Which is Better between the Irish Terrier and the Komondor? A Very Detailed Review.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Irish Terrier Versus Komondor: Introduction

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

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

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

Irish Terrier versus Komondor

Irish Terrier versus Komondor: Overview

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

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Komondor 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.

Irish Terrier versus Komondor: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish Terrier to the Komondor 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 Irish Terrier and the Komondor

Factor Irish Terrier Komondor
Dog Friendly 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 1/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 10 to 12 years
Height 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Weight 25 to 27 pounds 80 to 100 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
General Health 5/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1280 $840
Price Range $1000 – $1500 $550 – $800
Temperament Score 80.0 percent 90.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- min age 9 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 118 170

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish Terrier 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 Komondor. 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 Irish Terrier is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Komondor is 70 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Irish Terrier is a better pet than the Komondor. 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 Irish Terrier and the Komondor so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Terrier and the Komondor

    Below is a list of where the Irish Terrier and the Komondor are most different:

  • Irish Terriers are not easy to train. However, Komondors are very easy to train.
  • Irish Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Komondors do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Irish Terriers are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Komondors have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Irish Terriers have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy. However, Komondors have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • The Similarities Between the Irish Terrier and the Komondor

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

  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Komondor do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Komondor do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Komondor are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Komondor do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Komondor require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Komondor have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Komondor can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Komondor can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Komondor shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Komondor are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Komondor are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Komondor require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Komondor are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Komondor are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Terrier versus Komondor

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Terrier and the Komondor.

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

    On the other hand, Komondors weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Komondors are 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Irish Terrier versus Komondor

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

    The lifespan of Komondors is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Komondors is 11.0 years.

    Irish Terriers live longer than Komondors.

    Temperament of the Irish Terrier Versus the Komondor

    The Komondor has a better temperament than the Irish Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Komondor is 90.0 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 80.0 percent, the Irish Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 90.0 percent, the Komondor has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Irish Terrier and the Komondor by measuring the temperaments of 10 Irish Terriers and 10 Komondors.

    Price of Irish Terrier versus Price of Komondor

    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 a Irish Terrier can be as low as $450 and as high as $2800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 26 Irish Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Komondor puppy is $840. The price of the Komondor typically ranges from $550 – $800. However, the price of the Komondor can be as low as $500 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 17 Komondor puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Irish Terrier is more expensive than the Komondor.

    Irish Terrier Komondor
    Average Price $1280 $840
    Price Range $1000 to $1500 $550 to $800

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Irish Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Irish Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Komondors

    A breakdown of the prices of Komondors

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Irish Terrier puppy or the Komondor 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.

    The Popularity of Irish Terrier versus Popularity of Komondor

    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 Irish Terrier and the Komondor over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Irish Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Komondor. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Irish Terrier is 118 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Komondor is 170 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Irish Terrier

    Popularity of Irish Terrier

    Popularity of Komondor

    Popularity of Komondor

    Year Irish Terrier Popularity Rank Komondor Popularity Rank
    2013 123 159
    2014 125 168
    2015 113 163
    2016 115 177
    2017 114 163
    2018 116 173
    2019 119 181
    2020 120 178

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Terrier versus Komondor

    Irish Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Komondors do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Terriers shed more than Komondors?

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

    Komondors shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Irish Terrier or the Komondor

    Irish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Komondors do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Terrier or the Komondor?

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

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

    Does the Irish Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Komondor?

    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.

    Komondors 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 Irish Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Komondors?

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

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

    Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Komondors Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Irish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Komondors can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Terrier vs. Komondor

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

    Komondors have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Komondors Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Komondors can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Komondors do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Terriers good family dogs? What about Komondors?

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

    Komondors are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Irish Terriers and Komondors?

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

    Komondors get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Irish Terrier Easier to Train than the Komondor?

    Irish Terriers are not easy to train.

    Komondors are very easy to train.

    Is the Irish Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Komondor?

    Irish Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Komondors do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Komondors are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    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 Komondor vs Hovawart.
  • Lakeland Terrier (79 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Komondor vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Komondor

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

  • Belgian Tervuren (70 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Irish Terrier vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Black Russian Terrier (70 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Irish Terrier vs Black Russian Terrier.
  • Giant Schnauzer (72 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Irish Terrier vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Irish Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Irish Terrier versus Kai Ken     Irish Terrier versus Toy Fox Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Toy Fox Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Irish Terrier versus Tibetan Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Tibetan Mastiff     Irish Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Irish Terrier versus Pyredoodle     Irish Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher     Irish Terrier versus Schipperke     Irish Terrier versus German Shepherd Dog     Irish Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Irish Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer     Irish Terrier versus Australian Shepherd     Irish Terrier versus Lhasapoo     Irish Terrier versus French Spaniel     Irish Terrier versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Irish Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Irish Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel     Irish Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Xoloitzcuintli     Irish Terrier versus Frenchton     Irish Terrier versus French Bulldog     

    Komondor Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Komondor versus Belgian Tervuren     Komondor versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Komondor versus Lakeland Terrier     Komondor versus Bluetick Coonhound     Komondor versus Irish Setter     Komondor versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Komondor versus Pyredoodle     Komondor versus Siberian Husky     Komondor versus Sloughi     Komondor versus Field Spaniel     Komondor versus Goldendoodle     Komondor versus English Setter     Komondor versus Frenchton     Komondor versus Boston Terrier     Komondor versus Akita Chow     Komondor versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Komondor versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Komondor versus Tibetan Terrier     Komondor versus Fila Brasileiro     Komondor versus Sloughi     Komondor versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Komondor versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Komondor versus Papipoo     Komondor versus Norfolk Terrier     Komondor versus Shiba Inu     

    Conclusion: Irish Terrier versus Komondor. 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 Irish Terrier and the Komondor better suits you and your family.