than Shiloh Shepherd. American Water Spaniel requires Moderate Maintenance. But Shiloh Shepherd requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Companion dog
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United States
United States
Height Male:
36 - 46 cm
14 - 19 inches
28 - 30 cm
11 - 12 inches
Height Female:
34 - 44 cm
13 - 18 inches
26 - 28 cm
10 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
11 - 20 kg
24 - 45 pounds
54 - 65 kg
119 - 144 pounds
Weight Female:
11 - 18 kg
24 - 40 pounds
45 - 54 kg
99 - 120 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
9 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
6 - 12
Size:
Medium
Giant
Other Names:
Amerikanischer Wasserspaniel • AWS • AM Water Spaniel
none
Colors Available:
Liver, Brown, Dark Chocolate
silver, red, reddish tan, dark brown, colors bi or dual colored in black with tan, or sable. They can also be solid golden, golden tan, dark grey, or black sable, silver
Coat:
DOuble, Wavy and Curly, thick
smooth or double coat and the plush coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Constant
Temperament:
Alert, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Gentle, Loyal
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
High 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.

shiloh shepherdThe Shiloh Shepherd is currently a hybrid that breeders are attempting to develop into a new breed. New York breeder, Tina Barber, out of Shiloh Shepherds kennel developed dogs when in 1974, she attempted to develop a German Shepherd line. She wanted a GSD that was more like the ones she remembered from her childhood.

Tina took her foundation stock out of the AKC and got the FIC (Federation of International Canines) to recognize the Shiloh Shepherd as a separate breed. The FIC is not the same as the FCI or Federation Cynoloquque Internationale. In 1991 the Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club of America was formed, and the shepherd was recognized by the American Rare Breed Association.

Official recordkeeping on the breed began in 1993. The computer system TCCP maintains breed records and the Shiloh Shepherd has at least 9 generations in the system. Tina Barber was president of the Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club of America and oversaw the international club as well. She was responsible for the breed. After her death in 2011, her daughter took her place in working with the breed.

The Shiloh and the German Shepherd were then crossed to develop the King Shepherd.

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.

shiloh shepherd puppy - descriptionShiloh Shepherds are giant dogs, much larger than the usual German Shepherd Dog. The Shiloh had been bred to be a companion animal and not a guardian or herder. The Shiloh looks more like a wolf than either the German or the King Shepherd Dog. Their back is straighter than the GSD and they are larger, more stable and more intelligent. They were bred to show a complimentary balance between strength and elegance.

They have slightly domed, broad heads with a muzzle that gradually tapers, strong cheekbones and black lips. Their ears are triangles, well cupped and firm. The Shiloh Shepherds eyes are either brown or very dark. They have a straight back which is muscular and broad. Their chests deep and their tails plush, long and curved.

They have a very “heavy” appearance compared with other shepherds. They are well muscled in both the lower and upper thighs. Their coat is plush, and they have a dense undercoat. Their hair is harsh to the touch. There is both a smooth coat and a plush coat with the plush coat being more prevalent.

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.

shiloh shepherd dog - characteristics1.Children friendliness – yes, they are good with children. They are large however and have to be monitored with small children

2.Special talents - Speed and balance.

3.Adaptability good – they are large dogs and need space.

4.Learning ability good – intelligent and loves learning.

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.

shiloh shepherd puppies - health problemsThe Shiloh Shepherd has some health issues to deal with. These include: They seem to have very sensitive stomachs and intestinal issues.

  • Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency – supplement with digestive enzymes.

• Bloat – gastric dilatca ation volvulus – twisted stomach or intestines. Needs immediate veterinary care.

• Small intestine bacterial overgrowth – diarrhea, difficulty absorbing nutrients, abdominal pain.

  • Hip dysplasia – causes arthritis or lameness.
  • Tumors – intestinal.

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.

shiloh shepherd dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy -Due to the breed’s sensitive stomach and intestinal issues, it is important to feed the puppy a high quality large or extra-large breed of dog food. Feed at least 3 meals per day.

2.Feeding the adult- You will still want to feed a high quality large or extra-large breed dog food two times a day. However, if you feed the pup well and keep the intestinal issues under control, the adult should have an easier time.

3.Points for Good Health - Good eyesight and hearing.

4. Games and Exercises Be careful of the puppies’ exercise levels. Their bones grow slower than most so avoid a lot of jumping or strenuous exercise until they are adults. This means that even though they will be very good at agility or flyball and they will love playing them, do not start them when they are puppies. Wait until they are mature. The do well in herding trials, agility and search and rescue. Many make great therapy dogs.

Comparison with other breeds

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