Differences and Similarities between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Shihpoo.

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Irish Water Spaniel Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

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 Shihpoo.

Irish Water Spaniel versus Shihpoo: Overview

A very important difference between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Shihpoo is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Irish Water Spaniel is a medium-sized dog while the Shihpoo 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 Shihpoo belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Irish Water Spaniel versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

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

Factor Irish Water Spaniel Shihpoo
Does NOT Shed 5/5 5/5
Height 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder 8 to 18 inches
Life Span 10 to 12 years 13 to 17 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
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 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
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 8 to 18 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 15.0 years
Price Range No Data $1200 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1590
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 Shihpoo. 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 Shihpoo is 84 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shihpoo is a better pet than the Irish Water Spaniel. So, you should get the Shihpoo!

    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 Shihpoo 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 Shihpoo

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

  • Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train. However, Shihpoos are not easy to train.
  • Irish Water Spaniels have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Shihpoos have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Irish Water Spaniels require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Shihpoos have low exercise needs.

    • The Similarities Between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Shihpoo do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Shihpoo are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Shihpoo have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Shihpoo 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 Shihpoo can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Shihpoo are very friendly towards strangers.

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

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

    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, Shihpoos weigh 8 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Shihpoos are 8 to 18 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Irish Water Spaniel versus Shihpoo

    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 Shihpoos is between 13 to 17 years . The average lifespan of Shihpoos is 15.0 years.

    Shihpoos live longer than Irish Water Spaniels.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Water Spaniel versus Shihpoo

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

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Water Spaniels shed more than Shihpoos?

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

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

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

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

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Irish Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Shihpoos 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 Shihpoo?

    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.

    Shihpoos 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 Shihpoos?

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

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

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

    Irish Water Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Water Spaniel vs. Shihpoo

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

    Shihpoos do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

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

    Irish Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

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

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

    Irish Water Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

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

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Irish Water Spaniels and Shihpoos?

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

    Shihpoos get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

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

    Irish Water Spaniels adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Shihpoos 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 Shihpoo vs Kerry Blue Terrier.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shihpoo

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

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel vs Shiranian.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Water Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Water Spaniel versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Greyhound     Irish Water Spaniel versus English Cocker Spaniel     Irish Water Spaniel versus Briard     Irish Water Spaniel versus English Cocker Spaniel     Irish Water Spaniel versus Tibetan Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Berger Picard     Irish Water Spaniel versus Pomeranian     Irish Water Spaniel versus Bloodhound     Irish Water Spaniel versus Greyhound     Irish Water Spaniel versus Chorkie     Irish Water Spaniel versus Papipoo     Irish Water Spaniel versus Great Pyrenees     Irish Water Spaniel versus Miniature Schnauzer     Irish Water Spaniel versus Lhasapoo     Irish Water Spaniel versus Bordoodle     Irish Water Spaniel versus Bulldog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Norwich Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Coton de Tulear     Irish Water Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel     Irish Water Spaniel versus Bulldog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Bedlington Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Boerboel     Irish Water Spaniel versus Bichon Frise     Irish Water Spaniel versus Cockalier     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus American Water Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Basenji     Shihpoo versus English Setter     Shihpoo versus Kuvasz     Shihpoo versus Portuguese Pointer     Shihpoo versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Shihpoo versus Airedale Terrier     Shihpoo versus Whoodle     Shihpoo versus Carolina Dog     Shihpoo versus Belgian Tervuren     Shihpoo versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Shihpoo versus Puggle     Shihpoo versus Akbash     Shihpoo versus Schnoodle     Shihpoo versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Shihpoo versus Lowchen     Shihpoo versus Lancashire Heeler     Shihpoo versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Shihpoo versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Shihpoo versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Shihpoo versus Gordon Setter     Shihpoo versus Basenji     Shihpoo versus Scottish Terrier     Shihpoo versus Pekingese     Shihpoo versus English Toy Spaniel     

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