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Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Irish Wolfhound Comparison - Dog breed selector: Daredevil or Bog Dog or Cu Faoil? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Irish Wolfhound" Compare Irish Terrier and Irish Water Spaniel. Which is better: Irish Terrier or Irish Water Spaniel or Irish Wolfhound?
 
 
 
Name Irish Terrier Irish Water Spaniel Irish Wolfhound
OriginsIreland flagIreland Ireland flagIreland Ireland flagIreland
Group Hunting Dogs Gun Dog Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank11416473
Reviews211
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound breeds.
Daredevil
Irish Red Terrier
Bog Dog
Rat Tail Spaniel
Shannon Spaniel
Whiptail
Cu Faoil
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Irish Wolfhound Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Medium Giant
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound? Compare adult weight ranges.
25-27 pounds (11-12 kg) 45-65 pounds (20-30 kg) 90-150 pounds (40-69 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
26 pounds (11.5 kg) 55 pounds (25 kg) 120 pounds (54.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Irish Terrier or Irish Water Spaniel or Irish Wolfhound? Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Irish Wolfhound height comparison:
18 inches (43 cm) 20-23 inches (51-58 cm) 28-35 inches (71-90 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
18 inches (43 cm) 21.5 inches (54.5 cm) 31.5 inches (80.5 cm)

Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Irish Wolfhound Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $800-$1000 $1800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Irish Terrier or Irish Water Spaniel or Irish Wolfhound?
Frequent: The Irish Terrier is easier than average to get.
Frequent: The Irish Water Spaniel is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Irish Wolfhound is quite easy to get.

Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Irish Wolfhound Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Very smart: Irish Water Spaniel is an excellent dog breed.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which is easiest to train?
Irish Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs are easy to train.
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Irish Wolfhound dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which breed is most alert?
Irish Terrier dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs are good watchdogs.
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Irish Wolfhound dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which breed is most protective?
Irish Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs are average defenders.
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Irish Wolfhound dogs can't provide protection for their territory.
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Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Irish Wolfhound Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound? Compare temperaments.
Protective
Intelligent
Dominant
Lively
Trainable
Respectful
Active
Clownish
Alert
Intelligent
Quick
Inquisitive
Dignified
Intelligent
Patient
Loyal
Tempered
Sweet
Generous
Thoughtful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Irish Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Irish Wolfhound dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Irish Wolfhound?
High: Irish Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Irish Water Spaniel dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Irish Wolfhound dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Irish Wolfhound social needs comparison:
Irish Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Irish Wolfhound dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Irish Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Irish Wolfhound dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Irish Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Irish Wolfhound dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Irish Wolfhound Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Irish Terrier barks occasionally.
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Average: The Irish Water Spaniel barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The Irish Wolfhound rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which breed is most playful?
The Irish Terrier is a playful breed.
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The Irish Water Spaniel is a playful breed.
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Average: Irish Wolfhounds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Irish Terrier indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Irish Water Spaniel breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the Irish Wolfhound breed in the home.

Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Irish Wolfhound Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which breed is most flexible?
Irish Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Irish Wolfhound dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Irish Terrier or Irish Water Spaniel or Irish Wolfhound?
Irish Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Irish Wolfhound Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Irish Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Irish Water Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Irish Wolfhound has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which uses mouth most during play?
Irish Terrier dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Irish Wolfhound dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Water Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Irish Wolfhound bite force: The Strongest.

Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Irish Wolfhound Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Irish Terrier: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Irish Water Spaniel: 11 years
6-10 years
The average lifespan of Irish Wolfhound: 8 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Irish Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Irish Water Spaniel can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Irish Wolfhound can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which has fewer health issues?
Irish Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Irish Water Spaniels are commonly healthy dogs.
Very healthy dog breed.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Frequent
The Irish Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Rare
The Irish Water Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Irish Wolfhound should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Irish Wolfhound? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Irish Wolfhound health problems comparison:
No data available No data available Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Osteosarcoma
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Fibrocartilaginous Embolic Myelopathy
Liver Shunt

Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Irish Wolfhound Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which breed is most active?
Irish Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are high-energy dogs.
Irish Wolfhound dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Irish Wolfhound exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Irish Terrier or Irish Water Spaniel or Irish Wolfhound? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Irish Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs need a lot of exercises.
Irish Wolfhound dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Irish Terrier or Irish Water Spaniel or Irish Wolfhound?
Irish Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs don't need too much sleep.
Irish Wolfhound dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Irish Wolfhound Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Irish Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Irish Water Spaniel has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Irish Wolfhound has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which needs most food?
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals

Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Irish Wolfhound Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. What colors are available?
Red
Wheaten
Brown Black
Gray
Red
Blue
Cream
White
Silver
Wheaten
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which requires most maintenance?
Advanced: The Irish Terrier requires a lot of grooming.
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Advanced: The Irish Water Spaniel requires a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Irish Wolfhound requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which drools least?
The Irish Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Irish Water Spaniel is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Irish Wolfhound is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Irish Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Irish Water Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Irish Wolfhound has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Wiry
Straight
Dense
Curly
Tight
Wiry
Rough
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which requires most frequent baths?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Irish Terrier or Irish Water Spaniel or Irish Wolfhound? Irish Terrier or Irish Water Spaniel or {name3 shedding:
Irish Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs shed none to minimal.
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Irish Wolfhound dogs shed moderately.
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Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Irish Wolfhound Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which is best with kids?
Irish Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Irish Wolfhound dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Irish Terrier dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Irish Wolfhound dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Irish Terrier or Irish Water Spaniel or Irish Wolfhound? Which dog is more friendly?
Irish Terrier dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Irish Wolfhound dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Irish Terrier or Irish Water Spaniel or Irish Wolfhound?
Irish Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Irish Wolfhound dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Irish Terrier or Irish Water Spaniel or Irish Wolfhound?
Irish Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Irish Wolfhound dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Irish Wolfhound?
Yes
Irish Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Irish Wolfhound dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Irish Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Irish Water Spaniel is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Irish Wolfhound is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Irish Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Irish Water Spaniels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Irish Wolfhounds are usually recommended for elderly people.

Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Irish Wolfhound As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Irish Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Yes

Irish Water Spaniel breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Irish Wolfhound breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Irish Wolfhound Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which has most puppies?
4-6 puppies 4-12 puppies 3-4 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Irish Wolfhound Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1897 as a Hound breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Large and medium sized Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Sighthounds group, in the Rough-haired Sighthounds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Irish Wolfhound. Which has most recognition?
No data available No data available American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Irish Wolfhound Club Of America

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