Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Irish Terrier Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
- Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
- Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog
- The Similarities Between the Irish Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Lifespan of Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Temperament of the Irish Terrier Versus the Portuguese Water Dog
- Price of Irish Terrier versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog
- The Popularity of Irish Terrier versus Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Do Irish Terriers shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Which one drools more, the Irish Terrier or the Portuguese Water Dog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Terrier or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Does the Irish Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Do Irish Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Irish Terrier vs. Portuguese Water Dog
- Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Terrier or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Are Irish Terriers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Irish Terriers and Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Is the Irish Terrier Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Irish Terrier Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Irish Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog? 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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog.
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 Portuguese Water Dog.
Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
Both the Irish Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog are similar in size. The Irish Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog are both medium-sized dogs.
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 Portuguese Water 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.
Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Irish Terrier to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog
| Factor | Irish Terrier | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Dog Friendly | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Height | 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 27 pounds | 35 to 60 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $1280 | $2860 |
| Price Range | $1000 – $1500 | $2500 – $3300 |
| Temperament Score | 80.0 percent | 77.9 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 118 | 50 |
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 Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog is 84 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Portuguese Water Dog is a better pet than the Irish Terrier. So, you should get the Portuguese Water Dog!
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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog
Below is a list of where the Irish Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Irish Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog
The Irish Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Irish Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog.
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, Portuguese Water Dogs weigh 35 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Water Dogs are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the when fully grown.
Lifespan of Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog
The lifespan of Irish Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Irish Terriers is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is 12.0 years.
Irish Terriers live longer than Portuguese Water Dogs.
Temperament of the Irish Terrier Versus the Portuguese Water Dog
The Irish Terrier has a better temperament than the Portuguese Water Dog.
This is because the temperament score for the Irish Terrier is 80.0 percent while the temperament score for the Portuguese Water Dog is 77.9 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 77.9 percent, the Portuguese Water Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Irish Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog by measuring the temperaments of 10 Irish Terriers and 163 Portuguese Water Dogs.
Price of Irish Terrier versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog
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 Portuguese Water Dog puppy is $2860. The price of the Portuguese Water Dog typically ranges from $2500 – $3300. However, the price of the Portuguese Water Dog can be as low as $900 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 140 Portuguese Water Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Portuguese Water Dog is more expensive than the Irish Terrier.
| Irish Terrier | Portuguese Water Dog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1280 | $2860 |
| Price Range | $1000 to $1500 | $2500 to $3300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Irish Terrier and Portuguese Water Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Irish Terrier puppies or how many Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dogs
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Irish Terrier puppy or the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog
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 Portuguese Water Dog over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Portuguese Water Dog is more popular with dog owners than the Irish Terrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Portuguese Water Dog is 50 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Irish Terrier is 118 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Irish Terrier
Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog
| Year | Irish Terrier Popularity Rank | Portuguese Water Dog Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 123 | 49 |
| 2014 | 125 | 52 |
| 2015 | 113 | 52 |
| 2016 | 115 | 51 |
| 2017 | 114 | 54 |
| 2018 | 116 | 50 |
| 2019 | 119 | 49 |
| 2020 | 120 | 49 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog
Irish Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Irish Terriers shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
Irish Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Irish Terrier or the Portuguese Water Dog
Irish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Terrier or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Irish Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Irish Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
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.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Irish Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Irish Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Irish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Irish Terrier vs. Portuguese Water Dog
Irish Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Irish Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Portuguese Water Dog?
Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Irish Terriers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Irish Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Portuguese Water Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Irish Terriers and Portuguese Water Dogs?
Irish Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Irish Terrier Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Irish Terriers are not easy to train.
Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.
Is the Irish Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Irish Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Irish Terrier or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Irish Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Portuguese Water Dogs are OK 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Portuguese Water 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 Portuguese Water Dog:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Irish Terrier and how the Portuguese Water Dog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Irish Terrier and of the Portuguese Water Dog to other breeds:
Irish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Terrier versus German Shepherd Dog Irish Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle Irish Terrier versus Harrier Irish Terrier versus Sealyham Terrier Irish Terrier versus Akita Irish Terrier versus Bulldog Irish Terrier versus Cane Corso Irish Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Irish Terrier versus Boxerdoodle Irish Terrier versus Cockapoo Irish Terrier versus French Spaniel Irish Terrier versus Bolognese Irish Terrier versus Pyredoodle Irish Terrier versus American Water Spaniel Irish Terrier versus Sealyham Terrier Irish Terrier versus Hovawart Irish Terrier versus Skye Terrier Irish Terrier versus American Eskimo Dog Irish Terrier versus Whoodle Irish Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais Irish Terrier versus Affenpinscher Irish Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier Irish Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle Irish Terrier versus Border Terrier Irish Terrier versus Shihpoo
Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Water Dog versus Flat-Coated Retriever Portuguese Water Dog versus Bulldog Portuguese Water Dog versus Manchester Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Mudi Portuguese Water Dog versus Azawakh Portuguese Water Dog versus Cocker Spaniel Portuguese Water Dog versus Cavachon Portuguese Water Dog versus Boerboel Portuguese Water Dog versus Pomchi Portuguese Water Dog versus Siberian Husky Portuguese Water Dog versus Siberian Husky Portuguese Water Dog versus Field Spaniel Portuguese Water Dog versus West Highland White Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Cairn Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Portuguese Water Dog versus German Shepherd Dog Portuguese Water Dog versus Field Spaniel Portuguese Water Dog versus English Setter Portuguese Water Dog versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Bracco Italiano Portuguese Water Dog versus Newfoundland Portuguese Water Dog versus Pyredoodle Portuguese Water Dog versus Mal Shi Portuguese Water Dog versus Lhasa Apso Portuguese Water Dog versus Bolognese
Conclusion: Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog better suits you and your family.