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Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever Comparison – Which dog is better Bog Dog or Lab?

"Find similarities and differences between Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever" Compare Irish Water Spaniel and Labrador Retriever. Which is better: Irish Water Spaniel or Labrador Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Irish Water Spaniel Labrador Retriever
OriginsIreland flagIreland England flagEngland Canada flagCanada
Group Gun Dog Gun Dog
Popularity Rank1641
Reviews111
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Irish Water Spaniel and Labrador Retriever. What other names are these breeds known by?
Bog Dog
Rat Tail Spaniel
Shannon Spaniel
Whiptail
Lab
Labrador
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between an Irish Water Spaniel and a Labrador Retriever. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Medium Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between an Irish Water Spaniel and a Labrador Retriever. Which breed is heavier?
45-65 pounds (20-30 kg) Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
55 pounds (25 kg) Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Irish Water Spaniel or Labrador Retriever? Is an Irish Water Spaniel taller than a Labrador Retriever?
20-23 inches (51-58 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
21.5 inches (54.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm)

Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between an Irish Water Spaniel and a Labrador Retriever. Which breed costs more?
$800-$1000 $1000-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Irish Water Spaniel or Labrador Retriever?
Frequent: The Irish Water Spaniel is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.

Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Very smart: Irish Water Spaniel is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare training requirements.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare alertness levels.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare territorial behaviors.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of an Irish Water Spaniel and a Labrador Retriever. How do their temperaments differ?
Active
Clownish
Alert
Intelligent
Quick
Inquisitive
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever?
Average to High: Irish Water Spaniel dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
Social Needs
Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever social needs comparison:
Irish Water Spaniel dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever?
Irish Water Spaniel dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever? Which can be better for hunting?
Irish Water Spaniel dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.
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 vs Labrador Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average: The Irish Water Spaniel barks occasionally.
See more.
Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare play drive and energy.
The Irish Water Spaniel is a playful breed.
See more.
The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare living space needs.
It is not recommended to keep the Irish Water Spaniel breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.

Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare adaptability levels.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Irish Water Spaniel or Labrador Retriever?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

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

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Water Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare average lifespans.
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Irish Water Spaniel: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare climate tolerances.
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.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between an Irish Water Spaniel and a Labrador Retriever. Which breed is healthier?
Irish Water Spaniels are commonly healthy dogs.
The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever?
Rare
The Irish Water Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever health problems comparison:
No data available Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Cold Tail
Myopathy

Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Irish Water Spaniel has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare daily food needs.
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare allergy friendliness.
Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Irish Water Spaniel and Labrador Retriever? Compare breed colors.
Brown Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare maintenance needs.
Advanced: The Irish Water Spaniel requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare drooling amounts.
The Irish Water Spaniel is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

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

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between an Irish Water Spaniel and a Labrador Retriever? Compare fur types.
Dense
Curly
Tight
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare bathing frequencies.
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.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Irish Water Spaniel or Labrador Retriever? Do Irish Water Spaniel dogs shed more than Labrador Retriever dogs?
Irish Water Spaniel dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever Good With Comparison

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

Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

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

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

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

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare scenting abilities.

Not really

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

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare SAR abilities.

Not really

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

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare maritime abilities.

Yes

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

Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: an Irish Water Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever? Compare draft work capabilities.

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 history between Irish Water Spaniel and Labrador Retriever. Which has stronger military background?

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 Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Irish Water Spaniel and Labrador Retriever. Which has larger litters?
4-12 puppies 5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Irish Water Spaniel and Labrador Retriever breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Irish Water Spaniel and Labrador Retriever. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Irish Water Spaniel and Labrador Retriever. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Irish Water Spaniel and Labrador Retriever. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Irish Water Spaniel and Labrador Retriever. Which is more widely recognized?
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
Canadian Canine Registry

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