Breed Comparison: American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Irish Water Spaniel

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American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Irish Water Spaniel: 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 Water Spaniel? 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 Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel. 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 Water Spaniel.

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 Water Spaniel.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel: Overview

Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Water Spaniel are similar in size. The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Water Spaniel are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the American Pit Bull Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs 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.

On the other hand, the Irish Water Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Pit Bull Terrier to the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel

Factor American Pit Bull Terrier Irish Water Spaniel
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 10 to 12 years
Height 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet 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 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Weight 30 to 85 pounds 45 to 65 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1140 No Data
Price Range $400 – $1200 No Data
Temperament Score 87.4 percent 90.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    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 Water Spaniel. 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 Water Spaniel is 81 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Irish Water Spaniel is a better pet than the American Pit Bull Terrier. So, you should get the Irish Water Spaniel!

    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 Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel

    Below is a list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Water Spaniel are most different:

  • American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs. However, Irish Water Spaniels get along well with other dogs.
  • American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Irish Water Spaniels do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    • The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Water Spaniel

    The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Water Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Water Spaniel are most similar:

  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Water Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Water Spaniel are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Water Spaniel are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Water Spaniel are very easy to train.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Water Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Water Spaniel have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Water Spaniel have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Water Spaniel require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Water Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Water Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Water Spaniel are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Water Spaniel are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Water Spaniel.

    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 Water Spaniels weigh 45 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Irish Water Spaniels are 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel

    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 Water Spaniels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Irish Water Spaniels is 11.0 years.

    American Pit Bull Terriers live longer than Irish Water Spaniels.

    Temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier Versus the Irish Water Spaniel

    The Irish Water Spaniel has a better temperament than the American Pit Bull Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Irish Water Spaniel is 90.0 percent while the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 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 90.0 percent, the Irish Water Spaniel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Water Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 931 American Pit Bull Terriers and 30 Irish Water Spaniels.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Irish Water Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Irish Water Spaniels?

    American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Irish Water Spaniels do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Irish Water Spaniel

    American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Irish Water Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Irish Water Spaniel?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Irish Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Water Spaniel?

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Irish Water Spaniels have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Irish Water Spaniels?

    American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Irish Water Spaniels are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Irish Water Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Irish Water Spaniel

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Irish Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Irish Water Spaniel?

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Irish Water Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Irish Water Spaniels?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Irish Water Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Pit Bull Terriers and Irish Water Spaniels?

    American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Irish Water Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Irish Water Spaniel?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Irish Water Spaniel?

    American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Irish Water Spaniels adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Irish Water Spaniel?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Irish Water Spaniels 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:

  • American Staffordshire Terrier (76 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel vs American Staffordshire Terrier.
  • American Water Spaniel (74 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel.
  • German Shepherd Dog (77 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel vs German Shepherd Dog.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Water Spaniel

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel:

  • Kerry Blue Terrier (78 percent match with Irish Water Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the American Pit Bull Terrier and how the Irish Water Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier and of the Irish Water Spaniel to other breeds:

    American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pekingese     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pomchi     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Cavapoo     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Scottish Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Skye Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Keeshond     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Mastiff     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bearded Collie     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Jack Russell Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Neapolitan Mastiff     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Havanese     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound     

    Irish Water Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Water Spaniel versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Bich Poo     Irish Water Spaniel versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Harrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Irish Water Spaniel versus Greyhound     Irish Water Spaniel versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Komondor     Irish Water Spaniel versus Pomsky     Irish Water Spaniel versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Irish Water Spaniel versus Australian Cattle Dog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Irish Water Spaniel versus Coton de Tulear     Irish Water Spaniel versus Bulldog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Boston Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Chow Chow     Irish Water Spaniel versus Afghan Hound     Irish Water Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel     Irish Water Spaniel versus Shiranian     Irish Water Spaniel versus Affenpinscher     Irish Water Spaniel versus Affenpinscher     Irish Water Spaniel versus Border Collie     Irish Water Spaniel versus American Hairless Terrier     

    Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel. 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 Water Spaniel better suits you and your family.