Japanese Terrier vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Japanese Terrier is originated from Japan but English Water Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom. Japanese Terrier may grow 18 cm / 7 inches shorter than English Water Spaniel. Japanese Terrier may weigh 15 kg / 33 pounds lesser than English Water Spaniel. Both Japanese Terrier and English Water Spaniel has almost same life span. Both Japanese Terrier and English Water Spaniel has almost same litter size. Both Japanese Terrier and English Water Spaniel requires Low maintenance.

History

japanese terrier - historyThe Japanese Terrier is native to Japan and is a rare pure bred dog. It is believed that the dog comes from Smooth Fox Terriers who arrived way back in the 17th century.

Certainly he looks very much like a regular Fox Terrier. It is thought that these smooth Fox Terriers were then interbred with local, Japanese dogs and used to hunt rats. Gradually he became a lap dog and companion.

Planned breeding of the dog began in 1920, and it was in 1930 that the dog was admitted to the Japanese Kennel Club with a breeding program being started.

Today you will find the Japanese Terrier in his home country and small numbers elsewhere. He was admitted to the United Kennel Club in 2006.

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.

Description

japanese terrier puppy - descriptionThe Japanese Terrier is a small sized dog who stands at 20 – 33cm at the shoulders and weighs in at about 2 to 5kg.

He is a short, smooth haired dog with a tight skin and in colors of white and black. Sometimes you may find a little bit of tan color on the face too as well as 'freckles' around the neck area and legs. The black shading of the coat is essentially found around the head of the dog and also his ears.

His ears are set high on the head and are semi-erect, semi-floppy. The tail has always been traditionally docked, giving the dog a nice compact look but these days it is unfortunately often left long and then its a medium length tail which is thinly covered in short hair. The nose is black and the eye are brown, bright and alert.

Temperament:

Gentle, cheerful, intelligent, loving and loyal are some of the characteristics of the Japanese Terrier. People who have kept him as a pet will vouch for him being a wonderful companion.

He is an active dog, but he still loves to be petted and won’t do well if left alone and not part of his human family. Being a clever dog, he is easy to train, learning easily and quickly. He is quite amusing at times and you can even teach him some tricks.

He gets on well with other pets in the home as well as with children. He is alert and will make a good watchdog, alerting you to an intruder.

Because of the Japanese Terrier’s small size and sensitive nature, this breed needs a calm owner and a quiet household. It is not recommended for boisterous households.

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.

Characteristics

japanese terrier dog - characteristicsAs a pet of yours, the Japanese Terrier is an animated, contented little dog. He loves playing games and gets on well with children who aren't rough and disrespectful of him.

He is smart and gentle and loves nothing more than to sit on your lap in the evenings and be your reading- or watching-TV companion. Give him the right amount of attention as any other family member receives and he is guaranteed to make you an excellent, low maintenance pet.

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.

Health Problems

japanese terrier puppies - health problemsThe Japanese Terrier has no particular health issues and has a lifespan of 12 – 15 years if looked after well.

There are always one or two illnesses to watch out for such as eye- and ear infections. Some dogs also develop conditions such as Patella Luxation. This happens when your dog's kneecap is dislocated. It can only be returned to its normal position when certain muscles in the back legs are relaxed and lengthened.

With this condition, your dog holds up one of his hind legs. This condition is more prevalent in small dog breeds.

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.

Caring The Pet

japanese terrier dogs - caringThe Japanese Terrier is an active dog and will require exercise every day. He’ll love to join you on your walks or have ball games in your garden. He can adapt to life in the city or in the country but will always need to have good exercise.

Grooming:

The Japanese Terrier is a medium shedder and you want to be sure then to brush him twice a week to get rid of all those loose hairs.

Diet:

The Japanese Terriers will require the best commercially manufactured dog food, and instead of one large meal a day, rather feed him 2 smaller meals. You can mix some tasty home-made food into his dry kibble from time to time. Excellent home-made food would be something like cooked chicken, brown rice or pasta and some vegetables.

If you can, try to also include some raw meat occasionally. If you’re in any doubt as to how to feed your Japanese Terrier so that he remains healthy, speak to your veterinarian.

Your dog should never ever be without a continuous supply of fresh, cool drinking water.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
Japan
United Kingdom
Height Male:
20 - 33 cm
7 - 13 inches
49 - 51 cm
19 - 21 inches
Height Female:
20 - 33 cm
7 - 13 inches
45 - 47 cm
17 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 7
4 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Nippon Terrier
Water Dog, Water Rug
Colors Available:
White, black and some tan
liver and white
Coat:
Short and smooth
dense, waterproof, doublecoated
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Schnauzer vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Lakeland Terrier vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Japanese Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Japanese Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Japanese Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Japanese Terrier vs Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Japanese Terrier vs Bull and Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Japanese Terrier vs Bedlington Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Japanese Terrier vs Irish Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Japanese Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  12. Japanese Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  13. Japanese Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Japanese Terrier vs Jagdterrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Japanese Terrier vs Blue Paul Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Japanese Terrier vs Indian Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Japanese Terrier vs Irish Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Japanese Terrier vs Brazilian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Japanese Terrier vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Old English Terrier vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Scoland Terrier vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Skye Terrier vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Welsh Terrier vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. French Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  27. Flat-Coated Retriever vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  28. Finnish Spitz vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  30. English Water Spaniel vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  31. English Water Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  32. English Water Spaniel vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  33. English Water Spaniel vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  34. English Water Spaniel vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  35. English Water Spaniel vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  36. English Water Spaniel vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  37. English Water Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  38. English Water Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  39. Field Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  40. Lagotto Romagnolo vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  41. Formosan Mountain Dog vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  42. Shikoku vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  43. Slovakian Hound vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  44. Small Munsterlander vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  45. Sussex Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  46. Kooikerhondje vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  47. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  48. West Siberian Laika vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  49. Wetterhoun vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  50. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds