A Detailed Comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel and the Valley Bulldog.

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Irish Water Spaniel Versus Valley Bulldog: Introduction

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

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

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 Valley Bulldog.

Irish Water Spaniel versus Valley Bulldog: Overview

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

Irish Water Spaniel versus Valley Bulldog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish Water Spaniel to the Valley Bulldog 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 Valley Bulldog

Factor Irish Water Spaniel Valley Bulldog
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Height 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder 12 to 25 inches
Life Span 10 to 12 years 8 to 12 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 3/5
General Health 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 45 to 65 pounds 50 to 125 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
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 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 10.0 years
Price Range No Data $1950 – $2200
Average Price No Data $2050
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 Valley Bulldog. 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 Valley Bulldog is 74 out of 125.

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

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

  • Irish Water Spaniels do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Valley Bulldogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Irish Water Spaniels can tolerate cold weather. However, Valley Bulldogs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Irish Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather. However, Valley Bulldogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    • The Similarities Between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Valley Bulldog

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

  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Valley Bulldog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Valley Bulldog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Valley Bulldog have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Valley Bulldog 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 Valley Bulldog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Valley Bulldog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Valley Bulldog are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Valley Bulldog are very playful.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Valley Bulldog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Valley Bulldog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Valley Bulldog are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Valley Bulldog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Valley Bulldog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

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

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

    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, Valley Bulldogs weigh 50 to 125 pounds when fully grown. Valley Bulldogs are 12 to 25 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Irish Water Spaniel versus Valley Bulldog

    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 Valley Bulldogs is between 8 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Valley Bulldogs is 10.0 years.

    Irish Water Spaniels live longer than Valley Bulldogs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Water Spaniel versus Valley Bulldog

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

    Valley Bulldogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Water Spaniels shed more than Valley Bulldogs?

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

    Valley Bulldogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Valley Bulldog

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

    Valley Bulldogs drool moderately.

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

    Irish Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Valley Bulldogs are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Valley Bulldogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Irish Water Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Valley Bulldogs?

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

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

    Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Valley Bulldogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Irish Water Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Valley Bulldogs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Water Spaniel vs. Valley Bulldog

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

    Valley Bulldogs 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 Valley Bulldogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Valley Bulldogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Irish Water Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Valley Bulldogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about Valley Bulldogs?

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

    Valley Bulldogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Irish Water Spaniels and Valley Bulldogs?

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

    Valley Bulldogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Irish Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the Valley Bulldog?

    Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Valley Bulldogs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Irish Water Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Valley Bulldog?

    Irish Water Spaniels adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Valley Bulldogs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Valley Bulldogs 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 Valley Bulldog vs Kerry Blue Terrier.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Valley Bulldog

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

  • Rottweiler (74 percent match with Valley Bulldog). Here is our comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel vs Rottweiler.
  • Boxer (80 percent match with Valley Bulldog). Here is our comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel vs Boxer.
  • Bulldog (75 percent match with Valley Bulldog). Here is our comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel vs Bulldog.
  • French Bulldog (73 percent match with Valley Bulldog). Here is our comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel vs French Bulldog.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Water Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Water Spaniel versus Weimaraner     Irish Water Spaniel versus Irish Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Miniature Poodle     Irish Water Spaniel versus Komondor     Irish Water Spaniel versus Pomeranian     Irish Water Spaniel versus Bullmastiff     Irish Water Spaniel versus Shih Tzu     Irish Water Spaniel versus Dogo Argentino     Irish Water Spaniel versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Irish Water Spaniel versus Akbash     Irish Water Spaniel versus Boxer     Irish Water Spaniel versus Papipoo     Irish Water Spaniel versus Ibizan Hound     Irish Water Spaniel versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Bulldog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Dogo Argentino     Irish Water Spaniel versus Norfolk Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Kooikerhondje     Irish Water Spaniel versus Afghan Hound     Irish Water Spaniel versus Rottweiler     Irish Water Spaniel versus Border Collie     Irish Water Spaniel versus Afghan Hound     Irish Water Spaniel versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     

    Valley Bulldog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Valley Bulldog versus Goldendoodle     Valley Bulldog versus Affenhuahua     Valley Bulldog versus Papillon     Valley Bulldog versus Dachshund     Valley Bulldog versus Shiloh Shepherd     Valley Bulldog versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Valley Bulldog versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Valley Bulldog versus Sloughi     Valley Bulldog versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Valley Bulldog versus Chow Chow     Valley Bulldog versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Valley Bulldog versus King Shepherd     Valley Bulldog versus English Toy Spaniel     Valley Bulldog versus Scottish Deerhound     Valley Bulldog versus Greyhound     Valley Bulldog versus English Cocker Spaniel     Valley Bulldog versus Lancashire Heeler     Valley Bulldog versus Saluki     Valley Bulldog versus Labradoodle     Valley Bulldog versus Cockalier     Valley Bulldog versus Akita     Valley Bulldog versus Finnish Lapphund     Valley Bulldog versus Border Collie     Valley Bulldog versus Schipperke     Valley Bulldog versus Bedlington Terrier     

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