Papillon vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison

English Water Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom but Papillon is originated from France. English Water Spaniel may grow 23 cm / 10 inches higher than Papillon. English Water Spaniel may weigh 15 kg / 34 pounds more than Papillon. Both English Water Spaniel and Papillon has almost same life span. English Water Spaniel may have more litter size than Papillon. English Water Spaniel requires Low Maintenance. But Papillon requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Toy dog
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United Kingdom
France
Height Male:
49 - 51 cm
19 - 21 inches
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
Height Female:
45 - 47 cm
17 - 19 inches
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
3 - 5 kg
6 - 12 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
3 - 5 kg
6 - 12 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
1 - 3
Size:
Medium
Small
Other Names:
Water Dog, Water Rug
The Butterfly Dog, Squirrel Spaniel
Colors Available:
liver and white
white and tan, White and orange, white and black
Coat:
dense, waterproof, doublecoated
Medium length, silky
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

The English Water Spaniel breed is extinct and has been since the early 1900’s. It was last seen in the 1930s. The breed was a hunting breed, diving for duck and hunting other waterfowl. Legend has it that Shakespeare was referring to this breed of dog in Macbeth when he refers to the “water rug”. Again, in Two Gentlemen of Verona one of the character states about another that “She hath more qualities than a water-spaniel.’

The English Water Spaniel came along before the Irish Water Spaniel and had a part in the development the Curly Coated Retriever, the American Water Spaniel and the Field Spaniel. The English Water Spaniel looks somewhat like a Poodle/Springer Spaniel cross or a Collie. It is not known whether the English Water Spaniel was part of the development of the Irish Water Spaniel.

When the English Water Spaniel was first developed the UKC had a “Water Spaniels other than Irish” and the English Water Spaniel had no standard written and accepted for it yet. But by 1967 the breed was extinct. Still the American Water Spaniel and the Flat Coated Retriever are believed to be descendants of the English Water Spaniel.

papillonWith his eye-catching butterfly-look-alike feathery ears, the Papillon, also called the Continental Toy Spaniel or the Squirrel Spaniel, is one of the oldest of the toy spaniels.

You can see that the history of the Papillon goes very far back as the dog has been depicted in early works of art dating back to the 1500s. They were at first bred for the companions of noblewomen, appearing in many paintings where they are seen in royal courts.

The AKC registered its first Papillon in 1915. It is believed that the dog hails from France and Belguim. The Papillon was first recognized by the AKC in 1935 and the Papillon Club of America was also formed.

Description

Resembling the Springer Spaniel, poodle, collie and setter the English Water Spaniel has very little in common with the Irish Water Spaniel in respect to looks. The English has a narrow and somewhat longer head their than other spaniels and they have long furry ears. Their body is stout, and they are shaped like a barrel – more like a Clumber. With long legs and large feet, it is ready to take to the hunt. There coat was waterproof, and their toes were webbed.

papillon puppy - descriptionPapillon means 'butterfly' which refers to the dog's fringed upright ears. You also get the floppy eared variety which is known as phalene, meaning 'moth'.

The Papillon dog stands at between 20 – 28cm in height and weighs between 3 and 4.5kg. The tail arches over the back in a feathery plume. His coat is thick and silky but he doesn't have an undercoat. The coat is white with tan or white with black.

When you look at his bright little face, you can see that he is an intelligent dog who can be trained and socialized with ease. In fact he loves to be occupied with something challenging, so it will be a good ides to buy him some stimulating toys to play with.

Temperament:

When you first see the Papillon dog you might think he is fragile like a butterfly – a typical lap dog – but this isn't so at all. He is tough, robust, energetic, alert and friendly. Bright and alert, they also make great watchdogs.

He'll be able to adapt to life in the city or the countryside. Even though he is good with children and pets in the home, he'd prefer to live with adults as he couldn't handle undisciplined rough and tumble children who haven't learned how to respect dogs, especially little ones that can get hurt easily.

This is such a sweet-natured little dog that you want to do everything you can to keep him content

Characteristics

The English Water Spaniel was aloof with strangers but loyal with his hunter. He was a little stubborn and an excellent water dog. They loved being in the water and could enter it without making any noise so as not to frighten his prey. He was highly intelligent and trainable. He also was very affectionate with his people.

papillon dog - characteristicsThe Papillon is a bright, intelligent and energetic little dog. When you bring him into your home you must remember that small though he is, he will require lots of mental and physical exercise.

You're going to love having the Papillon in your home as he is guaranteed to make the sweetest, most loving pet and companion.

Health Problems

The English Water Spaniel is a fairly healthy breed given to some fairly common disorders such as:

Hip Dysplasia

Can lead to lameness and arthritis

Cardiac abnormalities

Arterial fib and flutter and other problems that could lead to death.

Degenerative Myelopathy

This is a disease seem in several “Dwarf” breeds such as Corgis, as well as in many spaniels. This is the canine version of Lou Gehrig’s Disease or ALS and it is fatal.

papillon puppies - health problemsAs a responsible dog owner you want to make sure that your pet has the best chance to reach the age of 14, 15 or 16. Unfortunately, there are always some common dog illnesses that you need to be aware of -

Patellar Luxation:

This condition occurs when the dog's patella or kneecap is dislocated and then it can only be returned to its normal position once the quadriceps in the hind legs of the dog relax and lengthen. You’ll see dogs with this condition holding up a hind leg. This joint abnormality is more common in toy breeds like this.

Collapsing Trachea:

The windpipe of a dog is made out of tissue membranes and when the dog breathes, air quickly moves through the trachea, causing the pressure inside of it to go down. A weak cartilage in the windpipe causes a collapsed trachea in dogs, and occurs almost exclusively in small dogs such as the Papillon.

Many small dogs are born with cartilage that is strong enough to hold the trachea open. As cartilage ages though, it weakens. You’ll notice your dog has a rasping cough when he is excited. Sometimes it is mistaken for kennel cough which can be remedied fairly quickly while a collapsed trachea in dogs is a lifelong syndrome.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

The English Water Spaniel is not an overly energetic dog and has a tendency to over eat. Feed him 1 to 1.5 cups of high quality dry dog food over two meals each day.

Health issues

In addition to the health issues mentioned earlier, the English Water Spaniel is also prone to:

Baldness

Pattern baldness – is genetic and occurs on the neck and back of the hind legs.

Cataracts

English Water Spaniels can have these in old age like most other breeds.

Retinal Dysplasia

Clumps form in the retinal tissue and can lead to blindness

Exercise and games

The English Water Spaniel was a worker and an outdoor athlete at a time before organized canine games and activities such as agility and flyball. They loved to swim, and they loved to hunt. Without a job to do they could become barky and destructive.

Grooming:

papillon dogs - caringPapillons are average shedders so they will require brushing at least twice a week. Certainly the long ear fringes will need to be washed and brushed, after all this is this little dog’s trademark.

Diet:

You’ve got to be careful with a small dog like the Papillon as it can easily become overweight and that in itself can bring on health problems. There are excellent commercially manufactured dog foods for small breed dogs that have the right amount of minerals and vitamins in them. Choose the best quality ones.

Home-made food such as chopped-up boiled chicken, some brown rice or pasta and cooked vegetables such as carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes can keep your little dog healthy and fit. Dogs just want simple, nutritious meals which aren’t changed often as it could upset their digestive system.

Keep things consistent and avoid human foods such as chips, chocolates, coffee and spices Never leave your pet without a steady supply of fresh, cool water.

General Care:

Provide your pet with a nice warm, dry bed.

If you bring a puppy into the home, check on puppy vaccines to avoid some deadly diseases.

Get your dog neutered or spayed if you don’t want it to become a parent.

Exercise your pet and provide him with love and attention.

Comparison with other breeds

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  39. English Water Spaniel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. English Water Spaniel vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. English Water Spaniel vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. English Water Spaniel vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. English Water Spaniel vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. English Water Spaniel vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. English Water Spaniel vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. English Water Spaniel vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. English Water Spaniel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. English Water Spaniel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. English Water Spaniel vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. English Water Spaniel vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison