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Irish Water Spaniel vs Belgian Tervuren Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Bog Dog or Tervuren?

Compare the Irish Water Spaniel and Belgian Tervuren breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Bog Dog or a Tervuren? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Other names

Rat Tail Spaniel, Shannon Spaniel, Bog Dog, Whiptail
Tervuren

Weight

What is the average weight of Irish Water Spaniel and Belgian Tervuren?
61.5 pounds ( 28 kg )
65.0 pounds ( 29 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Irish Water Spaniel and Belgian Tervuren
23.0 inches ( 58.4 cm )
17.0 inches ( 43.2 cm )

Weight Gain Potential

Which breed eats more: Irish Water Spaniel or Belgian Tervuren?

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

Belgian Tervuren has average obesity risk, needs balanced diet, daily walks, and weight monitoring.

Hypoallergenic

Are Irish Water Spaniels or Belgian Tervurens hypoallergenic, or neither?

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.

No

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

Temperament

What are the personalities of Irish Water Spaniel and Belgian Tervuren dogs?
Active
Clownish
Intelligent
Alert
Inquisitive
Quick

Alert
Energetic
Loyal
Attentive
Intelligent
Protective

Shedding Level

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

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

Belgian Tervurens are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Watchdog Ability

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

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

Choose a Belgian Tervuren 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.

Origin

What is the origin of Irish Water Spaniel and Belgian Tervuren dog breeds?
Ireland

Belgium

Ancestry

What are the origins of Irish Water Spaniel and Belgian Tervuren breeds?
poodle, portuguese water dog, barbet

shepherd

Date of Birth

When were Irish Water Spaniel and Belgian Tervuren breeds first developed?
1800s

Breed Group

What is the Breed Group of Irish Water Spaniel and Belgian Tervuren?
Sporting (AKC:1884)
Gun Dogs (UKC)

Herding (AKC:1959 & UKC)

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Irish Water Spaniel and Belgian Tervuren dogs?
Brown
Amber

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Irish Water Spaniel and Belgian Tervuren?
Black
Brown

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Irish Water Spaniel and Belgian Tervuren breeds?
Brown

Black
Brindle
Cream
Fawn

Coat Length

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

Irish Water Spaniels have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Belgian Tervurens are known for their coat length.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Irish Water Spaniel and Belgian Tervuren?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Irish Water Spaniel and Belgian Tervuren?
Curly

Straight

Litter Size

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

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

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.

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Belgian Tervuren can have a litter of 12-14 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

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

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

Health Issues

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

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.

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

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Irish Water Spaniel and Belgian Tervuren breeds?
Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Thyroid
Von Willebrand's Disease
Degenerative Myelopathy

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Irish Water Spaniel and Belgian Tervuren?
Otitis Externa
Entropion
Eye Problems
Hypothyroidism

Elbow Dysplasia
Sebaceous Adenitis
Skin Allergies
Dental Disease
Osteochondritis Dissecans

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Irish Water Spaniel and Belgian Tervuren breeds?
Eye
Hip
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Blood Test
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Dental Examination

Energy

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

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

Social Needs

Irish Water Spaniel vs Belgian Tervuren social needs comparison

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

Belgian Tervuren has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

Irish Water Spaniel vs Belgian Tervuren exercise need comparison.

The Irish Water Spaniel and Belgian Tervuren 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: Irish Water Spaniel or Belgian Tervuren?

Irish Water Spaniels are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Belgian Tervurens sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

Drooling Tendency

Which drools more/less, Irish Water Spaniel or Belgian Tervuren?

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

Belgian Tervuren minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

Tendency to Bark

Do Irish Water Spaniels or Belgian Tervurens bark more/less frequently?

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.

Belgian Tervuren dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

Territorial

Is the Irish Water Spaniel or Belgian Tervuren a better guard dog?

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

Belgian Tervuren dogs have a strong protective nature and territorial instinct. They are highly vigilant and will fiercely defend their home and family.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Irish Water Spaniel vs Belgian Tervuren?

Roaming urge

Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

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

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Irish Water Spaniels or Belgian Tervurens?

High

Irish Water Spaniel and Belgian Tervuren are high-energy dogs that require a lot of mental and physical exercise. Without proper stimulation and attention, these breeds can become problematic. If you're considering these breeds, be prepared to invest time and effort in their exercise and training.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

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

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.

8 miles / week

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

Activity per Day

Do Irish Water Spaniels or Belgian Tervurens require more exercise?

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.

60 minutes

In general most Belgian Tervurens 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.

Grooming

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

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.

The Belgian Tervuren requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Irish Water Spaniels and Belgian Tervurens?
Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Cups

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

2.5 cups

Irish Water Spaniel and Belgian Tervuren 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, Irish Water Spaniel or Belgian Tervuren?

$2.50 - $3.20 / day

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

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Belgian Tervuren is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

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

$74 - $95 / month

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.

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Belgian Tervuren 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.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Irish Water Spaniels vs Belgian Tervurens

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

Sensitivity Level

How do Irish Water Spaniel and Belgian Tervuren compare in sensitivity?

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

Affection Dependance

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

Apartment Friendly

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

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

Belgian Tervurens are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

Child Friendly

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

Irish Water Spaniels make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Belgian Tervurens are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Senior-friendly

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

Cat Friendly

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

Irish Water Spaniels and Belgian Tervurens are below average friendly toward cats. But with the right training and socialization, they can be good with cats,

Dog Friendly

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

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

Belgian Tervurens are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Pet friendly

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

Stranger Friendly

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

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 Irish Water Spaniel and Belgian Tervuren may be friendly and outgoing, while others can be standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Irish Water Spaniel and Belgian Tervuren?

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

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

Trainability

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

Irish Water Spaniels are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

The Belgian Tervuren is highly intelligent and eager to please, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced dog owners due to its easy trainability.

Common match-ups