Breed Comparison: Irish Terrier Versus Tibetan Spaniel

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Irish Terrier Versus Tibetan Spaniel: Introduction

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

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

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 Tibetan Spaniel.

Irish Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel

Irish Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel: Overview

A very important difference between the Irish Terrier and the Tibetan Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Irish Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Tibetan Spaniel is a tiny-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 Tibetan Spaniel belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Irish Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish Terrier to the Tibetan 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 Irish Terrier and the Tibetan Spaniel

Factor Irish Terrier Tibetan Spaniel
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 1/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 12 to 15 years
Height 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder From 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
Weight 25 to 27 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
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 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
General Health 5/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1280 $1650
Price Range $1000 – $1500 $1200 – $2000
Temperament Score 80.0 percent 91.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • approved laboratory
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 118 117
    Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) 53 46

    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 Tibetan 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 Irish Terrier is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Tibetan Spaniel is 82 out of 125.

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

    Irish Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Terrier and the Tibetan Spaniel

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

  • Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs. However, Tibetan Spaniels get along well with other dogs.
  • Irish Terriers are not easy to train. However, Tibetan Spaniels are very easy to train.
  • Irish Terriers can tolerate cold weather. However, Tibetan Spaniels cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • The Similarities Between the Irish Terrier and the Tibetan Spaniel

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

  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Tibetan Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Tibetan Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Tibetan Spaniel have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Tibetan Spaniel shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Tibetan Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Tibetan Spaniel are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Tibetan Spaniel do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Tibetan Spaniel require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Tibetan Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Tibetan Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Tibetan Spaniel are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Tibetan Spaniel are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel

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

    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, Tibetan Spaniels weigh 9 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Tibetan Spaniels are From 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Irish Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel

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

    The lifespan of Tibetan Spaniels is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Tibetan Spaniels is 13.5 years.

    Irish Terriers live longer than Tibetan Spaniels.

    Irish Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel

    Temperament of the Tibetan Spaniel Versus the Irish Terrier

    The Tibetan Spaniel has a better temperament than the Irish Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Tibetan Spaniel is 91.7 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 91.7 percent, the Tibetan Spaniel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Irish Terrier and the Tibetan Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 10 Irish Terriers and 12 Tibetan Spaniels.

    Price of Irish Terrier versus Price of Tibetan Spaniel

    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 Tibetan Spaniel puppy is $1650. The price of the Tibetan Spaniel typically ranges from $1200 – $2000. However, the price of the Tibetan Spaniel can be as low as $1000 and as high as $3800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 13 Tibetan Spaniel puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Tibetan Spaniel is more expensive than the Irish Terrier.

    Irish Terrier Tibetan Spaniel
    Average Price $1280 $1650
    Price Range $1000 to $1500 $1200 to $2000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Irish Terrier and Tibetan Spaniel. For different price points, the charts show how many Irish Terrier puppies or how many Tibetan Spaniel 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 Tibetan Spaniels

    A breakdown of the prices of Tibetan Spaniels

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

    Irish Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel

    The Intelligence of the Irish Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Tibetan Spaniel

    Irish Terrier Tibetan Spaniel
    Intelligence Rank 53 out of 130 dog breeds 46 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions

    Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.

    According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:

  • Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
  • Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
  • Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.
  • Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.

    This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.

    To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.

    Prof. Coren found that the Irish Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 53 out of 130 dog breeds. The Irish Terrier belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Irish Terriers tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.

    The Tibetan Spaniel has an obedience intelligence rank of 46 out of 130 dog breeds. The Tibetan Spaniel belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Tibetan Spaniels tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.

    The Tibetan Spaniel is more intelligent than the Irish Terrier.

    However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.

    The Popularity of Irish Terrier versus Popularity of Tibetan 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 Irish Terrier and the Tibetan Spaniel over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Tibetan Spaniel is more popular with dog owners than the Irish Terrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Tibetan Spaniel is 117 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 Irish Terrier

    Popularity of Tibetan Spaniel

    Popularity of Tibetan Spaniel

    Year Irish Terrier Popularity Rank Tibetan Spaniel Popularity Rank
    2013 123 106
    2014 125 122
    2015 113 115
    2016 115 118
    2017 114 121
    2018 116 119
    2019 119 117
    2020 120 118

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel

    Irish Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Tibetan Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Terriers shed more than Tibetan Spaniels?

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

    Tibetan Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Irish Terrier or the Tibetan Spaniel

    Irish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Tibetan Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Terrier or the Tibetan Spaniel?

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

    Tibetan Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Does the Irish Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Tibetan Spaniel?

    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.

    Tibetan Spaniels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Irish Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Tibetan Spaniels?

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

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

    Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Tibetan Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Irish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Tibetan Spaniels cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Terrier vs. Tibetan Spaniel

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

    Tibetan Spaniels 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 Tibetan Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Tibetan Spaniels cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Tibetan Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Terriers good family dogs? What about Tibetan Spaniels?

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

    Tibetan Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Irish Terriers and Tibetan Spaniels?

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

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

    Is the Irish Terrier Easier to Train than the Tibetan Spaniel?

    Irish Terriers are not easy to train.

    Tibetan Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Is the Irish Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Tibetan Spaniel?

    Irish Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Tibetan Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (78 percent match with Tibetan Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Irish Terrier vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Lowchen (78 percent match with Tibetan Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Irish Terrier vs Lowchen.
  • Cockalier (80 percent match with Tibetan Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Irish Terrier vs Cockalier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute     Irish Terrier versus Sealyham Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Scottish Deerhound     Irish Terrier versus Afador     Irish Terrier versus Papillon     Irish Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Irish Terrier versus Bouvier des Flandres     Irish Terrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Irish Terrier versus Italian Greyhound     Irish Terrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Irish Terrier versus English Springer Spaniel     Irish Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel     Irish Terrier versus Hovawart     Irish Terrier versus Cavachon     Irish Terrier versus Shihpoo     Irish Terrier versus Morkie     Irish Terrier versus Lhasa Apso     Irish Terrier versus Hovawart     Irish Terrier versus Weimaraner     Irish Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Irish Terrier versus Yorkshire Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Irish Terrier versus Aussiedoodle     Irish Terrier versus Chow Chow     Irish Terrier versus Berger Picard     

    Tibetan Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Tibetan Spaniel versus West Highland White Terrier     Tibetan Spaniel versus Siberian Husky     Tibetan Spaniel versus Catahoula Bulldog     Tibetan Spaniel versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Tibetan Spaniel versus American Eskimo Dog     Tibetan Spaniel versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Tibetan Spaniel versus Yorkipoo     Tibetan Spaniel versus Australian Kelpie     Tibetan Spaniel versus Puggle     Tibetan Spaniel versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Tibetan Spaniel versus Vizsla     Tibetan Spaniel versus Brittany     Tibetan Spaniel versus Dachshund     Tibetan Spaniel versus Siberian Husky     Tibetan Spaniel versus Lhasa Apso     Tibetan Spaniel versus Australian Cattle Dog     Tibetan Spaniel versus Whoodle     Tibetan Spaniel versus Komondor     Tibetan Spaniel versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Tibetan Spaniel versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Tibetan Spaniel versus Siberian Husky     Tibetan Spaniel versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Tibetan Spaniel versus Norwegian Lundehund     Tibetan Spaniel versus Morkie     Tibetan Spaniel versus Akita     

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