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Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel Comparison - Dog breed selector: Lab or Golden Flat Coat or Bog Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel" Compare Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever. Which is better: Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel?
 
 
 
Name Labrador Retriever Golden Retriever Irish Water Spaniel
OriginsEngland flagEngland Canada flagCanada Scotland flagScotland Ireland flagIreland
Group Gun Dog Gun Dog Gun Dog
Popularity Rank13164
Reviews9141
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Lab
Labrador
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Bog Dog
Rat Tail Spaniel
Shannon Spaniel
Whiptail
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel? Which is the smallest dog, Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel?
Large Large Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Golden Retriever? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel weight comparison:
Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) 45-65 pounds (20-30 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) 55 pounds (25 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel height comparison:
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) 20-23 inches (51-58 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) 21.5 inches (54.5 cm)

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel? Which is more expensive?
$1000-$2000 $1000-$2000 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel?
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Irish Water Spaniel is easier than average to get.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel intelligence:
Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Very smart: Irish Water Spaniel is an excellent dog breed.
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Trainability
Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel trainability comparison.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
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Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs are good watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs are average defenders.
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Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel behavior/temperament comparison:
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Active
Clownish
Alert
Intelligent
Quick
Inquisitive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Golden Retriever 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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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel?
Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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High: Golden Retriever 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.
See more.
Social Needs
Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel social needs comparison:
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Golden Retriever dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel playfulness comparison:
The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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The Irish Water Spaniel is a playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel?
Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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Average: The Irish Water Spaniel barks occasionally.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel?
It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the Irish Water Spaniel breed in the home.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Golden Retriever 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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel?
Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Water Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Irish Water Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel mouthiness comparison:
Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Golden Retriever dogs have a strong 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.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel health comparison. Which is the healthier: Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel?
The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
Irish Water Spaniels are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Cold Tail
Myopathy
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
No data available
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once 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).
Life Expectancy
Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel lifespan comparison. How long do Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever and Irish Water Spaniel breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Irish Water Spaniel: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
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.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel energy level comparison:
Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel?
Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs don't need too much sleep.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel?
Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel weight gain potential comparison:
High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average: The Irish Water Spaniel has an average risk for obesity.
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Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel coat comparison:
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Dense
Curly
Tight
Colors
What are the original Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever and Irish Water Spaniel color?
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Golden
Light
Brown
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel grooming comparison:
Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Advanced: The Irish Water Spaniel requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel? Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or {name3 shedding:
Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel?

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Irish Water Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
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The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
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The Irish Water Spaniel is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel Good With Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel?

Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Yes

Irish Water Spaniel breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

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.

Not really

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

Not really

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

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever and Irish Water Spaniel have?
5-10 puppies 5-10 puppies 4-12 puppies

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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
Canadian Canine Registry
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
No data available

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