Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Carolina Dog Versus Irish Water Spaniel: Introduction
- Carolina Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel: Overview
- Carolina Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Carolina Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel
- The Similarities Between the Carolina Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel
- Size (Weight and Height) of Carolina Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel
- Lifespan of Carolina Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel
- Temperament of the Carolina Dog Versus the Irish Water Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Carolina Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel
- Do Carolina Dogs shed more than Irish Water Spaniels?
- Which one drools more, the Carolina Dog or the Irish Water Spaniel
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Carolina Dog or the Irish Water Spaniel?
- Does the Carolina Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Water Spaniel?
- Do Carolina Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Irish Water Spaniels?
- Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Carolina Dog vs. Irish Water Spaniel
- Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Carolina Dog or the Irish Water Spaniel?
- Are Carolina Dogs good family dogs? What about Irish Water Spaniels?
- How Kid-friendly are Carolina Dogs and Irish Water Spaniels?
- Is the Carolina Dog Easier to Train than the Irish Water Spaniel?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Carolina Dog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Water Spaniel
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Carolina Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Carolina Dog Versus Irish Water Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog or the Irish Water Spaniel.
Carolina Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel: Overview
Both the Carolina Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel are similar in size. The Carolina Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Carolina Dog belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
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.
Carolina Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel
| Factor | Carolina Dog | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Height | 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder | 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 33 to 55 pounds | 45 to 65 pounds |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $500 | No Data |
| Price Range | $500 – $500 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 66.7 percent | 90.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
|
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog is 73 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 Carolina Dog. 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel
Below is a list of where the Carolina Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel are most different:
The Similarities Between the Carolina Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel
The Carolina Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Carolina Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Carolina Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Carolina Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel.
Carolina Dogs weigh 33 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Carolina Dogs are 18 to 20 inches 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 Carolina Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel
The lifespan of Carolina Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Carolina Dogs 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.
Carolina Dogs live longer than Irish Water Spaniels.
Temperament of the Carolina Dog Versus the Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel has a better temperament than the Carolina Dog.
This is because the temperament score for the Irish Water Spaniel is 90.0 percent while the temperament score for the Carolina Dog is 66.7 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 66.7 percent, the Carolina Dog has a below-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 Carolina Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 3 Carolina Dogs and 30 Irish Water Spaniels.
Tolerates Being Alone: Carolina Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel
Carolina Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Irish Water Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Carolina Dogs shed more than Irish Water Spaniels?
Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dog or the Irish Water Spaniel
Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dog or the Irish Water Spaniel?
Carolina Dogs are very easy to groom.
Irish Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Carolina Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Water Spaniel?
Carolina Dogs 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.
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 Carolina Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Irish Water Spaniels?
Carolina Dogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Irish Water Spaniels are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Carolina Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Irish Water Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Carolina Dog vs. Irish Water Spaniel
Carolina Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Carolina Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Carolina Dogs can tolerate hot weather.
Irish Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Carolina Dog or the Irish Water Spaniel?
Carolina Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Irish Water Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Carolina Dogs good family dogs? What about Irish Water Spaniels?
Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.
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Irish Water Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Carolina Dogs and Irish Water Spaniels?
Carolina Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Irish Water Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Carolina Dog Easier to Train than the Irish Water Spaniel?
Carolina Dogs are not easy to train.
Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train.
Is the Carolina Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Irish Water Spaniel?
Carolina Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Irish Water Spaniels adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Carolina Dog or the Irish Water Spaniel?
Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina 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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Carolina Dog and how the Irish Water Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Carolina Dog and of the Irish Water Spaniel to other breeds:
Carolina Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Carolina Dog versus Norwich Terrier Carolina Dog versus Mountain Cur Carolina Dog versus German Longhaired Pointer Carolina Dog versus Siberian Husky Carolina Dog versus Leonberger Carolina Dog versus Field Spaniel Carolina Dog versus Miniature Poodle Carolina Dog versus Schipperke Carolina Dog versus Spinone Italiano Carolina Dog versus Fila Brasileiro Carolina Dog versus Brittany Carolina Dog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Carolina Dog versus Korean Jindo Dog Carolina Dog versus Norwegian Buhund Carolina Dog versus Bull Terrier Carolina Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Carolina Dog versus Braque du Bourbonnais Carolina Dog versus Cockapoo Carolina Dog versus Akita Chow Carolina Dog versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Carolina Dog versus Airedale Terrier Carolina Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog Carolina Dog versus Cane Corso Carolina Dog versus Norwegian Lundehund Carolina Dog versus Afador
Irish Water Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Water Spaniel versus Golden Cocker Retriever Irish Water Spaniel versus Weimaraner Irish Water Spaniel versus Lakeland Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Portuguese Water Dog Irish Water Spaniel versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Irish Water Spaniel versus Silky Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Chow Chow Irish Water Spaniel versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Irish Water Spaniel versus Norwegian Lundehund Irish Water Spaniel versus Valley Bulldog Irish Water Spaniel versus Plott Irish Water Spaniel versus Dogue de Bordeaux Irish Water Spaniel versus Black Russian Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Irish Setter Irish Water Spaniel versus Norfolk Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Lagotto Romagnolo Irish Water Spaniel versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Irish Water Spaniel versus Schnoodle Irish Water Spaniel versus Black Russian Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Cesky Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Pyredoodle Irish Water Spaniel versus Afghan Hound Irish Water Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel Irish Water Spaniel versus Bullmastiff Irish Water Spaniel versus Giant Schnauzer
Conclusion: Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel better suits you and your family.