Quick Links: Table of Contents
- American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Irish Terrier: Introduction
- American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Terrier: Overview
- American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Terrier
- The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Terrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Terrier
- Lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Terrier
- Temperament of the Irish Terrier Versus the American Pit Bull Terrier
- Price of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Price of Irish Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Terrier
- Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Irish Terriers?
- Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Irish Terrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Irish Terrier?
- Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Terrier?
- Do American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Irish Terriers?
- Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Irish Terrier
- Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Irish Terrier?
- Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Irish Terriers?
- How Kid-friendly are American Pit Bull Terriers and Irish Terriers?
- Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Irish Terrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Terrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Irish Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Terrier better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Terrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the American Pit Bull Terrier and for the Irish Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Terrier.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Irish Terrier.
American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Terrier: Overview
Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Terrier are similar in size. The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Terrier are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Terrier are Terrier Dogs. This means both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Terrier were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the American Pit Bull Terrier to the Irish Terrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Terrier
| Factor | American Pit Bull Terrier | Irish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Height | 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder | 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 30 to 85 pounds | 25 to 27 pounds |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $1140 | $1280 |
| Price Range | $400 – $1200 | $1000 – $1500 |
| Temperament Score | 87.4 percent | 80.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data | No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Pit Bull Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Irish Terrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Irish Terrier is 78 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Irish Terrier is a better pet than the American Pit Bull Terrier. So, you should get the Irish Terrier!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Terrier
Below is a list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Terrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Terrier.
American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. American Pit Bull Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Irish Terriers weigh 25 to 27 pounds when fully grown. Irish Terriers are 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Terrier
The lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Irish Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Irish Terriers is 14.0 years.
Temperament of the Irish Terrier Versus the American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier has a better temperament than the Irish Terrier.
This is because the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 percent while the temperament score for the Irish Terrier is 80.0 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 80.0 percent, the Irish Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 931 American Pit Bull Terriers and 10 Irish Terriers.
Price of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Price of Irish Terrier
The average price of the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is $1140. The price of the American Pit Bull Terrier typically ranges from $400 – $1200. However, the price of a American Pit Bull Terrier can be as low as $100 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 877 American Pit Bull Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Irish Terrier puppy is $1280. The price of the Irish Terrier typically ranges from $1000 – $1500. However, the price of the Irish Terrier can be as low as $450 and as high as $2800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 26 Irish Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Irish Terrier is more expensive than the American Pit Bull Terrier.
| American Pit Bull Terrier | Irish Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1140 | $1280 |
| Price Range | $400 to $1200 | $1000 to $1500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the American Pit Bull Terrier and Irish Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many American Pit Bull Terrier puppies or how many Irish Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Irish Terriers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy or the Irish Terrier puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Terrier
American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Irish Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Irish Terriers?
American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Irish Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Irish Terrier
American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Irish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Irish Terrier?
American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.
Irish Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Terrier?
American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Irish Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.
Do American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Irish Terriers?
American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.
Irish Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Irish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Irish Terrier
American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Irish Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Irish Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Irish Terrier?
American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Irish Terriers?
American Pit Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Irish Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are American Pit Bull Terriers and Irish Terriers?
American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Irish Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Irish Terrier?
American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.
Irish Terriers are not easy to train.
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Irish Terrier?
American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Irish Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Irish Terrier?
American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Irish Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the American Pit Bull Terrier:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Irish Terrier:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the American Pit Bull Terrier and how the Irish Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier and of the Irish Terrier to other breeds:
American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
American Pit Bull Terrier versus Golden Retriever American Pit Bull Terrier versus Frenchton American Pit Bull Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier versus Boxerdoodle American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lhasapoo American Pit Bull Terrier versus Spinone Italiano American Pit Bull Terrier versus Skye Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier versus Belgian Malinois American Pit Bull Terrier versus Brittany American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer American Pit Bull Terrier versus Whippet American Pit Bull Terrier versus Brittany American Pit Bull Terrier versus Peek A Poo American Pit Bull Terrier versus Dutch Shepherd American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pomeranian American Pit Bull Terrier versus Giant Schnauzer American Pit Bull Terrier versus Papillon American Pit Bull Terrier versus Keeshond American Pit Bull Terrier versus Coton de Tulear American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff American Pit Bull Terrier versus Brussels Griffon American Pit Bull Terrier versus Hovawart American Pit Bull Terrier versus Basenji
Irish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Terrier versus Shichon Irish Terrier versus Bolognese Irish Terrier versus Pointer Irish Terrier versus Whippet Irish Terrier versus Great Dane Irish Terrier versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Irish Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Irish Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier Irish Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier Irish Terrier versus Pomchi Irish Terrier versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Irish Terrier versus Pyredoodle Irish Terrier versus Silky Terrier Irish Terrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Irish Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel Irish Terrier versus Mal Shi Irish Terrier versus Shiba Inu Irish Terrier versus Pomeranian Irish Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Irish Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog Irish Terrier versus Skye Terrier Irish Terrier versus Bich Poo Irish Terrier versus Beaglier Irish Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel Irish Terrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Terrier better suits you and your family.