Differences and Similarities between the Goldendoodle and the Irish Water Spaniel.

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Goldendoodle Versus Irish Water Spaniel: Introduction

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

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

Goldendoodle versus Irish Water Spaniel: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Goldendoodle belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

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.

Goldendoodle versus Irish Water Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle and the Irish Water Spaniel

Factor Goldendoodle Irish Water Spaniel
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
Height 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 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
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 50 to 90 pounds 45 to 65 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $2170 No Data
Price Range $1500 – $2500 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 Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle is 90 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 Goldendoodle is a better pet than the Irish Water Spaniel. So, you should get the Goldendoodle!

    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 Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle and the Irish Water Spaniel

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

  • Goldendoodles have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Irish Water Spaniels have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Goldendoodle and the Irish Water Spaniel

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

  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Irish Water Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Irish Water Spaniel do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Irish Water Spaniel are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Irish Water Spaniel are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Irish Water Spaniel are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Irish Water Spaniel are very easy to train.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Irish Water Spaniel have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Irish Water Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Irish Water Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Irish Water Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Irish Water Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Irish Water Spaniel require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Irish Water Spaniel are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Goldendoodle versus Irish Water Spaniel

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

    Goldendoodles weigh 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Goldendoodles are 20 to 24 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 Goldendoodle versus Irish Water Spaniel

    The lifespan of Goldendoodles is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Goldendoodles is 12.5 years.

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

    Goldendoodles live longer than Irish Water Spaniels.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Goldendoodle versus Irish Water Spaniel

    Goldendoodles can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do Goldendoodles shed more than Irish Water Spaniels?

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodle or the Irish Water Spaniel

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodle or the Irish Water Spaniel?

    Goldendoodles are very easy to groom.

    Irish Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodles Bark and Howl? What about Irish Water Spaniels?

    Goldendoodles bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Goldendoodles Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Goldendoodles can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Irish Water Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Goldendoodle vs. Irish Water Spaniel

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodles Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodle or the Irish Water Spaniel?

    Goldendoodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Irish Water Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Goldendoodles good family dogs? What about Irish Water Spaniels?

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodles and Irish Water Spaniels?

    Goldendoodles get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Goldendoodle Easier to Train than the Irish Water Spaniel?

    Goldendoodles are very easy to train.

    Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Is the Goldendoodle Better for Apartment Owners than the Irish Water Spaniel?

    Goldendoodles do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Irish Water Spaniels adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Goldendoodles are very good for new dog owners.

    Irish Water Spaniels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Goldendoodle

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

  • Labradoodle (78 percent match with Goldendoodle). Here is our comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel vs Labradoodle.
  • French Spaniel (77 percent match with Goldendoodle). Here is our comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel vs French Spaniel.
  • 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 Goldendoodle vs Kerry Blue Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Goldendoodle Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Goldendoodle versus Bearded Collie     Goldendoodle versus Finnish Lapphund     Goldendoodle versus Briard     Goldendoodle versus Westiepoo     Goldendoodle versus Pyredoodle     Goldendoodle versus Morkie     Goldendoodle versus Belgian Tervuren     Goldendoodle versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Goldendoodle versus Greyhound     Goldendoodle versus Karelian Bear Dog     Goldendoodle versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Goldendoodle versus Shiba Inu     Goldendoodle versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Goldendoodle versus Akita Chow     Goldendoodle versus Maltipoo     Goldendoodle versus Scottish Deerhound     Goldendoodle versus Frenchton     Goldendoodle versus Harrier     Goldendoodle versus Catahoula Bulldog     Goldendoodle versus Alaskan Malamute     Goldendoodle versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Goldendoodle versus Morkie     Goldendoodle versus Bernedoodle     Goldendoodle versus Scottish Deerhound     Goldendoodle versus Toy Poodle     

    Irish Water Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Water Spaniel versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Irish Water Spaniel versus Bloodhound     Irish Water Spaniel versus Boston Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Chorkie     Irish Water Spaniel versus Cairn Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Redbone Coonhound     Irish Water Spaniel versus Goldendoodle     Irish Water Spaniel versus Affenpinscher     Irish Water Spaniel versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Pointer     Irish Water Spaniel versus Great Pyrenees     Irish Water Spaniel versus Catahoula Bulldog     Irish Water Spaniel versus English Cocker Spaniel     Irish Water Spaniel versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Irish Water Spaniel versus Puggle     Irish Water Spaniel versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Chorkie     Irish Water Spaniel versus Border Collie     Irish Water Spaniel versus Cockalier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Bich Poo     Irish Water Spaniel versus Schipperke     Irish Water Spaniel versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Irish Water Spaniel versus English Cocker Spaniel     

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