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American Water Spaniel vs French Bulldog

Discover the differences between American Water Spaniel and French Bulldog to make the best choice for your situation.

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American Water Spaniel
United States

American Water Spaniel

Sporting Group
Medium

Energetic, intelligent, and eager to please, this breed thrives as an active companion both on land and in water. Their curly coat and cheerful disposition set them apart.

French Bulldog
France

French Bulldog

Non-Sporting Group
Small

Compact, playful, and affectionate, this breed charms with its expressive face and easygoing personality. Ideal for city living, French Bulldogs make steadfast companions and loving family pets.

Quick comparison

Size:

Medium

Male:

13.5–20.5 kg

Coat:

Curly, water-resistant

Lifespan:

12–15 years

Female:

11.5–18 kg

Energy:

High energy

Size:

Small

Male:

9–13 kg

Coat:

Short, smooth

Lifespan:

10–12 years

Female:

8–12 kg

Energy:

Low activity needs

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

American Water Spaniel

Friendliness
4/5

Generally sociable with people and other dogs

Intelligence
4/5

Quick learner, responds well to training

Energy Level
5/5

High stamina, needs regular physical activity

Playfulness
4/5

Enjoys games and interactive activities daily

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to various living environments

French Bulldog

Friendliness
5/5

Affectionate with people and enjoys companionship

Intelligence
4/5

Learns routines quickly but can be stubborn

Energy Level
2/5

Prefers short play sessions and moderate walks

Playfulness
4/5

Enjoys interactive games and gentle roughhousing

Adaptability
5/5

Comfortable in apartments and various environments

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

American Water Spaniel

Grooming:
Average grooming needed (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, eye problems

French Bulldog

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
30–45 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Struggles with heat
Health concerns:

Brachycephalic syndrome, skin allergies

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

American Water Spaniel

First-time Owner
4/5

Good option

Responsive and trainable, but may require patience with initial stubbornness

Apartment Living
3/5

Moderate fit

Needs daily exercise and may bark if understimulated in small spaces

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Excellent match

Thrives with active owners who can provide regular outdoor activities

Kids
4/5

Friendly companion

Generally gentle and playful, but supervision with small children is recommended

Multiple Pets
4/5

Usually compatible

Can get along with other pets if socialized from a young age

Being Left Alone
2/5

Not recommended

Prone to separation anxiety and destructive behaviors if left alone too long

French Bulldog

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Easygoing temperament and manageable size suit first-time owners well

Apartment Living
5/5

Perfect fit

Quiet and compact, they adapt well to small apartments

Active Lifestyle
2/5

Not ideal

They tire quickly and don’t match very active lifestyles

Kids
5/5

Highly suitable

Gentle and playful, they are patient with young children

Multiple Pets
4/5

Very friendly

Generally sociable and get along with other pets if introduced properly

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to anxiety

They dislike being left alone for long periods and may develop separation issues

Breed strengths

What each breed excels at and their best qualities

American Water Spaniel

  • Excellent swimmer with strong retrieving instincts
  • Adaptable to various living environments
  • Loyal and affectionate with family members
  • High intelligence and trainability
  • Moderate exercise needs suit active households

French Bulldog

  • Affectionate with families and children
  • Adaptable to apartment living
  • Minimal grooming requirements
  • Generally quiet and not prone to barking
  • Strong loyalty to owners

Challenges & considerations

Potential challenges and considerations for each breed

American Water Spaniel

  • Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
  • Can be territorial with unfamiliar dogs
  • Needs regular grooming to prevent matting
  • May bark excessively without proper training
  • Sensitive to harsh training methods

French Bulldog

  • Prone to breathing difficulties due to flat face
  • Sensitive to extreme heat and cold
  • May develop separation anxiety
  • Stubborn during training sessions
  • High risk of obesity without portion control

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

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