Which is Better between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Newfoundland? A Very Detailed Review.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Irish Water Spaniel Versus Newfoundland: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Water Spaniel and the Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland. 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 Newfoundland.

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 Newfoundland.

Irish Water Spaniel versus Newfoundland: Overview

A very important difference between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Newfoundland is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Irish Water Spaniel is a medium-sized dog while the Newfoundland is a giant-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 Newfoundland 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 Water Spaniel versus Newfoundland: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish Water Spaniel to the Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland

Factor Irish Water Spaniel Newfoundland
Does NOT Shed 5/5 1/5
Height 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 5 inches tall at the sho
Life Span 10 to 12 years 8 to 10 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 1/5
General Health 2/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 45 to 65 pounds 100 to 150 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 9.0 years
Price Range No Data $1875 – $2500
Average Price No Data $2160
Temperament Score 90.0 percent 87.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Cystinuria
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • OFA Website
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 156 37
    Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) 24 34

    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 Newfoundland. 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 Newfoundland is 73 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Irish Water Spaniel is a better pet than the Newfoundland. 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 Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland

    Below is a list of where the Irish Water Spaniel and the Newfoundland are most different:

  • Irish Water Spaniels do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Newfoundlands shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Irish Water Spaniels do not have the tendency to drool. However, Newfoundlands have a very high tendency to drool.
  • The Similarities Between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Newfoundland

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

  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Newfoundland are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Newfoundland have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Newfoundland are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Newfoundland can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Newfoundland get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Newfoundland are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Newfoundland are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Newfoundland are very playful.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Newfoundland are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Newfoundland get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Newfoundland are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Newfoundland are very easy to train.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Newfoundland have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Water Spaniel versus Newfoundland

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Newfoundland.

    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, Newfoundlands weigh 100 to 150 pounds when fully grown. Newfoundlands are 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 5 inches tall at the sho when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Irish Water Spaniel versus Newfoundland

    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 Newfoundlands is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Newfoundlands is 9.0 years.

    Irish Water Spaniels live longer than Newfoundlands.

    Temperament of the Irish Water Spaniel Versus the Newfoundland

    The Irish Water Spaniel has a better temperament than the Newfoundland.

    This is because the temperament score for the Irish Water Spaniel is 90.0 percent while the temperament score for the Newfoundland is 87.5 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 90.0 percent, the Irish Water Spaniel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 87.5 percent, the Newfoundland has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Irish Water Spaniel and the Newfoundland by measuring the temperaments of 30 Irish Water Spaniels and 176 Newfoundlands.

    The Intelligence of the Irish Water Spaniel versus the Intelligence of the Newfoundland

    Irish Water Spaniel Newfoundland
    Intelligence Rank 24 out of 130 dog breeds 34 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 5 To 15 Repetitions Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 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 Water Spaniel has an obedience intelligence rank of 24 out of 130 dog breeds. The Irish Water Spaniel belongs to the `Excellent Working Dogs` category. This means that Irish Water Spaniels tend to learn new commands after 5 to 15 repetitions.

    The Newfoundland has an obedience intelligence rank of 34 out of 130 dog breeds. The Newfoundland belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Newfoundlands tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.

    The Irish Water Spaniel is more intelligent than the Newfoundland.

    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 Water Spaniel versus Popularity of Newfoundland

    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 Water Spaniel and the Newfoundland over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Newfoundland is more popular with dog owners than the Irish Water Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Newfoundland is 37 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Irish Water Spaniel is 156 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Irish Water Spaniel

    Popularity of Irish Water Spaniel

    Popularity of Newfoundland

    Popularity of Newfoundland

    Year Irish Water Spaniel Popularity Rank Newfoundland Popularity Rank
    2013 141 37
    2014 152 37
    2015 144 37
    2016 150 35
    2017 164 36
    2018 159 40
    2019 170 40
    2020 174 41

    Health Problems of Irish Water Spaniel versus Health Problems of Newfoundland

    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 Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Irish Water Spaniel.

    5 health tests are recommended for Irish Water Spaniel while 5 tests are recommended for the Newfoundland.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Irish Water Spaniels and in Newfoundlands.

    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:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Irish Water Spaniels here.

    Newfoundland Health Problems

    Newfoundlands are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Newfoundland 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 Newfoundlands for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Cystinuria
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • OFA Website
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Newfoundlands here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Irish Water Spaniels and Newfoundlands

    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:

  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 5 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 9 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Shoulder problems: Rank 18 out of 22 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 31 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 104 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 105 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 150 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • 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 Newfoundland Breed is Shoulder problems.

    This is because the Newfoundland ranks 1 out of 22 dog breeds for Shoulder problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 129 Newfoundlands, 13 of them had Shoulder problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Newfoundlands, and how common these diseases are in Newfoundlands relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Shoulder problems: Rank 1 out of 22 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 15 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 28 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 33 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 36 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 48 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 78 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 101 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 122 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Irish Water Spaniel and in Newfoundland and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Irish Water Spaniel and the Newfoundland:

    Disease Irish Water Spaniel Rank Newfoundland Rank
    Advanced Cardiac problems 5 out of 71 dog breeds 36 out of 71 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems 9 out of 159 dog breeds 33 out of 159 dog breeds
    Shoulder problems 18 out of 22 dog breeds 1 out of 22 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 31 out of 144 dog breeds 15 out of 144 dog breeds
    Hips problems 104 out of 198 dog breeds 28 out of 198 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems 105 out of 115 dog breeds 101 out of 115 dog breeds
    Eyes problems 150 out of 182 dog breeds 78 out of 182 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems Not Common 48 out of 70 dog breeds
    Patella problems Not Common 122 out of 145 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: Irish Water Spaniel versus Newfoundland

    Irish Water Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.

    Newfoundlands do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Water Spaniels shed more than Newfoundlands?

    Irish Water Spaniels do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Newfoundlands shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Newfoundland

    Irish Water Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Newfoundlands have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Newfoundland?

    Irish Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Does the Irish Water Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Newfoundland?

    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.

    Newfoundlands 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 Irish Water Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Newfoundlands?

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

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

    Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Newfoundlands Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Irish Water Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Newfoundlands can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Water Spaniel vs. Newfoundland

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

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

    Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Newfoundlands Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Newfoundlands cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Newfoundland?

    Irish Water Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Newfoundlands get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about Newfoundlands?

    Irish Water Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Irish Water Spaniels and Newfoundlands?

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

    Newfoundlands get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Irish Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the Newfoundland?

    Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Newfoundlands are very easy to train.

    Is the Irish Water Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Newfoundland?

    Irish Water Spaniels adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Newfoundlands do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Newfoundland?

    Irish Water Spaniels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Newfoundlands are OK 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:

  • Kerry Blue Terrier (78 percent match with Irish Water Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Newfoundland vs Kerry Blue Terrier.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Newfoundland

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

  • Golden Retriever (71 percent match with Newfoundland). Here is our comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel vs Golden Retriever.
  • Saint Bernard (68 percent match with Newfoundland). Here is our comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel vs Saint Bernard.
  • Bernese Mountain Dog (79 percent match with Newfoundland). Here is our comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel vs Bernese Mountain Dog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Water Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Water Spaniel versus Silky Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Dachshund     Irish Water Spaniel versus Bichon Frise     Irish Water Spaniel versus Pointer     Irish Water Spaniel versus Sloughi     Irish Water Spaniel versus Boykin Spaniel     Irish Water Spaniel versus Pyredoodle     Irish Water Spaniel versus Shiranian     Irish Water Spaniel versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Redbone Coonhound     Irish Water Spaniel versus Pomapoo     Irish Water Spaniel versus Akita Chow     Irish Water Spaniel versus Skye Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Field Spaniel     Irish Water Spaniel versus Hovawart     Irish Water Spaniel versus Miniature Poodle     Irish Water Spaniel versus Miniature Poodle     Irish Water Spaniel versus Belgian Tervuren     Irish Water Spaniel versus Finnish Lapphund     Irish Water Spaniel versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Irish Water Spaniel versus Boykin Spaniel     Irish Water Spaniel versus Plott     Irish Water Spaniel versus Pomchi     Irish Water Spaniel versus Kooikerhondje     Irish Water Spaniel versus Pug     

    Newfoundland Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Newfoundland versus Borzoi     Newfoundland versus Cocker Spaniel     Newfoundland versus West Highland White Terrier     Newfoundland versus Japanese Chin     Newfoundland versus Shiba Inu     Newfoundland versus Canaan Dog     Newfoundland versus Cane Corso     Newfoundland versus Scottish Terrier     Newfoundland versus Coton de Tulear     Newfoundland versus Irish Wolfhound     Newfoundland versus Catahoula Bulldog     Newfoundland versus Pomchi     Newfoundland versus Boxerdoodle     Newfoundland versus Lhasapoo     Newfoundland versus Belgian Sheepdog     Newfoundland versus American Hairless Terrier     Newfoundland versus Pharaoh Hound     Newfoundland versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Newfoundland versus Irish Terrier     Newfoundland versus Akita Chow     Newfoundland versus Clumber Spaniel     Newfoundland versus Toy Poodle     Newfoundland versus Tibetan Mastiff     Newfoundland versus Australian Cattle Dog     

    Conclusion: Irish Water Spaniel versus Newfoundland. 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 Newfoundland better suits you and your family.