Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Irish Terrier. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus Irish Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier? 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and for the Irish Terrier. 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Irish Terrier.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Irish Terrier

Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Irish Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a giant-sized dog while the Irish Terrier is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the Irish 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.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Irish Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Caucasian Shepherd Dog to the Irish Terrier 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier

Factor Caucasian Shepherd Dog Irish Terrier
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 16 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 3/5
Easygoing 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 2/5
Height 24 to 34 inches 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Weight 80 to 220 pounds 25 to 27 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $2110 $1280
Price Range $1500 – $2500 $1000 – $1500
Temperament Score 85.0 percent 80.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Dentition
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye examination, results registered with the OFA.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Caucasian Shepherd 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 Terrier. 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog is 69 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Irish Terrier is 78 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Irish Terrier is a better pet than the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. So, you should get the Irish Terrier!

    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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Irish Terrier

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier are most different:

  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Irish Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time. However, Irish Terriers have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool. However, Irish Terriers do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Irish Terriers are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • The Similarities Between the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier

    The Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier are most similar:

  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier are not easy to train.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Irish Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs weigh 80 to 220 pounds when fully grown. Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are 24 to 34 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Irish Terriers weigh 25 to 27 pounds when fully grown. Irish Terriers are 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Irish Terrier

    The lifespan of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Irish Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Irish Terriers is 14.0 years.

    Irish Terriers live longer than Caucasian Shepherd Dogs.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Irish Terrier

    Temperament of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus the Irish Terrier

    The Caucasian Shepherd Dog has a better temperament than the Irish Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is 85.0 percent while the temperament score for the Irish Terrier is 80.0 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 85.0 percent, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 80.0 percent, the Irish Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 20 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and 10 Irish Terriers.

    Price of Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Price of Irish Terrier

    The average price of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppy is $2110. The price of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Caucasian Shepherd Dog can be as low as $1000 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 56 Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Irish Terrier puppy is $1280. The price of the Irish Terrier typically ranges from $1000 – $1500. However, the price of the Irish Terrier can be as low as $450 and as high as $2800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 26 Irish Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is more expensive than the Irish Terrier.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog Irish Terrier
    Average Price $2110 $1280
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $1000 to $1500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and Irish Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppies or how many Irish Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Irish Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Irish Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppy or the Irish Terrier puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Irish Terrier

    Tolerates Being Alone: Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Irish Terrier

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Irish Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Caucasian Shepherd Dogs shed more than Irish Terriers?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Irish Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Irish Terrier

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Irish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Irish Terrier?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Irish Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Terrier?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Irish Terriers 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.

    Do Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Irish Terriers?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Irish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs. Irish Terrier

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Irish Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Irish Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Irish Terrier?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Caucasian Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Irish Terriers?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Irish Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and Irish Terriers?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Irish Terrier?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not easy to train.

    Irish Terriers are not easy to train.

    Is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Irish Terrier?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Irish Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Irish Terrier?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Irish Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog:

  • Afador (76 percent match with Caucasian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Irish Terrier vs Afador.
  • Akbash (73 percent match with Caucasian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Irish Terrier vs Akbash.
  • Mastiff (72 percent match with Caucasian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Irish Terrier vs Mastiff.
  • Boerboel (71 percent match with Caucasian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Irish Terrier vs Boerboel.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Terrier

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

  • Hovawart (75 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs Hovawart.
  • Lakeland Terrier (79 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and how the Irish Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and of the Irish Terrier to other breeds:

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Mudi     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Standard Poodle     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Cane Corso     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Brittany     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Kuvasz     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Saint Berdoodle     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Brussels Griffon     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Bedlington Terrier     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Mudi     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Akita     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Bracco Italiano     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Karelian Bear Dog     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Shiranian     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Toy Fox Terrier     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Dachshund     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Brussels Griffon     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Brussels Griffon     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     

    Irish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Irish Terrier versus Schnoodle     Irish Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     Irish Terrier versus Valley Bulldog     Irish Terrier versus Italian Greyhound     Irish Terrier versus Harrier     Irish Terrier versus Shiranian     Irish Terrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Irish Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund     Irish Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Keeshond     Irish Terrier versus Irish Setter     Irish Terrier versus Manchester Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Cesky Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Komondor     Irish Terrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Irish Terrier versus Xoloitzcuintli     Irish Terrier versus Papillon     Irish Terrier versus Berger Picard     Irish Terrier versus Maltese     Irish Terrier versus Newfoundland     Irish Terrier versus Shiba Inu     Irish Terrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Irish Terrier versus Finnish Spitz     

    Conclusion: Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Irish Terrier. 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Terrier better suits you and your family.