Chinese Shar Pei vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Chinese Shar Pei vs American Water Spaniel - Breed ComparisonChinese Shar Pei is originated from China but American Water Spaniel is originated from United States. Chinese Shar Pei may grow 10 cm / 4 inches higher than American Water Spaniel. Both Chinese Shar Pei and American Water Spaniel are having almost same weight. Chinese Shar Pei may live 3 years less than American Water Spaniel. Both Chinese Shar Pei and American Water Spaniel has same litter size. Both Chinese Shar Pei and American Water Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance.

History

chinese shar pei - historyThe Chinese Shar-Pei is originally from Canton, China. The Shar-Pei has a blue-black tongue and many deep wrinkles. They have more wrinkles as a puppy than the adult dogs do. They are one of the rarest breeds in the world and are considered a basal breed – meaning their existence predates modern canines. Most canines are related to the gray wolf through genetic admixture. However, there are breeds like the Siberian Husky, the Greenland Dog, Finnish Spitz and the Shar Pei are all related to the Taymyr Wolk of North Asia through admixture. The Shar Pei is found throughout the centuries in Chinese artwork, especially found during the Han Dynasty, and are considered one of the most ancient of breeds on earth today. In this period, they were fighting dogs then became beloved pets. Today the Tibetans still use them as fighting dogs.

Following the Communist Revolution, the Char Pei was almost extinct until Margo Law saved the breed. During this time, they smuggled around 200 dogs into the United States. All the dogs in the United States today come from those 200 dogs. They were accepted in 1992 into the AKC. The dogs served as trackers, hunters, ratters, guard dogs and herders.

american water spaniel - historyThe 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.

Basic Information

Group:
Non sporting dog
Gun dog
Origin:
China
United States
Height Male:
46 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
36 - 46 cm
14 - 19 inches
Height Female:
43 - 53 cm
16 - 21 inches
34 - 44 cm
13 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
11 - 20 kg
24 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 24 kg
35 - 53 pounds
11 - 18 kg
24 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 11 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
4 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Shar-Pei, char pei
Amerikanischer Wasserspaniel • AWS • AM Water Spaniel
Colors Available:
cream, red, blue, black silver sables, black bronze sables, isabelle (silver shading on a dilute-colored dog), cream dilute, flower (white with either blue or black patche , apricot dilute, lilac, chocolate, five-point red, sables, chocolate dilute, black, red fawn, brown
Liver, Brown, Dark Chocolate
Coat:
Horse-coat, Brush-coat and Bear-coat
DOuble, Wavy and Curly, thick
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Responsive, Stubborn
Alert, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

chinese shar pei puppy - descriptionThe Chines Sar Pei has what if known as a Horse-coat which is prickly, harsh, and rough to the touch on one direction and rough to touch on the other. Western Shar Peis can be Horse, Bearcoat and Brush. The Brush is longer and smoother while the Bear coat is rare and in-between the two. The Bearcoat is not accepted by the AKC while the other two types of coats are.

The Shar Pei should have a hippo shaped head, a black-purple tongue, black mouth, deep set almond shaped dark eyes, small ears and red coats. His profile is square, and his muzzle is full and wide. Most Shar Peis only have facial and neck wrinkles left as adults.

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.

Characteristics

chinese shar pei dog - characteristicsThe Shar Pei must be socialized early to other people, children and animals if he is to be friendly with them. He is loyal to his people and instinctively wary of strangers. He will be completed devoted to his people, but he is reserved and independent. They can be aggressive and territorial if not socialized. They are stubborn, loving and loyal. They are dominant, brave and playful. They are great watch dogs. Keep them busy because they tend to think a lot independently and if they don’t have a job they may create one.

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.

Health Problems

chinese shar pei puppies - health problemsBecause of the rushed and inexperienced breeding programs in the United States due to the popularity of the breed, there are many health issues in the North American version of the Shar Pei. Their life expectancy is generally under ten years. They are prone to:

  • Familial Shar Pei Fever - congenital
  • Atopic Dermatitis – due to skin and coat conditions
  • Skin Infections – due to skin and coat conditions
  • Amyloidosis – Long term related to FSF
  • Entropion eye issues
  • Ear infections
  • Vitamin D deficiency hereditary

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.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

chinese shar pei dogs - caringFeed a good quality dry dog food but do not overfeed. You should feed twice a day about one cup per six pounds for puppies. Adults should have two cups a day.

Health issues

• Familial Shar Pei Fever – congenital and serious. This produces fevers that can last from 24 hours to three days. Swelling around the ankles is due to fluid retention.

  • Atopic Dermatitis – due to skin and coat conditions hereditary
  • Skin Infections – due to skin and coat conditions hereditary
  • Amyloidosis – Long term related to FSF and leads to renal failure.

• Entropion eye issues – eyelashes curl in and inflame the eye. Can cause blindness if not treated. Requires surgery.

  • Ear infections – yeast infections – clean them often.
  • Vitamin D deficiency hereditary – causes swollen hocks syndrome and fever.

Exercise and games

Both as a puppy and an adult this is a pretty active dog. He needs at the very least to be walked every day or have a back yard to play in. They are sensitive to heat so bring them in when its really hot and don’t walk them in the heat. They love to play, are athletic and competitive. Try agility, tracking, rally and obedience trials.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. English Springer Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  2. Brittany vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  3. English Setter vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  4. French Brittany vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  5. Boykin Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  6. Pudelpointer vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  7. American Water Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  8. American Water Spaniel vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  9. Picardy Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  10. Braque d'Auvergne vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. Ariege Pointer vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  12. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  13. Irish Water Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  14. Blue Picardy Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  15. Canadian Pointer vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  16. Deutsch Drahthaar vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  17. Clumber Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  18. Stabyhoun vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  19. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  20. Vizsla vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  21. Large Munsterlander vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  22. Tyrolean Hound vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  23. Cockalier vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  24. Braque du Bourbonnais vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  25. Cesky Fousek vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  26. Chow Chow vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  27. Dalmatian vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  28. Chinese Shar Pei vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  29. Chinese Shar Pei vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  30. Chinese Shar Pei vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  31. Keeshond vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  32. Mexican Hairless vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  33. Tibetan Terrier vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  34. Standard Poodle vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  35. Norwegian Lundehund vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  36. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  37. Golden Doodle vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  38. Pomsky vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  39. Sakhalin Husky vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  40. Other vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  41. Chinese Shar Pei vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  42. Chinese Shar Pei vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Chinese Shar Pei vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  44. Chinese Shar Pei vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  45. Chinese Shar Pei vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Chinese Shar Pei vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds