Field Spaniel vs. Irish Water Spaniel: Breed Differences and Similarities

Weight Gain Potential

Which breed eats more: Field Spaniel or Irish Water Spaniel?

4 / 5

Field Spaniel has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.

3 / 5

Irish Water Spaniel has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Hypoallergenic

Are Field Spaniels or Irish Water Spaniels hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, the Field Spaniel is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Irish Water Spaniels are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Field Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel dogs?

Adaptable
Docile
Sensitive
Cautious
Familiar
Sociable

Active
Clownish
Intelligent
Alert
Inquisitive
Quick

Shedding Level

Do Field Spaniels shed more than Irish Water Spaniels, or which breed sheds more, Field Spaniels or Irish Water Spaniels?

3 / 5

Field Spaniels are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

1 / 5

Irish Water Spaniels shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Field Spaniel or Irish Water Spaniel?

3 / 5

Field Spaniels are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

4 / 5

Irish Water Spaniels make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

Origin

What is the origin of Field Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel dog breeds?

England

Ireland

Ancestry

What are the origins of Field Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel breeds?

Land Spaniel

poodle, portuguese water dog, barbet

Date of Birth

When were Field Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel breeds first developed?

1800s

Breed Group

What is the Breed Group of Field Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel?

Sporting (AKC:1894)
Gun Dogs (UKC)

Sporting (AKC:1884)
Gun Dogs (UKC)

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Field Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel dogs?

Hazel
Brown

Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Field Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel?

Black
Brown

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Field Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel breeds?

Black
Brown
Blue

Brown

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Field Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel breeds?

3 / 5

Field Spaniels have medium-length coats.

4 / 5

Irish Water Spaniels have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Field Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel?

3 / 5

5 / 5

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Field Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel?

Wavy

Curly

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Field Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel?

A Field Spaniel can have a litter of 11-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

An Irish Water Spaniel can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

5 / 5

Field Spaniels are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

4 / 5

Irish Water Spaniels are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Health Issues

Between Field Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel, which breed is more prone to health problems?

3 / 5

While the Field Spaniel breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

4 / 5

Irish Water Spaniels typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Field Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel breeds?

Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Cancer

Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Field Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel?

Patellar Luxation
Hip Dysplasia

Otitis Externa
Entropion
Eye Problems
Hypothyroidism

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Field Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel breeds?

Eye
Hip
Blood
Knee

Eye
Hip
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Energy

How do the energy levels of Field Spaniels and Irish Water Spaniels compare?

5 / 5

Field Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel breeds are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Field Spaniel vs Irish Water Spaniel social needs comparison

4 / 5

Field Spaniel has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

3 / 5

Irish Water Spaniel has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

Exercise Needed

Field Spaniel vs Irish Water Spaniel exercise need comparison.

5 / 5

The Field Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel breeds need a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking, or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with a sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Field Spaniel or Irish Water Spaniel?

1 / 5

Field Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel are active dogs that may not require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Which drools more/less, Field Spaniel or Irish Water Spaniel?

1 / 5

Field Spaniel minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

2 / 5

Irish Water Spaniel has low drooling tendency, suitable for those who dislike drool marks.

Tendency to Bark

Do Field Spaniels or Irish Water Spaniels bark more/less frequently?

2 / 5

Field Spaniel dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

3 / 5

Irish Water Spaniels bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Is the Field Spaniel or Irish Water Spaniel a better guard dog?

2 / 5

Field Spaniel dogs may not be the best choice as guard dogs because they do not have a strong instinct to defend their territory.

3 / 5

While Irish Water Spaniel dogs can defend their territory or owners, it's not their primary trait, and they are not ideal guard dogs.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Field Spaniel vs Irish Water Spaniel?

3 / 5

Roaming urge

Field Spaniel vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

5 / 5

3 / 5

Prey Drive

Field Spaniel or Irish Water Spaniel - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

4 / 5

5 / 5

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Field Spaniels or Irish Water Spaniels?

Field Spaniels are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Irish Water Spaniels are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

2 / 5

3 / 5

Walks per Week

How many miles should Field Spaniel or Irish Water Spaniel walk each week?

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Field Spaniel, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Irish Water Spaniel, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Field Spaniels or Irish Water Spaniels require more exercise?

In general most Field Spaniels usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Irish Water Spaniels usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Field Spaniels or Irish Water Spaniels?

2 / 5

The Field Spaniel has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

4 / 5

Irish Water Spaniels require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Field Spaniels and Irish Water Spaniels?

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Field Spaniel or Irish Water Spaniel in cups?

For an average 35-50 pound (16 - 23 kg) Field Spaniel feed 2.6 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 55-68 pound (25 - 31 kg) Irish Water Spaniel feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Field Spaniel or Irish Water Spaniel?

The average cost of a Field Spaniel is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

The average cost of an Irish Water Spaniel is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Field Spaniel or Irish Water Spaniel?

The average per month expenses of a Field Spaniel is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of an Irish Water Spaniel is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Field Spaniels vs Irish Water Spaniels

4 / 5

The Field Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel breeds are considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How do Field Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel compare in sensitivity?

4 / 5

These breeds are more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. Field Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Field Spaniel vs Irish Water Spaniel?

5 / 5

4 / 5

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Field Spaniel or Irish Water Spaniel?

5 / 5

Field Spaniels make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

2 / 5

Irish Water Spaniels can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

Child Friendly

Do Field Spaniels or Irish Water Spaniels have a friendlier temperament towards children?

5 / 5

The typical characteristics of Field Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Field Spaniel or Irish Water Spaniel?

5 / 5

Cat Friendly

Do Field Spaniel or Irish Water Spaniel breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

3 / 5

Field Spaniels are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

2 / 5

Irish Water Spaniels are somewhat cat friendly and can be trained to get along with cats.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Field Spaniel or Irish Water Spaniel?

5 / 5

Field Spaniels are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

2 / 5

Irish Water Spaniels are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.

Pet friendly

How do Field Spaniel or Irish Water Spaniel dogs interact with other pets?

3 / 5

2 / 5

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Field Spaniel or Irish Water Spaniel?

3 / 5

Field Spaniels are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

2 / 5

Irish Water Spaniels are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Field Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel?

5 / 5

Field Spaniels are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

4 / 5

Irish Water Spaniels are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Field Spaniels and Irish Water Spaniels compare?

4 / 5

Field Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.