Is the Komondor Better than the Welsh Springer Spaniel as a Pet? Answer…

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Komondor Versus Welsh Springer Spaniel: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel? 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 Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel 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 Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel 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 Komondor and for the Welsh Springer Spaniel. 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 Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Komondor or the Welsh Springer Spaniel.

Komondor versus Welsh Springer Spaniel

Komondor versus Welsh Springer Spaniel: Overview

A very important difference between the Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Komondor is a large-sized dog while the Welsh Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Komondor 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.

On the other hand, the Welsh Springer 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.

Komondor versus Welsh Springer Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Komondor to the Welsh Springer Spaniel 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 Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel

Factor Komondor Welsh Springer Spaniel
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 15 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 1/5
Height 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 1/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds 35 to 55 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $840 No Data
Price Range $550 – $800 No Data
Temperament Score 90.0 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- min age 9 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination by the age of 2, then at ages 5 and 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 170 128

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Komondor 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 Welsh Springer Spaniel. 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 Komondor is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Welsh Springer Spaniel is 79 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Welsh Springer Spaniel is a better pet than the Komondor. So, you should get the Welsh Springer 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 Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel

    Below is a list of where the Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel are most different:

  • Komondors are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Welsh Springer Spaniels are good for new dog owners.
  • Komondors do not get along well with other dogs. However, Welsh Springer Spaniels get along well with other dogs.
  • Komondors do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Welsh Springer Spaniels do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Komondors have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time. However, Welsh Springer Spaniels have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • The Similarities Between the Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel

    The Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel are most similar:

  • Both the Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel 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 Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel are very easy to train.
  • Both the Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel are very playful.
  • Both the Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Komondor versus Welsh Springer Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel.

    Komondors weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Komondors are 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Welsh Springer Spaniels weigh 35 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Welsh Springer Spaniels are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Komondor versus Welsh Springer Spaniel

    The lifespan of Komondors is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Komondors is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Welsh Springer Spaniels is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Welsh Springer Spaniels is 12.5 years.

    Welsh Springer Spaniels live longer than Komondors.

    Temperament of the Komondor Versus the Welsh Springer Spaniel

    The Welsh Springer Spaniel has a better temperament than the Komondor.

    This is because the temperament score for the Welsh Springer Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Komondor is 90.0 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 Komondor has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Welsh Springer Spaniel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 10 Komondors and 6 Welsh Springer Spaniels.

    The Popularity of Komondor versus Popularity of Welsh Springer Spaniel

    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 Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Welsh Springer Spaniel is more popular with dog owners than the Komondor. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Welsh Springer Spaniel is 128 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Komondor is 170 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Komondor

    Popularity of Komondor

    Popularity of Welsh Springer Spaniel

    Popularity of Welsh Springer Spaniel

    Year Komondor Popularity Rank Welsh Springer Spaniel Popularity Rank
    2013 159 124
    2014 168 133
    2015 163 128
    2016 177 123
    2017 163 133
    2018 173 128
    2019 181 130
    2020 178 128

    Health Problems of Komondor versus Health Problems of Welsh Springer Spaniel

    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 Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel 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 Welsh Springer Spaniel is prone to more genetic health problems than the Komondor.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Welsh Springer Spaniel than for the Komondor.

    3 health tests are recommended for Komondor while 4 tests are recommended for the Welsh Springer Spaniel.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Komondors and in Welsh Springer Spaniels.

    Komondor Health Problems

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

  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- min age 9 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Komondors here.

    Welsh Springer Spaniel Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination by the age of 2, then at ages 5 and 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Welsh Springer Spaniels here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Komondors and Welsh Springer Spaniels

    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 Komondor Breed is Eyes problems.

    This is because the Komondor ranks 19 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 54 Komondors, 1 of them had Eyes problems.

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

  • Eyes problems: Rank 19 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 30 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 90 out of 198 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 Welsh Springer Spaniel Breed is Thyroid problems.

    This is because the Welsh Springer Spaniel ranks 12 out of 115 dog breeds for Thyroid problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1309 Welsh Springer Spaniels, 125 of them had Thyroid problems.

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

  • Thyroid problems: Rank 12 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 81 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 111 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 118 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Komondor and in Welsh Springer Spaniel and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel:

    Disease Komondor Rank Welsh Springer Spaniel Rank
    Eyes problems 19 out of 182 dog breeds 81 out of 182 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 30 out of 70 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 90 out of 198 dog breeds 111 out of 198 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems Not Common 12 out of 115 dog breeds
    Elbow problems Not Common 118 out of 144 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: Komondor versus Welsh Springer Spaniel

    Komondors do not like to be left alone.

    Welsh Springer Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Komondors shed more than Welsh Springer Spaniels?

    Komondors shed moderately.

    Welsh Springer Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Komondor or the Welsh Springer Spaniel

    Komondors do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Welsh Springer Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Komondor or the Welsh Springer Spaniel?

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

    Welsh Springer Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Does the Komondor Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Welsh Springer Spaniel?

    Komondors 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.

    Welsh Springer Spaniels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Komondors Bark and Howl? What about Welsh Springer Spaniels?

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

    Welsh Springer Spaniels are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Komondors Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Welsh Springer Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Komondors can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Welsh Springer Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Komondor vs. Welsh Springer Spaniel

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

    Welsh Springer Spaniels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Komondors Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Welsh Springer Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Komondors can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Welsh Springer Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Komondor or the Welsh Springer Spaniel?

    Komondors do not get along well with other dogs.

    Welsh Springer Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Komondors good family dogs? What about Welsh Springer Spaniels?

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

    Welsh Springer Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Komondors and Welsh Springer Spaniels?

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

    Welsh Springer Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Komondor Easier to Train than the Welsh Springer Spaniel?

    Komondors are very easy to train.

    Welsh Springer Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Is the Komondor Better for Apartment Owners than the Welsh Springer Spaniel?

    Komondors do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Welsh Springer Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Komondor or the Welsh Springer Spaniel?

    Komondors are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Welsh Springer Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Komondor

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

  • Belgian Tervuren (70 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Black Russian Terrier (70 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Black Russian Terrier.
  • Giant Schnauzer (72 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Welsh Springer Spaniel

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Welsh Springer 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 Welsh Springer Spaniel:

  • English Cocker Spaniel (78 percent match with Welsh Springer Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Komondor vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Finnish Lapphund (78 percent match with Welsh Springer Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Komondor vs Finnish Lapphund.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Komondor and how the Welsh Springer Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Komondor and of the Welsh Springer Spaniel to other breeds:

    Komondor Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Komondor versus Bich Poo     Komondor versus Goldador     Komondor versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Komondor versus Valley Bulldog     Komondor versus Australian Cattle Dog     Komondor versus Greyhound     Komondor versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Komondor versus Black Mouth Cur     Komondor versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Komondor versus Pekingese     Komondor versus American Hairless Terrier     Komondor versus Azawakh     Komondor versus Portuguese Water Dog     Komondor versus Shihpoo     Komondor versus Boykin Spaniel     Komondor versus German Pinscher     Komondor versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Komondor versus French Spaniel     Komondor versus Boerboel     Komondor versus Great Pyrenees     Komondor versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Komondor versus Frenchton     Komondor versus Brussels Griffon     Komondor versus Aussiedoodle     Komondor versus Shiloh Shepherd     

    Welsh Springer Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Greyhound     Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Dalmatian     Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Akita     Welsh Springer Spaniel versus French Bulldog     Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Boxer     Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Goldendoodle     Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Lancashire Heeler     Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Miniature Pinscher     Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Standard Poodle     Welsh Springer Spaniel versus English Springer Spaniel     Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Beaglier     Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Frenchton     Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Airedale Terrier     Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Shiba Inu     Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Norwegian Lundehund     Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Spanish Mastiff     Welsh Springer Spaniel versus German Pinscher     Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Catahoula Bulldog     Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Labradoodle     Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Cockalier     Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Shihpoo     Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Hovawart     

    Conclusion: Komondor versus Welsh Springer Spaniel. 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 Komondor and the Welsh Springer Spaniel better suits you and your family.