Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus Irish Water Spaniel: Introduction
- Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel: Overview
- Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel
- The Similarities Between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel
- Size (Weight and Height) of Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel
- Lifespan of Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel
- Temperament of the Irish Water Spaniel Versus the Catahoula Leopard Dog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel
- Do Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed more than Irish Water Spaniels?
- Which one drools more, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Irish Water Spaniel
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Irish Water Spaniel?
- Does the Catahoula Leopard Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Water Spaniel?
- Do Catahoula Leopard Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Irish Water Spaniels?
- Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Catahoula Leopard Dog vs. Irish Water Spaniel
- Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Irish Water Spaniel?
- Are Catahoula Leopard Dogs good family dogs? What about Irish Water Spaniels?
- How Kid-friendly are Catahoula Leopard Dogs and Irish Water Spaniels?
- Is the Catahoula Leopard Dog Easier to Train than the Irish Water Spaniel?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Catahoula Leopard Dog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Water Spaniel
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus Irish Water Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Irish Water Spaniel.
Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel: Overview
A very important difference between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a large-sized dog while the Irish Water Spaniel is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Catahoula Leopard Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
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 Leopard Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel
| Factor | Catahoula Leopard Dog | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 50 to 90 pounds | 45 to 65 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $650 | No Data |
| Price Range | $400 – $800 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 78.6 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog is 70 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 Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel
Below is a list of where the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel are most different:
The Similarities Between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel
The Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel.
Catahoula Leopard Dogs weigh 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Catahoula Leopard Dogs are 20 to 26 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel
The lifespan of Catahoula Leopard Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Leopard Dogs live longer than Irish Water Spaniels.
Temperament of the Irish Water Spaniel Versus the Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Irish Water Spaniel has a better temperament than the Catahoula Leopard Dog.
This is because the temperament score for the Irish Water Spaniel is 90.0 percent while the temperament score for the Catahoula Leopard Dog is 78.6 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 78.6 percent, the Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 14 Catahoula Leopard Dogs and 30 Irish Water Spaniels.
Tolerates Being Alone: Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel
Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Irish Water Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed more than Irish Water Spaniels?
Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed moderately.
Irish Water Spaniels do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Irish Water Spaniel
Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Irish Water Spaniel?
Catahoula Leopard Dogs are very easy to groom.
Irish Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Catahoula Leopard Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Water Spaniel?
Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Irish Water Spaniels?
Catahoula Leopard Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Irish Water Spaniels are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Catahoula Leopard Dogs can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Irish Water Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Catahoula Leopard Dog vs. Irish Water Spaniel
Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Irish Water Spaniel?
Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Irish Water Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Catahoula Leopard Dogs good family dogs? What about Irish Water Spaniels?
Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Leopard Dogs and Irish Water Spaniels?
Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog Easier to Train than the Irish Water Spaniel?
Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not easy to train.
Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train.
Is the Catahoula Leopard Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Irish Water Spaniel?
Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Irish Water Spaniel?
Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and how the Irish Water Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog and of the Irish Water Spaniel to other breeds:
Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Tibetan Terrier Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Pyredoodle Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Miniature Schnauzer Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Gordon Setter Catahoula Leopard Dog versus American Pit Bull Terrier Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Boxer Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Great Dane Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Afghan Hound Catahoula Leopard Dog versus American Foxhound Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Australian Terrier Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Affenpinscher Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Akbash Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Beagle Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Newfoundland Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Labradoodle Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Westiepoo Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Pointer Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Sheepadoodle Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Briard
Irish Water Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Water Spaniel versus Curly-Coated Retriever Irish Water Spaniel versus Carolina Dog Irish Water Spaniel versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Irish Water Spaniel versus American Foxhound Irish Water Spaniel versus Belgian Sheepdog Irish Water Spaniel versus Shichon Irish Water Spaniel versus Cairn Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Labrador Retriever Irish Water Spaniel versus Afghan Hound Irish Water Spaniel versus Bull Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Chinese Shar-Pei Irish Water Spaniel versus German Shorthaired Pointer Irish Water Spaniel versus English Toy Spaniel Irish Water Spaniel versus Plott Irish Water Spaniel versus Pointer Irish Water Spaniel versus Bulldog Irish Water Spaniel versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Irish Water Spaniel versus Miniature Poodle Irish Water Spaniel versus Bluetick Coonhound Irish Water Spaniel versus Morkie Irish Water Spaniel versus Bulldog Irish Water Spaniel versus Finnish Lapphund Irish Water Spaniel versus Estrela Mountain Dog Irish Water Spaniel versus Sealyham Terrier
Conclusion: Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel better suits you and your family.