Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Harrier Versus Irish Water Spaniel: Introduction
- Harrier versus Irish Water Spaniel: Overview
- Harrier versus Irish Water Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Irish Water Spaniel
- The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Irish Water Spaniel
- Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Irish Water Spaniel
- Lifespan of Harrier versus Irish Water Spaniel
- The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Irish Water Spaniel
- Health Problems of Harrier versus Health Problems of Irish Water Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Irish Water Spaniel
- Do Harriers shed more than Irish Water Spaniels?
- Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Irish Water Spaniel
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Irish Water Spaniel?
- Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Water Spaniel?
- Do Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Irish Water Spaniels?
- Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Irish Water Spaniel
- Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Irish Water Spaniel?
- Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Irish Water Spaniels?
- How Kid-friendly are Harriers and Irish Water Spaniels?
- Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Irish Water Spaniel?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Water Spaniel
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Harrier versus Irish Water Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Harrier Versus Irish Water Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier and the Irish Water Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier or the Irish Water Spaniel.
Harrier versus Irish Water Spaniel: Overview
Both the Harrier and the Irish Water Spaniel are similar in size. The Harrier and the Irish Water Spaniel are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Harrier belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
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.
Harrier versus Irish Water Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Harrier 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 Harrier and the Irish Water Spaniel
| Factor | Harrier | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Height | 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 60 pounds | 45 to 65 pounds |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | No Data |
| Average Price | No Data | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 183 | 156 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Harrier 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 Harrier is 81 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 not better or worse than the Harrier. So, you can get the Irish Water Spaniel or the Harrier!
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 Harrier 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 Harrier and the Irish Water Spaniel
Below is a list of where the Harrier and the Irish Water Spaniel are most different:
The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Irish Water Spaniel
The Harrier and the Irish Water Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Harrier and the Irish Water Spaniel are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Irish Water Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Harrier and the Irish Water Spaniel.
Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 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 Harrier versus Irish Water Spaniel
The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers 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.
The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Irish Water Spaniel
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Harrier and the Irish Water Spaniel over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Irish Water Spaniel is more popular with dog owners than the Harrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Irish Water Spaniel is 156 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Harrier is 183 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Harrier
Popularity of Irish Water Spaniel
| Year | Harrier Popularity Rank | Irish Water Spaniel Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 173 | 141 |
| 2014 | 181 | 152 |
| 2015 | 183 | 144 |
| 2016 | 186 | 150 |
| 2017 | 183 | 164 |
| 2018 | 189 | 159 |
| 2019 | 186 | 170 |
| 2020 | 190 | 174 |
Health Problems of Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Irish Water Spaniel is prone to more genetic health problems than the Harrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Irish Water Spaniel than for the Harrier.
2 health tests are recommended for Harrier while 5 tests are recommended for the Irish Water Spaniel.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Harriers and in Irish Water Spaniels.
Harrier Health Problems
Harriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Harrier 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 Harrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Harrier 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 Harriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Harriers 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.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Harriers and Irish Water Spaniels
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Harrier Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Harrier ranks 76 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 375 Harriers, 58 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Harriers, and how common these diseases are in Harriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Irish Water Spaniel Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the Irish Water Spaniel ranks 5 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 111 Irish Water Spaniels, 7 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Irish Water Spaniels, and how common these diseases are in Irish Water Spaniels relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Harrier and in Irish Water Spaniel and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Harrier and the Irish Water Spaniel:
| Disease | Harrier Rank | Irish Water Spaniel Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 76 out of 198 dog breeds | 104 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 5 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 9 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Shoulder problems | Not Common | 18 out of 22 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 31 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 105 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 150 out of 182 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Irish Water Spaniel
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Irish Water Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Harriers shed more than Irish Water Spaniels?
Harriers shed moderately.
Irish Water Spaniels do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Irish Water Spaniel
Harriers 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 Harrier or the Irish Water Spaniel?
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Irish Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Water Spaniel?
Harriers 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 Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Irish Water Spaniels?
Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Irish Water Spaniels are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Irish Water Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Irish Water Spaniel
Harriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily 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 Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Harriers can tolerate hot weather.
Irish Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Irish Water Spaniel?
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Irish Water Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Irish Water Spaniels?
Harriers 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 Harriers and Irish Water Spaniels?
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Irish Water Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Irish Water Spaniel?
Harriers are not easy to train.
Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train.
Is the Harrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Irish Water Spaniel?
Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Irish Water Spaniels adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Harrier or the Irish Water Spaniel?
Harriers are OK for new dog owners.
Irish Water Spaniels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Harrier 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 Harrier:
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 Harrier and how the Irish Water Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Harrier and of the Irish Water Spaniel to other breeds:
Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Harrier versus Brussels Griffon Harrier versus Airedale Terrier Harrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Harrier versus Barbet Harrier versus Mudi Harrier versus Neapolitan Mastiff Harrier versus Border Collie Harrier versus Shihpoo Harrier versus American Bulldog Harrier versus Toy Fox Terrier Harrier versus Australian Shepherd Harrier versus French Bulldog Harrier versus Pharaoh Hound Harrier versus Sealyham Terrier Harrier versus Bichon Frise Harrier versus Border Terrier Harrier versus Irish Terrier Harrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Harrier versus Pug Harrier versus Valley Bulldog Harrier versus Cane Corso Harrier versus French Spaniel Harrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Harrier versus Leonberger Harrier versus Irish Water Spaniel
Irish Water Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Water Spaniel versus German Longhaired Pointer Irish Water Spaniel versus Swedish Vallhund Irish Water Spaniel versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Irish Water Spaniel versus Chinese Shar-Pei Irish Water Spaniel versus Cairn Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus American Staffordshire Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Valley Bulldog Irish Water Spaniel versus Dalmatian Irish Water Spaniel versus Valley Bulldog Irish Water Spaniel versus Samoyed Irish Water Spaniel versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Irish Water Spaniel versus German Longhaired Pointer Irish Water Spaniel versus Norfolk Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus English Setter Irish Water Spaniel versus Curly-Coated Retriever Irish Water Spaniel versus Pharaoh Hound Irish Water Spaniel versus German Wirehaired Pointer Irish Water Spaniel versus Cesky Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Irish Water Spaniel versus Pyrenean Mastiff Irish Water Spaniel versus Shiba Inu Irish Water Spaniel versus Pomsky Irish Water Spaniel versus Catahoula Bulldog Irish Water Spaniel versus Siberian Husky Irish Water Spaniel versus Boerboel
Conclusion: Harrier 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 Harrier and the Irish Water Spaniel better suits you and your family.