Irish Water Spaniel versus Patterdale Terrier. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Irish Water Spaniel Versus Patterdale Terrier: Introduction

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

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

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 Patterdale Terrier.

Irish Water Spaniel versus Patterdale Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Irish Water Spaniel is a medium-sized dog while the Patterdale Terrier is a small-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 Patterdale 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.

Irish Water Spaniel versus Patterdale Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish Water Spaniel to the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier

Factor Irish Water Spaniel Patterdale Terrier
Does NOT Shed 5/5 4/5
Height 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder 12 to 15 inches
Life Span 10 to 12 years 11 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 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 45 to 65 pounds 11 to 13 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.5 years
Price Range No Data $550 – $950
Average Price No Data $680
Temperament Score 90.0 percent 80.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    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 Patterdale Terrier. 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 Patterdale Terrier is 77 out of 125.

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

    The Similarities Between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier

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

  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier are very playful.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Water Spaniel versus Patterdale Terrier

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

    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, Patterdale Terriers weigh 11 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Patterdale Terriers are 12 to 15 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Irish Water Spaniel versus Patterdale Terrier

    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 Patterdale Terriers is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Patterdale Terriers is 12.5 years.

    Patterdale Terriers live longer than Irish Water Spaniels.

    Temperament of the Irish Water Spaniel Versus the Patterdale Terrier

    The Irish Water Spaniel has a better temperament than the Patterdale Terrier.

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

    With its temperament score of 80.0 percent, the Patterdale Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Irish Water Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 30 Irish Water Spaniels and 5 Patterdale Terriers.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Water Spaniel versus Patterdale Terrier

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

    Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Water Spaniels shed more than Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Patterdale Terrier

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

    Patterdale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Irish Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Irish Water Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Patterdale Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Water Spaniel vs. Patterdale Terrier

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

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

    Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Patterdale Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Irish Water Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Patterdale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about Patterdale Terriers?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Irish Water Spaniels and Patterdale Terriers?

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

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

    Is the Irish Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the Patterdale Terrier?

    Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Patterdale Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Irish Water Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Patterdale Terrier?

    Irish Water Spaniels adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Patterdale Terriers 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:

  • Kerry Blue Terrier (78 percent match with Irish Water Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Patterdale Terrier

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

  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel vs Field Spaniel.
  • Portuguese Pointer (78 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel vs Portuguese Pointer.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Water Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Water Spaniel versus Finnish Lapphund     Irish Water Spaniel versus Akita     Irish Water Spaniel versus Chorkie     Irish Water Spaniel versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Irish Water Spaniel versus German Pinscher     Irish Water Spaniel versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Irish Water Spaniel versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Tibetan Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Standard Schnauzer     Irish Water Spaniel versus Schipperke     Irish Water Spaniel versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Irish Water Spaniel versus Tibetan Spaniel     Irish Water Spaniel versus Golden Retriever     Irish Water Spaniel versus Affenpinscher     Irish Water Spaniel versus American Eskimo Dog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Irish Water Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel     Irish Water Spaniel versus Weimaraner     Irish Water Spaniel versus Whoodle     Irish Water Spaniel versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Irish Water Spaniel versus Berger Picard     Irish Water Spaniel versus Maltipoo     Irish Water Spaniel versus Shiba Inu     Irish Water Spaniel versus Bordoodle     Irish Water Spaniel versus Pyrenean Mastiff     

    Patterdale Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Patterdale Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Basenji     Patterdale Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur     Patterdale Terrier versus Manchester Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel     Patterdale Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur     Patterdale Terrier versus Spinone Italiano     Patterdale Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Patterdale Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Patterdale Terrier versus Japanese Spitz     Patterdale Terrier versus Black Russian Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog     Patterdale Terrier versus Samoyed     Patterdale Terrier versus Yorkshire Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher     Patterdale Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Patterdale Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     Patterdale Terrier versus Dalmatian     Patterdale Terrier versus Lhasapoo     Patterdale Terrier versus Spinone Italiano     Patterdale Terrier versus Pomsky     Patterdale Terrier versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Patterdale Terrier versus Kai Ken     Patterdale Terrier versus Borzoi     

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