Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Irish Water Spaniel Versus Lancashire Heeler: Introduction
- Irish Water Spaniel versus Lancashire Heeler: Overview
- Irish Water Spaniel versus Lancashire Heeler: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Lancashire Heeler
- The Similarities Between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Lancashire Heeler
- Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Water Spaniel versus Lancashire Heeler
- Lifespan of Irish Water Spaniel versus Lancashire Heeler
- Health Problems of Irish Water Spaniel versus Health Problems of Lancashire Heeler
- Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Water Spaniel versus Lancashire Heeler
- Do Irish Water Spaniels shed more than Lancashire Heelers?
- Which one drools more, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Lancashire Heeler
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Lancashire Heeler?
- Does the Irish Water Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lancashire Heeler?
- Do Irish Water Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Lancashire Heelers?
- Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Irish Water Spaniel vs. Lancashire Heeler
- Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Lancashire Heeler?
- Are Irish Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about Lancashire Heelers?
- How Kid-friendly are Irish Water Spaniels and Lancashire Heelers?
- Is the Irish Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the Lancashire Heeler?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Water Spaniel
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lancashire Heeler
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Irish Water Spaniel versus Lancashire Heeler. Which One is a Better Pet?
Irish Water Spaniel Versus Lancashire Heeler: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Irish Water Spaniel and the Lancashire Heeler? 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 Water Spaniel and the Lancashire Heeler 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 Water Spaniel and the Lancashire Heeler.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Water Spaniel and the Lancashire Heeler 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 Water Spaniel and for the Lancashire Heeler. 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 Water Spaniel and the Lancashire Heeler.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Irish Water Spaniel or the Lancashire Heeler.
Irish Water Spaniel versus Lancashire Heeler: Overview
A very important difference between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Lancashire Heeler is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Irish Water Spaniel is a medium-sized dog while the Lancashire Heeler is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, 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.
On the other hand, the Lancashire Heeler belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
Irish Water Spaniel versus Lancashire Heeler: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Irish Water Spaniel to the Lancashire Heeler 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 Water Spaniel and the Lancashire Heeler
| Factor | Irish Water Spaniel | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder | 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 9 to 14 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 65 pounds | 13 to 15 pounds |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 11.5 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $200 – $200 |
| Average Price | No Data | $200 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Lancashire Heeler. 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 Water Spaniel is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Lancashire Heeler is 78 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Irish Water Spaniel is a better pet than the Lancashire Heeler. So, you should get the Irish Water 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 Water Spaniel and the Lancashire Heeler so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Lancashire Heeler
Below is a list of where the Irish Water Spaniel and the Lancashire Heeler are most different:
The Similarities Between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Lancashire Heeler
The Irish Water Spaniel and the Lancashire Heeler are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Irish Water Spaniel and the Lancashire Heeler are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Water Spaniel versus Lancashire Heeler
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Lancashire Heeler.
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.
On the other hand, Lancashire Heelers weigh 13 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Lancashire Heelers are 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Irish Water Spaniel versus Lancashire Heeler
The lifespan of Irish Water Spaniels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Irish Water Spaniels is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Lancashire Heelers is between 9 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Lancashire Heelers is 11.5 years.
Lancashire Heelers live longer than Irish Water Spaniels.
Health Problems of Irish Water Spaniel versus Health Problems of Lancashire Heeler
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 Irish Water Spaniel and the Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Irish Water Spaniel than for the Lancashire Heeler.
5 health tests are recommended for Irish Water Spaniel while 3 tests are recommended for the Lancashire Heeler.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Irish Water Spaniels and in Lancashire Heelers.
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.
Lancashire Heeler Health Problems
Lancashire Heelers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heelers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lancashire Heelers here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Water Spaniel versus Lancashire Heeler
Irish Water Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
Lancashire Heelers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Irish Water Spaniels shed more than Lancashire Heelers?
Irish Water Spaniels do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Lancashire Heelers shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Lancashire Heeler
Irish Water Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Lancashire Heelers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Lancashire Heeler?
Irish Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.
Lancashire Heelers are very easy to groom.
Does the Irish Water Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lancashire Heeler?
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.
Lancashire Heelers 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 Water Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Lancashire Heelers?
Irish Water Spaniels are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Lancashire Heelers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Irish Water Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Lancashire Heelers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Irish Water Spaniel vs. Lancashire Heeler
Irish Water Spaniels have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Lancashire Heelers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Irish Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
Lancashire Heelers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Lancashire Heeler?
Irish Water Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Irish Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about Lancashire Heelers?
Irish Water Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Lancashire Heelers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Irish Water Spaniels and Lancashire Heelers?
Irish Water Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Is the Irish Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the Lancashire Heeler?
Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train.
Lancashire Heelers are fairly easy to train.
Is the Irish Water Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Lancashire Heeler?
Irish Water Spaniels adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Lancashire Heelers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Lancashire Heeler?
Irish Water Spaniels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Lancashire Heelers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
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 Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lancashire Heeler
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Irish Water Spaniel and how the Lancashire Heeler compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel and of the Lancashire Heeler to other breeds:
Irish Water Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Water Spaniel versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Cavachon Irish Water Spaniel versus Scottish Deerhound Irish Water Spaniel versus Miniature Pinscher Irish Water Spaniel versus Belgian Tervuren Irish Water Spaniel versus American Bulldog Irish Water Spaniel versus Tibetan Spaniel Irish Water Spaniel versus Bullmastiff Irish Water Spaniel versus Lakeland Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Pomchi Irish Water Spaniel versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Irish Water Spaniel versus Shichon Irish Water Spaniel versus Bich Poo Irish Water Spaniel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Irish Water Spaniel versus Sloughi Irish Water Spaniel versus Hovawart Irish Water Spaniel versus Sealyham Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Black Russian Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Basset Hound Irish Water Spaniel versus English Toy Spaniel Irish Water Spaniel versus Redbone Coonhound Irish Water Spaniel versus Miniature Schnauzer Irish Water Spaniel versus Gordon Setter Irish Water Spaniel versus Dutch Shepherd Irish Water Spaniel versus French Spaniel
Lancashire Heeler Versus Other Dog Breeds
Lancashire Heeler versus Belgian Tervuren Lancashire Heeler versus Cocker Spaniel Lancashire Heeler versus Maltese Lancashire Heeler versus Goldador Lancashire Heeler versus Flat-Coated Retriever Lancashire Heeler versus German Shorthaired Pointer Lancashire Heeler versus Boston Terrier Lancashire Heeler versus Cocker Spaniel Lancashire Heeler versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Lancashire Heeler versus Australian Terrier Lancashire Heeler versus English Toy Spaniel Lancashire Heeler versus Chinook Lancashire Heeler versus Finnish Spitz Lancashire Heeler versus Cane Corso Lancashire Heeler versus Lagotto Romagnolo Lancashire Heeler versus Scottish Terrier Lancashire Heeler versus Fila Brasileiro Lancashire Heeler versus German Wirehaired Pointer Lancashire Heeler versus Pug Lancashire Heeler versus Saint Bernard Lancashire Heeler versus Borzoi Lancashire Heeler versus Akita Lancashire Heeler versus Belgian Malinois Lancashire Heeler versus Patterdale Terrier Lancashire Heeler versus Braque du Bourbonnais
Conclusion: Irish Water Spaniel versus Lancashire Heeler. 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 Water Spaniel and the Lancashire Heeler better suits you and your family.