Irish Water Spaniel vs Sniffon Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Bog Dog or Sniffon?
Compare the Irish Water Spaniel and Sniffon breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Bog Dog or a Sniffon? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you
Other names
Rat Tail Spaniel, Shannon Spaniel, Bog Dog, Whiptail
Weight
What is the average weight of Irish Water Spaniel and Sniffon?
61.5 pounds
( 28 kg )
12.0 pounds
( 5 kg )
Height
What is the average height of Irish Water Spaniel and Sniffon
23.0 inches
( 58.4 cm )
10.5 inches
( 26.7 cm )
Hypoallergenic
Are Irish Water Spaniels or Sniffons hypoallergenic, or neither?
Yes
Both Irish Water Spaniel and Sniffon are hypoallergenic dogs, which make them ideal pets for people who are allergic to pets. Although no dogs are completely hypoallergenic, these breeds come very close and are great choices for those who suffer from pet allergies.
Temperament
What are the personalities of Irish Water Spaniel and Sniffon dogs?
Active Clownish Intelligent Alert Inquisitive Quick
Do Irish Water Spaniels shed more than Sniffons, or which breed sheds more, Irish Water Spaniels or Sniffons?
Irish Water Spaniel or Sniffon will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.
Watchdog Ability
Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Irish Water Spaniel or Sniffon?
Irish Water Spaniels make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.
Avoid Sniffons as watchdogs - they're not effective.
Ancestry
What are the origins of Irish Water Spaniel and Sniffon breeds?
poodle, portuguese water dog, barbet
Brussels Griffon and Miniature Schnauzer
Date of Birth
When were Irish Water Spaniel and Sniffon breeds first developed?
1800s
Unknown
Eye Color Possibilites
What are the eye colors of Irish Water Spaniel and Sniffon dogs?
Brown Amber
Brown
Nose Color Possibilites
What are the natural nose colors of Irish Water Spaniel and Sniffon?
Black Brown
Black
Coat Color Possibilites
What are the natural colors of the coat for Irish Water Spaniel and Sniffon breeds?
Brown
Blue Fawn Silver Red Gray Black
Coat Length
What is the typical coat length for Irish Water Spaniel and Sniffon breeds?
Irish Water Spaniels have longer coats compared to most dogs.
Sniffons have coats that can be either short or medium in length.
Coat Density
What is the density of the coat of Irish Water Spaniel and Sniffon?
Coat Texture
What is the hair texture of Irish Water Spaniel and Sniffon?
Curly
Wiry
Litter Size
What is the usual litter size for Irish Water Spaniel and Sniffon?
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.
3-6 puppies per pregnancy
A Sniffon can have a litter of 3-6 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.
Sniffons are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.
Health Issues
Between Irish Water Spaniel and Sniffon, 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 Sniffon 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 Sniffon breeds?
Entropion Elbow Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia Hypothyroidism
Portosystemic Shunt Sick Sinus Syndrome
Minor Concerns
What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Irish Water Spaniel and Sniffon?
What occasional tests are recommended for Irish Water Spaniel and Sniffon breeds?
Eye Hip Thyroid Tests X-Rays Eye Examination
Eye Examination Blood And Urine Analysis X-rays or other radiographic imaging Electrocardiograph (ECG - measures rate and rhythm)
Energy
How do the energy levels of Irish Water Spaniels and Sniffons compare?
Irish Water Spaniels thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.
Sniffons are a good choice for a low-key lifestyle due to their low energy levels.
Social Needs
Irish Water Spaniel vs Sniffon social needs comparison
Irish Water Spaniel has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.
Sniffon has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.
Exercise Needed
Irish Water Spaniel vs Sniffon exercise need comparison.
Irish Water Spaniels need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.
Sniffons need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.
Sleeping Need
Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Irish Water Spaniel or Sniffon?
Irish Water Spaniels are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.
Sniffons have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.
Tendency to Bark
Do Irish Water Spaniels or Sniffons bark more/less frequently?
Irish Water Spaniel and Sniffons 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.
Mouthiness
Mouthiness Comparison: Irish Water Spaniel vs Sniffon?
Roaming urge
Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador: Running away tendency?
Prey Drive
Irish Water Spaniel or Sniffon - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?
Activity Level
Which breed has higher energy, Irish Water Spaniels or Sniffons?
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.
Medium
Sniffons 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.
Tolerance of being left alone
Walks per Week
How many miles should Irish Water Spaniel or Sniffon 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.
7 miles / week
There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Sniffon, it's at least 7 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.
Activity per Day
Do Irish Water Spaniels or Sniffons 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 Sniffons 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 Sniffons?
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.
Sniffons have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.
Brushing Tools
What brushing tools are used for Irish Water Spaniels and Sniffons?
Pin Brush Comb Nail Clipper
Pin Brush Comb Scissors Nail Clipper
Cups
How much food should be given to Irish Water Spaniel or Sniffon in cups?
2.5 cups
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.
1 cups
For an average 9-15 pound (4 - 7 kg) Sniffon feed 1 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, Irish Water Spaniel or Sniffon?
$2.50 - $3.20 / day
The average cost of an Irish Water Spaniel is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.
$1.30 - $1.40 / day
The average cost of a Sniffon is somewhere $1.30 - $1.40 per day.
Monthly Cost
Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Irish Water Spaniel or Sniffon?
$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.
$35 - $42 / month
The average per month expenses of a Sniffon is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 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 Sniffons
Irish Water Spaniel is a very intelligent and trainable breed.
Sniffons are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.
Sensitivity Level
How do Irish Water Spaniel and Sniffon compare in sensitivity?
These breeds are more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. Irish Water Spaniel and Sniffon 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 Sniffon?
Apartment Friendly
Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Irish Water Spaniel or Sniffon?
Irish Water Spaniels can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.
The Sniffon is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.
Child Friendly
Do Irish Water Spaniels or Sniffons have a friendlier temperament towards children?
Irish Water Spaniels make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.
Sniffons have an average level of friendliness towards children.
Senior-friendly
Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Irish Water Spaniel or Sniffon?
Cat Friendly
Do Irish Water Spaniel or Sniffon breeds have a better compatibility with cats?
Irish Water Spaniels are somewhat cat friendly and can be trained to get along with cats.
Sniffons are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.
Dog Friendly
Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Irish Water Spaniel or Sniffon?
Irish Water Spaniels are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.
Sniffons are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.
Pet friendly
How do Irish Water Spaniel or Sniffon dogs interact with other pets?
Stranger Friendly
Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Irish Water Spaniel or Sniffon?
Irish Water Spaniels are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.
Sniffons are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.
Playfulness
Which breed is more playful between Irish Water Spaniel and Sniffon?
Irish Water Spaniels are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.
Sniffons have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.
Trainability
How do the trainability levels of Irish Water Spaniels and Sniffons compare?
Irish Water Spaniels are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.
Sniffons are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.
