Smalandsstovare vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Smalandsstovare is originated from Sweden but English Water Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom. Both Smalandsstovare and English Water Spaniel are having almost same height. Both Smalandsstovare and English Water Spaniel are having almost same weight. Both Smalandsstovare and English Water Spaniel has same life span. Both Smalandsstovare and English Water Spaniel has same litter size. Both Smalandsstovare and English Water Spaniel requires Low maintenance.

History

smalandsstovare - historyThe Smålandsstövare has got quite a long history and dates back to the 1600s. He is the smallest of the Swedish hound breeds. This is a scenthound.

Hounds similar to the Smålandsstövare were bred with European hounds and then brought to Småland and bred with local spitz-type farm dogs to create the foundation stock for the Smålandsstövare.

The dog was used to hunt but nearly died out in the 20th century, but breeders restored it and the first official standard emerged by the Swedish Kennel Club in 1921.

The Smålandsstövare is a rare dog breed but it is recognized by the American Rare Breed Association as well as other major kennel clubs, one of which is the Federation Cynologique Internationale as well as the United Kennel Club.

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

smalandsstovare puppy - descriptionThe Smålandsstövare is a muscled, compact looking dog. The double coat is shortish to medium length and is thick and quite coarse to the touch. He sheds seasonally. The coat is usually black with tan markings.

The high set ears are medium length and floppy, the head is slim and the tail can be naturally short. Sometimes the tail is long and can be slightly curved in the spitz-like sabre fashion.

The eyes are brown and friendly. The height of these dogs is about 46 to 54cm and he weighs anything from 15 to 18kg.

Temperament:

Usually a well behaved, quiet, calm, gentle dog, the Smålandsstövare takes his role as guard dog seriously, wanting to protect his family.

His good temperament ensures he gets on well with all members of the family. He is full of energy and will need to be exercised well, whether it be ball games in the garden, a walk around the block, a run in the park or joining his family on hikes and camping trips.

It is why he won’t settle down well on a small property in the city. He needs larger premises to expend his energy, and if in cramped premises without exercise, he may resort to barking and whining and this may well drive your neighbors bats.

Training and socializing your Smålandsstövare will be necessary and it should be easy as he is intelligent.

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

smalandsstovare dog - characteristicsThe Smålandsstövare is a robust dog with a lot of stamina. He will be wanting a lot of exercise and is ideal as a pet in the suburbs or the countryside but not ideal for city living.

He makes a wonderful family pet, forming strong bonds with his owners. He makes an excellent watchdog too wanting to protect his family, and with this amicable, calm dog, you’re going to have a true friend.

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

smalandsstovare puppies - health problemsThe Smålandsstövare is a rare dog breed and not much is known about congenital conditions to which he may be particularly prone.

With good care he can reach 14 or 15 years of age. The floppy ears put him at risk for ear infections, while other conditions to watch for include hip dysplasia, cancer, bloat and obesity.

Ear Infections:

If you see your dog shaking his head or pawing at his ears, look inside because the ears may be red and inflamed. It is important to get help quickly for ear problems in dogs.

Ear canals are sensitive so if you don’t want to clean the ear and work on it yourself it is important to get your pet to the vet. The vet will clean your dog’s ears and also prescribe antibiotics.

For future treatment, you will need to clean your dog’s ears and keep them dry. If you don’t want to do this yourself, make sure to get him to professional groomers who will do this for you.

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

smalandsstovare dogs - caringChoosing a good diet is imperative for the Smålandsstövare. Choose a commercially manufactured dog food high in vitamins and minerals.

Give your dog a treat by providing him with some home-made food. It can be added into the dry kibble about twice a week as a treat. Boil brown rice and chicken in a pot and add in sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. Chop all this up and give it to your dog in small portions. Also try to include some raw meat into the diet.

Never leave your pet without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

The Smålandsstövare is a very energetic breed and he is going to require some vigorous exercise every day. Take him for walks, allow him to run with you when you cycle or jog or take him swimming.

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:
Hound dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
Sweden
United Kingdom
Height Male:
46 - 54 cm
18 - 22 inches
49 - 51 cm
19 - 21 inches
Height Female:
46 - 54 cm
18 - 22 inches
45 - 47 cm
17 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
4 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Smaland Hound
Water Dog, Water Rug
Colors Available:
Black with tan markings
liver and white
Coat:
Shortish and thick
dense, waterproof, doublecoated
Shedding:
Minimal, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Social, 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. Smalandsstovare vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  2. Smalandsstovare vs Pharaoh Hound - Breed Comparison
  3. Smalandsstovare vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  4. Smalandsstovare vs Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  5. Smalandsstovare vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  6. Smalandsstovare vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  7. Smalandsstovare vs Redbone Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  8. Smalandsstovare vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  9. Smalandsstovare vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  10. Smalandsstovare vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  11. Smalandsstovare vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  12. Smalandsstovare vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  13. Smalandsstovare vs Santal Hound - Breed Comparison
  14. Smalandsstovare vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Smalandsstovare vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  16. Smalandsstovare vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  17. Smalandsstovare vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  18. Smalandsstovare vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  19. Smalandsstovare vs Podenco Canario - Breed Comparison
  20. Smalandsstovare vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  21. Smalandsstovare vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  22. Smalandsstovare vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  23. Smalandsstovare vs Podenco Andaluz - Breed Comparison
  24. Smalandsstovare vs Podenco Galego - Breed Comparison
  25. Smalandsstovare vs English Foxhound - 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