A Detailed Comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel and the Shiranian.

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Irish Water Spaniel Versus Shiranian: Introduction

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

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

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 Shiranian.

Irish Water Spaniel versus Shiranian: Overview

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

Irish Water Spaniel versus Shiranian: Comparison Table

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

Factor Irish Water Spaniel Shiranian
Does NOT Shed 5/5 4/5
Height 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder 7 to 12 inches
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 16 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 4/5
General Health 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 1/5
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 4 to 16 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 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 14.0 years
Price Range No Data $925 – $1200
Average Price No Data $1230
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 Shiranian. 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 Shiranian is 84 out of 125.

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

    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 Shiranian 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 Shiranian

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

  • Irish Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather. However, Shiranians cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train. However, Shiranians are not easy to train.
  • Irish Water Spaniels have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Shiranians have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Irish Water Spaniels have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy. However, Shiranians have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Irish Water Spaniels require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Shiranians have low exercise needs.
  • The Similarities Between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Shiranian

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

  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Shiranian do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Shiranian do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Shiranian have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Shiranian 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 Shiranian get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Shiranian are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Shiranian are very playful.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Shiranian are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Shiranian are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Water Spaniel versus Shiranian

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

    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, Shiranians weigh 4 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shiranians are 7 to 12 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Irish Water Spaniel versus Shiranian

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

    Shiranians live longer than Irish Water Spaniels.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Water Spaniel versus Shiranian

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

    Shiranians do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Water Spaniels shed more than Shiranians?

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

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

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

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

    Shiranians do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Irish Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Shiranians 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 Shiranian?

    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.

    Shiranians 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 Shiranians?

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

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

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

    Irish Water Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shiranians cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Water Spaniel vs. Shiranian

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

    Shiranians 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 Shiranians Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

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

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

    Irish Water Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Shiranians get along fairly well with other dogs.

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

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Irish Water Spaniels and Shiranians?

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

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

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

    Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Shiranians are not easy to train.

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

    Irish Water Spaniels adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Shiranians adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Shiranians are very good 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 Shiranian vs Kerry Blue Terrier.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiranian

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

  • Pomapoo (75 percent match with Shiranian). Here is our comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel vs Pomapoo.
  • Shichon (74 percent match with Shiranian). Here is our comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel vs Shichon.
  • Shihpoo (76 percent match with Shiranian). Here is our comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel vs Shihpoo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Water Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Water Spaniel versus Leonberger     Irish Water Spaniel versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Irish Water Spaniel versus Komondor     Irish Water Spaniel versus Basset Hound     Irish Water Spaniel versus Bracco Italiano     Irish Water Spaniel versus Finnish Lapphund     Irish Water Spaniel versus Mountain Cur     Irish Water Spaniel versus Bearded Collie     Irish Water Spaniel versus Lhasapoo     Irish Water Spaniel versus Cockalier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Great Pyrenees     Irish Water Spaniel versus Puli     Irish Water Spaniel versus Briard     Irish Water Spaniel versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Irish Water Spaniel versus Siberian Husky     Irish Water Spaniel versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Irish Water Spaniel versus Bulldog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Miniature Poodle     Irish Water Spaniel versus Shihpoo     Irish Water Spaniel versus Black Russian Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Spinone Italiano     Irish Water Spaniel versus Bloodhound     Irish Water Spaniel versus Coton de Tulear     Irish Water Spaniel versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Shihpoo     

    Shiranian Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiranian versus Harrier     Shiranian versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Shiranian versus Standard Poodle     Shiranian versus English Toy Spaniel     Shiranian versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Shiranian versus Catahoula Bulldog     Shiranian versus Japanese Chin     Shiranian versus Plott     Shiranian versus Labradoodle     Shiranian versus Beagle     Shiranian versus Field Spaniel     Shiranian versus Komondor     Shiranian versus King Shepherd     Shiranian versus Toy Fox Terrier     Shiranian versus English Setter     Shiranian versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Shiranian versus American Water Spaniel     Shiranian versus Harrier     Shiranian versus West Highland White Terrier     Shiranian versus Newfoundland     Shiranian versus Bullmastiff     Shiranian versus Portuguese Water Dog     Shiranian versus Clumber Spaniel     Shiranian versus Sussex Spaniel     Shiranian versus American Hairless Terrier     

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