Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Brussels Griffon Versus Irish Water Spaniel: Introduction
- Brussels Griffon versus Irish Water Spaniel: Overview
- Brussels Griffon versus Irish Water Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Brussels Griffon and the Irish Water Spaniel
- The Similarities Between the Brussels Griffon and the Irish Water Spaniel
- Size (Weight and Height) of Brussels Griffon versus Irish Water Spaniel
- Lifespan of Brussels Griffon versus Irish Water Spaniel
- Temperament of the Irish Water Spaniel Versus the Brussels Griffon
- The Popularity of Brussels Griffon versus Popularity of Irish Water Spaniel
- Health Problems of Brussels Griffon versus Health Problems of Irish Water Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Brussels Griffon versus Irish Water Spaniel
- Do Brussels Griffons shed more than Irish Water Spaniels?
- Which one drools more, the Brussels Griffon or the Irish Water Spaniel
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Brussels Griffon or the Irish Water Spaniel?
- Does the Brussels Griffon Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Water Spaniel?
- Do Brussels Griffons Bark and Howl? What about Irish Water Spaniels?
- Can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Brussels Griffon vs. Irish Water Spaniel
- Can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Brussels Griffon or the Irish Water Spaniel?
- Are Brussels Griffons good family dogs? What about Irish Water Spaniels?
- How Kid-friendly are Brussels Griffons and Irish Water Spaniels?
- Is the Brussels Griffon Easier to Train than the Irish Water Spaniel?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Brussels Griffon
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Water Spaniel
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Brussels Griffon versus Irish Water Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Brussels Griffon Versus Irish Water Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Brussels Griffon 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 Brussels Griffon 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 Brussels Griffon and the Irish Water Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Brussels Griffon 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 Brussels Griffon 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 Brussels Griffon 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 Brussels Griffon or the Irish Water Spaniel.
Brussels Griffon versus Irish Water Spaniel: Overview
A very important difference between the Brussels Griffon and the Irish Water Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Brussels Griffon is a tiny-sized dog while the Irish Water Spaniel is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Brussels Griffon belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
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.
Brussels Griffon versus Irish Water Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Brussels Griffon 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 Brussels Griffon and the Irish Water Spaniel
| Factor | Brussels Griffon | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 7 to 12 pounds | 45 to 65 pounds |
| Height | 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $2430 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1900 – $3000 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 91.7 percent | 90.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 93 | 156 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Brussels Griffon 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 Brussels Griffon is 72 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 Brussels Griffon. 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 Brussels Griffon 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 Brussels Griffon and the Irish Water Spaniel
Below is a list of where the Brussels Griffon and the Irish Water Spaniel are most different:
The Similarities Between the Brussels Griffon and the Irish Water Spaniel
The Brussels Griffon and the Irish Water Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Brussels Griffon and the Irish Water Spaniel are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Brussels Griffon versus Irish Water Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Brussels Griffon and the Irish Water Spaniel.
Brussels Griffons weigh 7 to 12 pounds when fully grown. Brussels Griffons are 7 to 8 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 Brussels Griffon versus Irish Water Spaniel
The lifespan of Brussels Griffons is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Brussels Griffons is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Irish Water Spaniels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Irish Water Spaniels is 11.0 years.
Brussels Griffons live longer than Irish Water Spaniels.
Temperament of the Irish Water Spaniel Versus the Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon has a better temperament than the Irish Water Spaniel.
This is because the temperament score for the Brussels Griffon is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Irish Water Spaniel is 90.0 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 91.7 percent, the Brussels Griffon 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 Brussels Griffon and the Irish Water Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 12 Brussels Griffons and 30 Irish Water Spaniels.
The Popularity of Brussels Griffon versus Popularity of Irish Water Spaniel
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Brussels Griffon and the Irish Water Spaniel over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Brussels Griffon is more popular with dog owners than the Irish Water Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Brussels Griffon is 93 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Irish Water Spaniel is 156 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Brussels Griffon
Popularity of Irish Water Spaniel
| Year | Brussels Griffon Popularity Rank | Irish Water Spaniel Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 84 | 141 |
| 2014 | 91 | 152 |
| 2015 | 95 | 144 |
| 2016 | 97 | 150 |
| 2017 | 94 | 164 |
| 2018 | 98 | 159 |
| 2019 | 96 | 170 |
| 2020 | 89 | 174 |
Health Problems of Brussels Griffon versus Health Problems of Irish Water Spaniel
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Brussels Griffon and the Irish Water Spaniel are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Brussels Griffon is prone to more genetic health problems than the Irish Water Spaniel.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Brussels Griffon than for the Irish Water Spaniel.
6 health tests are recommended for Brussels Griffon while 5 tests are recommended for the Irish Water Spaniel.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Brussels Griffons and in Irish Water Spaniels.
Brussels Griffon Health Problems
Brussels Griffons are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Brussels Griffon puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Brussels Griffon puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Brussels Griffon breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Brussels Griffons for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Brussels Griffons here.
Irish Water Spaniel Health Problems
Irish Water Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Irish Water Spaniel puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Irish Water Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Irish Water Spaniel breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Irish Water Spaniels for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Irish Water Spaniels here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Brussels Griffons and Irish Water Spaniels
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Brussels Griffon Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Brussels Griffon ranks 5 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 160 Brussels Griffons, 84 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Brussels Griffons, and how common these diseases are in Brussels Griffons relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Irish Water Spaniel Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the Irish Water Spaniel ranks 5 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 111 Irish Water Spaniels, 7 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Irish Water Spaniels, and how common these diseases are in Irish Water Spaniels relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Brussels Griffon and in Irish Water Spaniel and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Brussels Griffon and the Irish Water Spaniel:
| Disease | Brussels Griffon Rank | Irish Water Spaniel Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 5 out of 198 dog breeds | 104 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 16 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 169 out of 182 dog breeds | 150 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 5 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 9 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Shoulder problems | Not Common | 18 out of 22 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 31 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 105 out of 115 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Brussels Griffon versus Irish Water Spaniel
Brussels Griffons do not like to be left alone.
Irish Water Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Brussels Griffons shed more than Irish Water Spaniels?
Brussels Griffons shed moderately.
Irish Water Spaniels do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Brussels Griffon or the Irish Water Spaniel
Brussels Griffons drool moderately.
Irish Water Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Brussels Griffon or the Irish Water Spaniel?
Brussels Griffons are moderately easy to groom.
Irish Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Brussels Griffon Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Water Spaniel?
Brussels Griffons 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.
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 Brussels Griffons Bark and Howl? What about Irish Water Spaniels?
Brussels Griffons are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Irish Water Spaniels are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Brussels Griffons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Irish Water Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Brussels Griffon vs. Irish Water Spaniel
Brussels Griffons 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 Brussels Griffons Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Brussels Griffons cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Irish Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Brussels Griffon or the Irish Water Spaniel?
Brussels Griffons get along very well with other dogs.
Irish Water Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Brussels Griffons good family dogs? What about Irish Water Spaniels?
Brussels Griffons 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 Brussels Griffons and Irish Water Spaniels?
Brussels Griffons get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Irish Water Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Brussels Griffon Easier to Train than the Irish Water Spaniel?
Brussels Griffons are fairly easy to train.
Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train.
Is the Brussels Griffon Better for Apartment Owners than the Irish Water Spaniel?
Brussels Griffons adapt very well to apartment living.
Irish Water Spaniels adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Brussels Griffon or the Irish Water Spaniel?
Brussels Griffons 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 Brussels Griffon
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Brussels Griffon 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 Brussels Griffon:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Brussels Griffon and how the Irish Water Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Brussels Griffon and of the Irish Water Spaniel to other breeds:
Brussels Griffon Versus Other Dog Breeds
Brussels Griffon versus Dogue de Bordeaux Brussels Griffon versus Tibetan Mastiff Brussels Griffon versus Bolognese Brussels Griffon versus German Shepherd Dog Brussels Griffon versus Chinook Brussels Griffon versus Norwich Terrier Brussels Griffon versus Norfolk Terrier Brussels Griffon versus Carolina Dog Brussels Griffon versus Mountain Cur Brussels Griffon versus Siberian Husky Brussels Griffon versus Pyrenean Shepherd Brussels Griffon versus Sussex Spaniel Brussels Griffon versus Pointer Brussels Griffon versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Brussels Griffon versus English Cocker Spaniel Brussels Griffon versus Valley Bulldog Brussels Griffon versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Brussels Griffon versus Spanish Mastiff Brussels Griffon versus Vizsla Brussels Griffon versus Affenhuahua Brussels Griffon versus Chinook Brussels Griffon versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Brussels Griffon versus Sheepadoodle Brussels Griffon versus English Springer Spaniel Brussels Griffon versus Aussiedoodle
Irish Water Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Water Spaniel versus Bracco Italiano Irish Water Spaniel versus Cockalier Irish Water Spaniel versus Xoloitzcuintli Irish Water Spaniel versus Chinese Shar-Pei Irish Water Spaniel versus French Spaniel Irish Water Spaniel versus Pug Irish Water Spaniel versus Yorkipoo Irish Water Spaniel versus Whoodle Irish Water Spaniel versus Peek A Poo Irish Water Spaniel versus Australian Cattle Dog Irish Water Spaniel versus Pomsky Irish Water Spaniel versus Ibizan Hound Irish Water Spaniel versus German Shepherd Dog Irish Water Spaniel versus Pomsky Irish Water Spaniel versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Irish Water Spaniel versus Cavachon Irish Water Spaniel versus Finnish Spitz Irish Water Spaniel versus Chinook Irish Water Spaniel versus Italian Greyhound Irish Water Spaniel versus Xoloitzcuintli Irish Water Spaniel versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Irish Water Spaniel versus Pug Irish Water Spaniel versus Bichon Frise Irish Water Spaniel versus American Foxhound
Conclusion: Brussels Griffon 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 Brussels Griffon and the Irish Water Spaniel better suits you and your family.