Which is Better between the Catahoula Bulldog and the Irish Water Spaniel? A Very Detailed Review.

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Catahoula Bulldog Versus Irish Water Spaniel: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Catahoula Bulldog 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 Catahoula Bulldog 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 Catahoula Bulldog and the Irish Water Spaniel.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Catahoula Bulldog 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 Catahoula Bulldog 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 Catahoula Bulldog 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 Catahoula Bulldog or the Irish Water Spaniel.

Catahoula Bulldog versus Irish Water Spaniel: Overview

A very important difference between the Catahoula Bulldog and the Irish Water Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Catahoula Bulldog is a large-sized dog while the Irish Water Spaniel is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Catahoula Bulldog belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

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.

Catahoula Bulldog versus Irish Water Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Catahoula Bulldog 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 Catahoula Bulldog and the Irish Water Spaniel

Factor Catahoula Bulldog Irish Water Spaniel
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 10 to 12 years
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Height 24 to 26 inches 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Weight 75 to 100 pounds 45 to 65 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $700 No Data
Price Range $500 – $850 No Data
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 Catahoula Bulldog 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 Catahoula Bulldog is 68 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 Catahoula Bulldog. 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 Catahoula Bulldog 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 Catahoula Bulldog and the Irish Water Spaniel

    Below is a list of where the Catahoula Bulldog and the Irish Water Spaniel are most different:

  • Catahoula Bulldogs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Irish Water Spaniels can tolerate cold weather.
  • Catahoula Bulldogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Irish Water Spaniels are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Catahoula Bulldogs are not easy to train. However, Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Catahoula Bulldog and the Irish Water Spaniel

    The Catahoula Bulldog and the Irish Water Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Catahoula Bulldog and the Irish Water Spaniel are most similar:

  • Both the Catahoula Bulldog and the Irish Water Spaniel are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Catahoula Bulldog and the Irish Water Spaniel do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Catahoula Bulldog and the Irish Water Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Catahoula Bulldog and the Irish Water Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Catahoula Bulldog and the Irish Water Spaniel are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Catahoula Bulldog and the Irish Water Spaniel are very playful.
  • Both the Catahoula Bulldog and the Irish Water Spaniel can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Catahoula Bulldog and the Irish Water Spaniel have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Catahoula Bulldog and the Irish Water Spaniel have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Catahoula Bulldog and the Irish Water Spaniel require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Catahoula Bulldog versus Irish Water Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Catahoula Bulldog and the Irish Water Spaniel.

    Catahoula Bulldogs weigh 75 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Catahoula Bulldogs are 24 to 26 inches 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 Catahoula Bulldog versus Irish Water Spaniel

    The lifespan of Catahoula Bulldogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Catahoula Bulldogs is 12.0 years.

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

    Catahoula Bulldogs live longer than Irish Water Spaniels.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Catahoula Bulldog versus Irish Water Spaniel

    Catahoula Bulldogs can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do Catahoula Bulldogs shed more than Irish Water Spaniels?

    Catahoula Bulldogs do not shed a lot. They are good 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 Catahoula Bulldog or the Irish Water Spaniel

    Catahoula Bulldogs 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 Catahoula Bulldog or the Irish Water Spaniel?

    Catahoula Bulldogs are very easy to groom.

    Irish Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Catahoula Bulldog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Water Spaniel?

    Catahoula Bulldogs 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 Catahoula Bulldogs Bark and Howl? What about Irish Water Spaniels?

    Catahoula Bulldogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Catahoula Bulldogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Catahoula Bulldogs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Irish Water Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Catahoula Bulldog vs. Irish Water Spaniel

    Catahoula Bulldogs 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 Catahoula Bulldogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Catahoula Bulldogs can tolerate hot weather.

    Irish Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Catahoula Bulldog or the Irish Water Spaniel?

    Catahoula Bulldogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Irish Water Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Catahoula Bulldogs good family dogs? What about Irish Water Spaniels?

    Catahoula Bulldogs 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 Catahoula Bulldogs and Irish Water Spaniels?

    Catahoula Bulldogs 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 Catahoula Bulldog Easier to Train than the Irish Water Spaniel?

    Catahoula Bulldogs are not easy to train.

    Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Is the Catahoula Bulldog Better for Apartment Owners than the Irish Water Spaniel?

    Catahoula Bulldogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Irish Water Spaniels adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Catahoula Bulldog or the Irish Water Spaniel?

    Catahoula Bulldogs 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 Catahoula Bulldog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Catahoula Bulldog 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 Catahoula Bulldog:

  • Dogo Argentino (76 percent match with Catahoula Bulldog). Here is our comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel vs Dogo Argentino.
  • Fila Brasileiro (75 percent match with Catahoula Bulldog). Here is our comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel vs Fila Brasileiro.
  • Mountain Cur (73 percent match with Catahoula Bulldog). Here is our comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel vs Mountain Cur.
  • 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 Catahoula Bulldog vs Kerry Blue Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Catahoula Bulldog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Catahoula Bulldog versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Catahoula Bulldog versus Shih Tzu     Catahoula Bulldog versus Chi-Poo     Catahoula Bulldog versus Fila Brasileiro     Catahoula Bulldog versus Pomapoo     Catahoula Bulldog versus Brussels Griffon     Catahoula Bulldog versus Doberman Pinscher     Catahoula Bulldog versus Manchester Terrier     Catahoula Bulldog versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Catahoula Bulldog versus Brussels Griffon     Catahoula Bulldog versus Lowchen     Catahoula Bulldog versus Briard     Catahoula Bulldog versus Lakeland Terrier     Catahoula Bulldog versus Bernedoodle     Catahoula Bulldog versus Finnish Lapphund     Catahoula Bulldog versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Catahoula Bulldog versus Norfolk Terrier     Catahoula Bulldog versus Yorkshire Terrier     Catahoula Bulldog versus Borzoi     Catahoula Bulldog versus Bracco Italiano     Catahoula Bulldog versus Bullmastiff     Catahoula Bulldog versus Redbone Coonhound     Catahoula Bulldog versus Dutch Shepherd     Catahoula Bulldog versus Saluki     Catahoula Bulldog versus Bernedoodle     

    Irish Water Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Water Spaniel versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Irish Water Spaniel versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Irish Water Spaniel versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Irish Water Spaniel versus Toy Poodle     Irish Water Spaniel versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Shiloh Shepherd     Irish Water Spaniel versus Miniature Pinscher     Irish Water Spaniel versus Tibetan Mastiff     Irish Water Spaniel versus Weimaraner     Irish Water Spaniel versus Borzoi     Irish Water Spaniel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Irish Water Spaniel versus Field Spaniel     Irish Water Spaniel versus Belgian Sheepdog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Great Dane     Irish Water Spaniel versus American Foxhound     Irish Water Spaniel versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Irish Water Spaniel versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Westiepoo     Irish Water Spaniel versus Siberian Husky     Irish Water Spaniel versus Shiba Inu     Irish Water Spaniel versus Tibetan Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Bull Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Irish Water Spaniel versus Beaglier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     

    Conclusion: Catahoula Bulldog 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 Catahoula Bulldog and the Irish Water Spaniel better suits you and your family.