Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel Comparison - Dog breed selector: Daredevil or Canis Islandicus or Bog Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel" Compare Irish Terrier and Icelandic Sheepdog. Which is better: Irish Terrier or Icelandic Sheepdog or Irish Water Spaniel?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Irish Terrier	Icelandic Sheepdog	Irish Water Spaniel
Origins	Ireland	Iceland	Ireland
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Hunting Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Gun Dog
Popularity Rank	114	144	164
Reviews	2	3	1
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Daredevil Irish Red Terrier	Canis Islandicus Friaar Dog Iceland Dog Islandsk Farehond Islenskur Fjarhundur Icelandic Spitz	Bog Dog Rat Tail Spaniel Shannon Spaniel Whiptail
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Irish Terrier or Icelandic Sheepdog or Irish Water Spaniel? Which is the smallest dog, Irish Terrier or Icelandic Sheepdog or Irish Water Spaniel?	Medium	Medium	Medium
Weight Which is heavier, Irish Terrier or Icelandic Sheepdog or Icelandic Sheepdog? Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel weight comparison:	25-27 pounds (11-12 kg)	20-30 pounds (9-14 kg)	45-65 pounds (20-30 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	26 pounds (11.5 kg)	25 pounds (11.5 kg)	55 pounds (25 kg)
Height Which is taller, Irish Terrier or Icelandic Sheepdog or Irish Water Spaniel? Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel height comparison:	18 inches (43 cm)	12-16 inches (31-41 cm)	20-23 inches (51-58 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	18 inches (43 cm)	14 inches (36 cm)	21.5 inches (54.5 cm)

Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Irish Terrier or Icelandic Sheepdog or Irish Water Spaniel? Which is more expensive?	$600-$800	$800-$1000	$800-$1000
Availability Which is easier to get, Irish Terrier or Icelandic Sheepdog or Irish Water Spaniel?	Frequent: The Irish Terrier is easier than average to get.	Frequent: The Icelandic Sheepdog is easier than average to get.	Frequent: The Irish Water Spaniel is easier than average to get.

Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel intelligence:	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Very smart: Irish Water Spaniel is an excellent dog breed. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel trainability comparison.	Irish Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Irish Terrier or Icelandic Sheepdog or Irish Water Spaniel?	Irish Terrier dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs are good watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Irish Terrier or Icelandic Sheepdog or Irish Water Spaniel? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Irish Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average defenders. See more.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Irish Terrier or Icelandic Sheepdog or Irish Water Spaniel? Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel behavior/temperament comparison:	Protective Intelligent Dominant Lively Trainable Respectful	Agile Energetic Alert Inquisitive Cheerful	Active Clownish Alert Intelligent Quick Inquisitive
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. See more.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel?	High: Irish Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average to High: Irish Water Spaniel dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel social needs comparison:	Irish Terrier dogs are a social breed. See more.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Irish Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Icelandic Sheepdog is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.
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. See more.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel playfulness comparison:	The Irish Terrier is a playful breed. See more.	The Icelandic Sheepdog is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Irish Water Spaniel is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel?	Average: The Irish Terrier barks occasionally. See more.	A lot: Icelandic Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average: The Irish Water Spaniel barks occasionally. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Irish Terrier or Icelandic Sheepdog or Irish Water Spaniel?	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 Icelandic Sheepdog breed in the home.	It is not recommended to keep the Irish Water Spaniel breed in the home.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Irish Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Icelandic Sheepdog 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: Irish Terrier or Icelandic Sheepdog or Irish Water Spaniel?	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.	Icelandic Sheepdog 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.

Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Irish Terrier or Icelandic Sheepdog or Irish Water Spaniel?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Irish Terrier bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Icelandic Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Irish Water Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The Irish Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Icelandic Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Irish Water Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel mouthiness comparison:	Irish Terrier dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel health comparison. Which is the healthier: Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel?	Irish Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	Icelandic Sheepdogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	Irish Water Spaniels are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel health problems comparison:	No data available	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Eye Problems	No data available
Veterinarian Visits 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.	Frequent The Icelandic Sheepdog 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).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel lifespan comparison. How long do Irish Terrier, Icelandic Sheepdog and Irish Water Spaniel breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Irish Terrier: 13 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog: 13 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Irish Water Spaniel: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel?	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. See more.	Prefers cold weather The Icelandic Sheepdog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. 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.

Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Irish Terrier or Icelandic Sheepdog or Irish Water Spaniel? Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel energy level comparison:	Irish Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Irish Terrier or Icelandic Sheepdog or Irish Water Spaniel? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Irish Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Irish Terrier or Icelandic Sheepdog or Irish Water Spaniel?	Irish Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Irish Terrier or Icelandic Sheepdog or Irish Water Spaniel?	1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1 to 2 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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Irish Terrier has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Icelandic Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Irish Water Spaniel has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel coat comparison:	Wiry Straight	Dense Soft Wavy Thick Straight	Dense Curly Tight
Colors What are the original Irish Terrier, Icelandic Sheepdog and Irish Water Spaniel color?	Red Wheaten	Black Gray Red Cream White Fawn Chocolate Gold	Brown
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Irish Terrier or Icelandic Sheepdog or Irish Water Spaniel? Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel grooming comparison:	Advanced: The Irish Terrier requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The Icelandic Sheepdog requires average grooming effort. See more.	Advanced: The Irish Water Spaniel requires a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Irish Terrier or Icelandic Sheepdog or Irish Water Spaniel? Irish Terrier or Icelandic Sheepdog or {name3 shedding:	Irish Terrier dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs shed moderately. See more.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Irish Terrier or Icelandic Sheepdog or Irish Water Spaniel?	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. 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.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Hypoallergenic Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	No See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel?	Medium ⏺ The Irish Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Irish Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Icelandic Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Irish Water Spaniel is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. See more.

Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Irish Terrier dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are generally with other pets.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Irish Terrier or Icelandic Sheepdog or Irish Water Spaniel? Which dog is more friendly?	Irish Terrier dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Irish Terrier or Icelandic Sheepdog or Irish Water Spaniel?	Irish Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Irish Terrier or Icelandic Sheepdog or Irish Water Spaniel?	Irish Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Irish Terrier or Icelandic Sheepdog or Irish Water Spaniel?	Irish Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards other 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: Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel?	Yes Irish Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Irish Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.	Yes Icelandic Sheepdog 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?	Irish Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.	Icelandic Sheepdogs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Irish Water Spaniels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	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.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Irish Terrier or Icelandic Sheepdog or Irish Water Spaniel? Which is better for autism?	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.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	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 and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be 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.	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: Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel?	Not really Irish Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Icelandic Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like 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.

Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Irish Terrier and Icelandic Sheepdog and Irish Water Spaniel have?	4-6 puppies	4-8 puppies	4-12 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Irish Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Terrier breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010 as a Herding 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 Terriers group, in the Large and medium sized Terriers section.	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Watchdogs and Herders 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?	No data available	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc.	No data available

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