Briard vs Irish Water Spaniel Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Berger Briard or Whiptail?
Compare the Briard and Irish Water Spaniel breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Berger Briard or a Whiptail? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you
Other names
Berger De Brie, Berger Briard
Rat Tail Spaniel, Shannon Spaniel, Bog Dog, Whiptail
Weight
What is the average weight of Briard and Irish Water Spaniel?
87.5 pounds
( 40 kg )
61.5 pounds
( 28 kg )
Height
What is the average height of Briard and Irish Water Spaniel
25.0 inches
( 63.5 cm )
23.0 inches
( 58.4 cm )
Weight Gain Potential
Which breed eats more: Briard or Irish Water Spaniel?
The Briard and Irish Water Spaniel breeds have an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.
Hypoallergenic
Are Briards or Irish Water Spaniels hypoallergenic, or neither?
No
Unfortunately, the Briard is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.
Yes
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 Briard and Irish Water Spaniel dogs?
Active Clownish Intelligent Alert Inquisitive Quick
Shedding Level
Do Briards shed more than Irish Water Spaniels, or which breed sheds more, Briards or Irish Water Spaniels?
Briards are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.
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 Briard or Irish Water Spaniel?
Choose a Briard if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.
Irish Water Spaniels make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.
Origin
What is the origin of Briard and Irish Water Spaniel dog breeds?
France
Ireland
Ancestry
What are the origins of Briard and Irish Water Spaniel breeds?
sheepdog
poodle, portuguese water dog, barbet
Date of Birth
When were Briard and Irish Water Spaniel breeds first developed?
1300s
1800s
Breed Group
What is the Breed Group of Briard and Irish Water Spaniel?
Herding (AKC:1906) Gun Dog Breeds (UKC)
Sporting (AKC:1884) Gun Dogs (UKC)
Eye Color Possibilites
What are the eye colors of Briard and Irish Water Spaniel dogs?
Brown Amber
Nose Color Possibilites
What are the natural nose colors of Briard and Irish Water Spaniel?
Black Brown
Coat Color Possibilites
What are the natural colors of the coat for Briard and Irish Water Spaniel breeds?
Black Gray Cream
Brown
Coat Length
What is the typical coat length for Briard and Irish Water Spaniel breeds?
Briards are known for their coat length.
Irish Water Spaniels have longer coats compared to most dogs.
Coat Density
What is the density of the coat of Briard and Irish Water Spaniel?
Coat Texture
What is the hair texture of Briard and Irish Water Spaniel?
Wavy
Curly
Litter Size
What is the usual litter size for Briard and Irish Water Spaniel?
10-12 puppies per pregnancy
Briard and Irish Water Spaniel, can have a litter of 10-12 puppies each on average. Nonetheless, it's important to keep in mind that litter size can differ significantly between individual dogs. Various factors such as the mother's health, breeding history, and genetics can have an impact on litter size.
Adaptability
The adaptability of Briard and Irish Water Spaniel dogs is a well-known trait. They are known for being able to adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.
Health Issues
Between Briard and Irish Water Spaniel, which breed is more prone to health problems?
While the Briard breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.
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 Briard and Irish Water Spaniel breeds?
Panosteitis Hip Dysplasia Bloat
Entropion Elbow Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia Hypothyroidism
Minor Concerns
What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Briard and Irish Water Spaniel?
What occasional tests are recommended for Briard and Irish Water Spaniel breeds?
Eye Hip Knee X-Rays Eye Examination Physical Examination
Eye Hip Thyroid Tests X-Rays Eye Examination
Energy
How do the energy levels of Briards and Irish Water Spaniels compare?
Briards' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.
Irish Water Spaniels thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.
Social Needs
Briard vs Irish Water Spaniel social needs comparison
Briard has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.
Exercise Needed
Briard vs Irish Water Spaniel exercise need comparison.
The Briard 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: Briard or Irish Water Spaniel?
Briards sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.
Irish Water Spaniels are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more/less, Briard or Irish Water Spaniel?
Briard minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.
Irish Water Spaniel has low drooling tendency, suitable for those who dislike drool marks.
Tendency to Bark
Do Briards or Irish Water Spaniels bark more/less frequently?
Briard and Irish Water Spaniels tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.
Territorial
Is the Briard or Irish Water Spaniel a better guard dog?
Briard dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.
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: Briard vs Irish Water Spaniel?
Roaming urge
Briard vs Labrador: Running away tendency?
Prey Drive
Briard or Irish Water Spaniel - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?
Past times
What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Briard and Irish Water Spaniel entertained?
Cuddling, Hikes, Walks
Walking, Swimming, Hunting, Running
Activity Level
Which breed has higher energy, Briards or Irish Water Spaniels?
Medium
Briards 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.
High
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
Walks per Week
How many miles should Briard or Irish Water Spaniel walk each week?
8 miles / week
There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Briard, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.
15 miles / week
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 Briards or Irish Water Spaniels require more exercise?
60 minutes
In general most Briards 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.
90 minutes
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, Briards or Irish Water Spaniels?
Briards have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.
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 Briards and Irish Water Spaniels?
Pin Brush Slicker Brush Flea Comb Dematter Nail Clipper
Pin Brush Comb Nail Clipper
Cups
How much food should be given to Briard or Irish Water Spaniel in cups?
2.5 cups
Briard and Irish Water Spaniel share the same recommended daily food intake of 2.5 cups, although the appropriate quantity may vary depending on the quality and nutritional content of their food.
Daily Cost
Which breed has a higher daily cost, Briard or Irish Water Spaniel?
$2.50 - $3.20 / day
Briard and Irish Water Spaniel have a similar average daily cost of around $2.50 - $3.20.
Monthly Cost
Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Briard or Irish Water Spaniel?
$74 - $95 / month
When it comes to monthly expenses, both Briard and Irish Water Spaniel have a similar average cost, ranging from $74 - $95. This results in an average yearly cost of around $888 - $1140.
Intelligence
Comparing Intelligence: Briards vs Irish Water Spaniels
The Briard and Irish Water Spaniel breeds are considered very intelligent and easy to train.
Sensitivity Level
How do Briard and Irish Water Spaniel compare in sensitivity?
These breeds are more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. Briard 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: Briard vs Irish Water Spaniel?
Apartment Friendly
Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Briard or Irish Water Spaniel?
It's not recommended to keep Briard or Irish Water Spaniel in an apartment, but these breeds make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Dogs of these breeds living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.
Child Friendly
Do Briards or Irish Water Spaniels have a friendlier temperament towards children?
Briards are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.
Irish Water Spaniels make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.
Senior-friendly
Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Briard or Irish Water Spaniel?
Cat Friendly
Do Briard or Irish Water Spaniel breeds have a better compatibility with cats?
Briards are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.
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: Briard or Irish Water Spaniel?
Briards are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.
Irish Water Spaniels are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.
Pet friendly
How do Briard or Irish Water Spaniel dogs interact with other pets?
Stranger Friendly
Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Briard or Irish Water Spaniel?
They can be below average friendly around strangers, being keen of eye and sharp of tongue, and very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Briard and Irish Water Spaniel may be friendly and outgoing, while others can be standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.
Playfulness
Which breed is more playful between Briard and Irish Water Spaniel?
Briards have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.
Irish Water Spaniels are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.
Trainability
How do the trainability levels of Briards and Irish Water Spaniels compare?
Briard 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.
