Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus Irish Water Spaniel: Introduction
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel: Overview
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel
- The Similarities Between the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel
- Size (Weight and Height) of Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel
- Lifespan of Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel
- Temperament of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus the Irish Water Spaniel
- Health Problems of Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Health Problems of Irish Water Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel
- Do Caucasian Shepherd Dogs shed more than Irish Water Spaniels?
- Which one drools more, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Irish Water Spaniel
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Irish Water Spaniel?
- Does the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Water Spaniel?
- Do Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Irish Water Spaniels?
- Can Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs. Irish Water Spaniel
- Can Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Irish Water Spaniel?
- Are Caucasian Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Irish Water Spaniels?
- How Kid-friendly are Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and Irish Water Spaniels?
- Is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Irish Water Spaniel?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Caucasian Shepherd Dog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Water Spaniel
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus Irish Water Spaniel: 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 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Irish Water Spaniel.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel: Overview
A very important difference between the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a giant-sized dog while the Irish Water Spaniel 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 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.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel
| Factor | Caucasian Shepherd Dog | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 24 to 34 inches | 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 80 to 220 pounds | 45 to 65 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $2110 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2500 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 85.0 percent | 90.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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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 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog is 69 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel
Below is a list of where the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel are most different:
The Similarities Between the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel.
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 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel
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 Water Spaniels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Irish Water Spaniels is 11.0 years.
Temperament of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus the Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel has a better temperament than the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.
This is because the temperament score for the Irish Water Spaniel is 90.0 percent while the temperament score for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is 85.0 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 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 20 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and 30 Irish Water Spaniels.
Health Problems of Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Irish Water Spaniel.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog than for the Irish Water Spaniel.
7 health tests are recommended for Caucasian Shepherd Dog while 5 tests are recommended for the Irish Water Spaniel.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and in Irish Water Spaniels.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog Health Problems
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Caucasian Shepherd Dogs 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.
Tolerates Being Alone: Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.
Irish Water Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Caucasian Shepherd Dogs shed more than Irish Water Spaniels?
Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Irish Water Spaniel
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.
Irish Water Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Irish Water Spaniel?
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Irish Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Water Spaniel?
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Irish Water Spaniels?
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Irish Water Spaniels are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Irish Water Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs. Irish Water Spaniel
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 Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Irish Water Spaniel?
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Irish Water Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Caucasian Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Irish Water Spaniels?
Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and Irish Water Spaniels?
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Irish Water Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Irish Water Spaniel?
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not easy to train.
Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train.
Is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Irish Water Spaniel?
Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Irish Water Spaniel?
Caucasian Shepherd 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 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:
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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and how the Irish Water Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and of the Irish Water Spaniel to other breeds:
Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Bulldog Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Great Pyrenees Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Catahoula Bulldog Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Dutch Shepherd Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Akita Chow Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Boerboel Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Alaskan Malamute Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Italian Greyhound Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Beaglier Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Dalmatian Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Bull Terrier Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Sheepadoodle Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Bich Poo Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Whippet Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus English Setter Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Shihpoo Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Bracco Italiano Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Papillon Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Catahoula Bulldog Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Collie Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Basenji Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Alaskan Malamute
Irish Water Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Water Spaniel versus Field Spaniel Irish Water Spaniel versus German Shorthaired Pointer Irish Water Spaniel versus Great Pyrenees Irish Water Spaniel versus Lhasa Apso Irish Water Spaniel versus Cane Corso Irish Water Spaniel versus Akita Chow Irish Water Spaniel versus Standard Poodle Irish Water Spaniel versus Lhasa Apso Irish Water Spaniel versus Redbone Coonhound Irish Water Spaniel versus Cane Corso Irish Water Spaniel versus American Pit Bull Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Weimaraner Irish Water Spaniel versus Japanese Chin Irish Water Spaniel versus American Eskimo Dog Irish Water Spaniel versus Bichon Frise Irish Water Spaniel versus Mastiff Irish Water Spaniel versus Korean Jindo Dog Irish Water Spaniel versus Lancashire Heeler Irish Water Spaniel versus Lhasa Apso Irish Water Spaniel versus Afador Irish Water Spaniel versus Chinese Shar-Pei Irish Water Spaniel versus Dogo Argentino Irish Water Spaniel versus English Setter Irish Water Spaniel versus Goldendoodle Irish Water Spaniel versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Conclusion: Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel better suits you and your family.