• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

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

"Find similarities and differences between Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff" Compare Labrador Retriever and Irish Water Spaniel. Which is better: Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Bullmastiff?
 
 
 
Name Labrador Retriever Irish Water Spaniel Bullmastiff
OriginsEngland flagEngland Canada flagCanada Ireland flagIreland England flagEngland
Group Gun Dog Gun Dog Working Dogs
Popularity Rank116451
Reviews911
User Ratings

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

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

Size
Which is bigger, Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Bullmastiff? Which is the smallest dog, Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Bullmastiff?
Large Medium Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Irish Water Spaniel? Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff weight comparison:
Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) 45-65 pounds (20-30 kg) Male: 110-133 pounds (50–60 kg), Female: 100-120 pounds (45-55 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) 55 pounds (25 kg) Male: 121.5 pounds (50–60 kg), Female: 110 pounds (50 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Bullmastiff? Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff height comparison:
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm) 20-23 inches (51-58 cm) Male: 25-27 inches (63–69 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61–66 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm) 21.5 inches (54.5 cm) Male: 26 inches (63–69 cm), Female: 25 inches (61–66 cm)

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

Price
Which is cheaper, Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Bullmastiff? Which is more expensive?
$1000-$2000 $800-$1000 $1200-$1500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Bullmastiff?
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Irish Water Spaniel is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Bullmastiff is quite easy to get.

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

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff intelligence:
Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Very smart: Irish Water Spaniel is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Trainability
Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff trainability comparison.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Bullmastiff dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Bullmastiff?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Bullmastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Bullmastiff? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Bullmastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Bullmastiff? Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff behavior/temperament comparison:
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Active
Clownish
Alert
Intelligent
Quick
Inquisitive
Protective
Alert
Powerful
Courageous
Docile
Reliable
Loyal
Devoted
Calm
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.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff?
Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
Average to High: Irish Water Spaniel dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Average: Bullmastiff dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
See more.
Social Needs
Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff social needs comparison:
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Bullmastiff dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Bullmastiff dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
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.
See more.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.
Bullmastiff 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.
See more.

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

Playfulness
Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff playfulness comparison:
The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
See more.
The Irish Water Spaniel is a playful breed.
See more.
Bullmastiffs are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff?
Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
See more.
Average: The Irish Water Spaniel barks occasionally.
See more.
Low: The Bullmastiff barks none to minimal.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Bullmastiff?
It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the Irish Water Spaniel breed in the home.
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 Bullmastiff indoors.

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff 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.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Average: Bullmastiff dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Bullmastiff?
Labrador 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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Water Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bullmastiff 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.

Low 🔽

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

Low 🔽

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

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

Health Issues
Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff health comparison. Which is the healthier: Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff?
The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Irish Water Spaniels are commonly healthy dogs.
Very healthy dog breed.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff 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
No data available Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Heart Problems
Entropion
Kidney Issues
Hemangiosarcoma
Lymphosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
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 Irish Water Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Bullmastiff should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff lifespan comparison. How long do Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel and Bullmastiff 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 Irish Water Spaniel: 11 years
8-10 years
The average lifespan of Bullmastiff: 9 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff?
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.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Bullmastiff can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

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

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

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

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Bullmastiff?
Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 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. 3 to 4.5 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 Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff weight gain potential comparison:
High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Average: The Irish Water Spaniel has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
High: The Bullmastiff breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff coat comparison:
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Dense
Curly
Tight
Rough
Colors
What are the original Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel and Bullmastiff color?
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Brown Red
Fawn
Brindle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Bullmastiff? Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff grooming comparison:
Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Advanced: The Irish Water Spaniel requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Easy to groom: The Bullmastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Bullmastiff? Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or {name3 shedding:
Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bullmastiff dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Bullmastiff?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff?

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

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

High 🔼

The Bullmastiff has a high chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
See more.
The Irish Water Spaniel is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Bullmastiff is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Bullmastiff dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Bullmastiff? Which dog is more friendly?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Bullmastiff dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Bullmastiff?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Bullmastiff dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Bullmastiff?
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Bullmastiff dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Bullmastiff?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Bullmastiff dogs are not dog-friendly.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff?
Yes
Labrador 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.
Yes
Bullmastiff 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.
No
Irish Water Spaniel is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Bullmastiff 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.
Irish Water Spaniels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Bullmastiffs are usually recommended for elderly people.

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

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Yes

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

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 Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Bullmastiff? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

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

Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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.

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a 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.

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 Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff?

Yes

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

Yes

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

Not really

Bullmastiff breed usually doesn't like 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.

Yes

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 Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff 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 Irish Water Spaniel and Bullmastiff have?
5-10 puppies 4-12 puppies 4-13 puppies, average 8

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff 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 1878 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1934 as a Working 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 Water Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type 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
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

Rate This Comparsion - Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff

Reviews