Compare Breeds
Compare dog breeds side by side
Select 2 or 3 breeds and compare them across purpose, size, daily life, household fit, training, health and reality. This tool uses the same verified information from each breed guide — it does not assign scores, rank breeds, or declare a winner. The better fit depends on the individual dog, the owner's experience, household, environment, goals and available time.
Preset comparisons
Overview
Original purpose
Flushing and retrieving waterfowl and upland game
Flushing and retrieving waterfowl and upland game
Country / region of origin
United States (South Carolina)
United States (Midwest)
Academy group
Flushing & Retrieving Gundog
Waterfowl Retrieving Gundog
Life expectancy
14–16 years
12–15 years
Physical
Height range
36–46 cm (14–18 in)
38–46 cm (15–18 in)
Weight range
13–18 kg (30–40 lb)
11–20 kg (25–45 lb)
Coat type
Wavy to curly, medium-length coat with feathering
Curly to wavy, dense coat
Recognized colours
Solid liver (brown); small white allowed on chest
Solid liver, brown, or dark chocolate; small white allowed
Shedding
Moderate
Low to moderate
Grooming commitment
Moderate
Moderate
Daily life
Exercise commitment
High
High
Mental-work commitment
High
High
Training commitment
Moderate
Moderate
Vocal tendency
Variable
Variable
Prey-drive tendency
Variable
Variable
Protective tendency
Variable
Variable
Household
Housing & experience
Variable
Variable
Children considerations
Boykins can live well with children and other pets when raised with them and managed carefully. Prey drive requires supervision. No breed should be left unsupervised with…
AWS can live well with children and other pets when raised with them and managed carefully. Prey drive requires supervision. No breed should be left unsupervised with you…
Other-dog considerations
Variable
Variable
Other-pet considerations
Boykins can live well with children and other pets when raised with them and managed carefully. Prey drive requires supervision. No breed should be left unsupervised with…
AWS can live well with children and other pets when raised with them and managed carefully. Prey drive requires supervision. No breed should be left unsupervised with you…
Training
Training style considerations
Boykins are trainable and eager but high-energy and prey-driven, so clear, consistent, engaging training works best. Key themes include recall, steadiness, impulse contro…
AWS are trainable and eager but high-energy and prey-driven, so clear, consistent, engaging training works best. Key themes include recall, steadiness, impulse control an…
Recall considerations
Variable
Variable
Health & care
Major health considerations
Commonly discussed health concerns include hip dysplasia, certain eye conditions, and patellar luxation in some lines. Responsible breeding with health screening matters.…
Commonly discussed health concerns include hip dysplasia, certain eye conditions, heart conditions, and patellar luxation in some lines. Responsible breeding with health…
Expected financial considerations
Costs include quality food, regular veterinary care, insurance, training, professional grooming (ongoing), equipment and boarding. Research current costs in your area for…
Costs include quality food, regular veterinary care, insurance, training, equipment and boarding. Research current costs in your area for each category.
Fit & reality
What people often love
Compact size suited to many homes; Eager, sociable, versatile temperament; Water willingness and retrieving ability; Wavy brown coat and distinctive appearance
Compact size suited to many homes; Eager, sociable, versatile temperament; Water willingness and retrieving ability; Curly low-shed coat
What can be difficult
High daily exercise needs despite compact size; Strong prey drive and chasing; Water enthusiasm that needs safe management; Coat care and ear infections
High daily exercise needs despite compact size; Strong prey drive and chasing; Water enthusiasm that needs safe management; Coat care — avoid clipping
Who this breed may suit
Boykins may suit active homes wanting a compact, versatile American flushing gundog; water and field homes; and people prepared for daily outlets. The eager partnership c…
AWS may suit active, water-focused homes; field homes; and people prepared for daily outlets. The eager partnership can be deeply rewarding.
Who should think carefully
Boykins may not suit homes wanting a low-exercise companion, or those unable to manage prey drive and water enthusiasm. Compact size does not equal low drive. This does n…
AWS may not suit homes wanting a low-exercise companion, or those unable to manage prey drive and water enthusiasm. Compact size does not equal low drive. This does not m…
Boykin Spaniel
Flushing & Retrieving Gundog
Overview
Original purpose
Flushing and retrieving waterfowl and upland game
Country / region of origin
United States (South Carolina)
Academy group
Flushing & Retrieving Gundog
Life expectancy
14–16 years
Physical
Height range
36–46 cm (14–18 in)
Weight range
13–18 kg (30–40 lb)
Coat type
Wavy to curly, medium-length coat with feathering
Recognized colours
Solid liver (brown); small white allowed on chest
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming commitment
Moderate
Daily life
Exercise commitment
High
Mental-work commitment
High
Training commitment
Moderate
Vocal tendency
Variable
Prey-drive tendency
Variable
Protective tendency
Variable
Household
Housing & experience
Variable
Children considerations
Boykins can live well with children and other pets when raised with them and managed carefully. Prey drive requires supervision. No breed should be left unsupervised with…
Other-dog considerations
Variable
Other-pet considerations
Boykins can live well with children and other pets when raised with them and managed carefully. Prey drive requires supervision. No breed should be left unsupervised with…
Training
Training style considerations
Boykins are trainable and eager but high-energy and prey-driven, so clear, consistent, engaging training works best. Key themes include recall, steadiness, impulse contro…
Recall considerations
Variable
Health & care
Major health considerations
Commonly discussed health concerns include hip dysplasia, certain eye conditions, and patellar luxation in some lines. Responsible breeding with health screening matters.…
Expected financial considerations
Costs include quality food, regular veterinary care, insurance, training, professional grooming (ongoing), equipment and boarding. Research current costs in your area for…
Fit & reality
What people often love
Compact size suited to many homes; Eager, sociable, versatile temperament; Water willingness and retrieving ability; Wavy brown coat and distinctive appearance
What can be difficult
High daily exercise needs despite compact size; Strong prey drive and chasing; Water enthusiasm that needs safe management; Coat care and ear infections
Who this breed may suit
Boykins may suit active homes wanting a compact, versatile American flushing gundog; water and field homes; and people prepared for daily outlets. The eager partnership c…
Who should think carefully
Boykins may not suit homes wanting a low-exercise companion, or those unable to manage prey drive and water enthusiasm. Compact size does not equal low drive. This does n…
American Water Spaniel
Waterfowl Retrieving Gundog
Overview
Original purpose
Flushing and retrieving waterfowl and upland game
Country / region of origin
United States (Midwest)
Academy group
Waterfowl Retrieving Gundog
Life expectancy
12–15 years
Physical
Height range
38–46 cm (15–18 in)
Weight range
11–20 kg (25–45 lb)
Coat type
Curly to wavy, dense coat
Recognized colours
Solid liver, brown, or dark chocolate; small white allowed
Shedding
Low to moderate
Grooming commitment
Moderate
Daily life
Exercise commitment
High
Mental-work commitment
High
Training commitment
Moderate
Vocal tendency
Variable
Prey-drive tendency
Variable
Protective tendency
Variable
Household
Housing & experience
Variable
Children considerations
AWS can live well with children and other pets when raised with them and managed carefully. Prey drive requires supervision. No breed should be left unsupervised with you…
Other-dog considerations
Variable
Other-pet considerations
AWS can live well with children and other pets when raised with them and managed carefully. Prey drive requires supervision. No breed should be left unsupervised with you…
Training
Training style considerations
AWS are trainable and eager but high-energy and prey-driven, so clear, consistent, engaging training works best. Key themes include recall, steadiness, impulse control an…
Recall considerations
Variable
Health & care
Major health considerations
Commonly discussed health concerns include hip dysplasia, certain eye conditions, heart conditions, and patellar luxation in some lines. Responsible breeding with health…
Expected financial considerations
Costs include quality food, regular veterinary care, insurance, training, equipment and boarding. Research current costs in your area for each category.
Fit & reality
What people often love
Compact size suited to many homes; Eager, sociable, versatile temperament; Water willingness and retrieving ability; Curly low-shed coat
What can be difficult
High daily exercise needs despite compact size; Strong prey drive and chasing; Water enthusiasm that needs safe management; Coat care — avoid clipping
Who this breed may suit
AWS may suit active, water-focused homes; field homes; and people prepared for daily outlets. The eager partnership can be deeply rewarding.
Who should think carefully
AWS may not suit homes wanting a low-exercise companion, or those unable to manage prey drive and water enthusiasm. Compact size does not equal low drive. This does not m…
This comparison explains differences. The better fit depends on the individual dog, the owner's experience, household, environment, goals and available time. No breed is ranked or scored.