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Malton vs Irish Water Spaniel Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Malton or Rat Tail Spaniel?

Compare the Malton and Irish Water Spaniel breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Malton or a Rat Tail Spaniel? 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 Malton and Irish Water Spaniel?
12.5 pounds ( 6 kg )
61.5 pounds ( 28 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Malton and Irish Water Spaniel
10.0 inches ( 25.4 cm )
23.0 inches ( 58.4 cm )

Hypoallergenic

Are Maltons or Irish Water Spaniels hypoallergenic, or neither?

Yes

Both Malton and Irish Water Spaniel 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 Malton and Irish Water Spaniel dogs?
Active
Playful
Happy
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Eager
Easygoing
Smart

Active
Clownish
Intelligent
Alert
Inquisitive
Quick

Shedding Level

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

Maltons are low shedding dogs, requiring minimal coat care.

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 Malton or Irish Water Spaniel?

Maltons aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

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

Origin

What is the origin of Malton and Irish Water Spaniel dog breeds?
United States

Ireland

Ancestry

What are the origins of Malton and Irish Water Spaniel breeds?
Maltese, Cavachon

poodle, portuguese water dog, barbet

Date of Birth

When were Malton and Irish Water Spaniel breeds first developed?
Unknown

1800s

Eye Color Possibilites

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

Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

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

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Malton and Irish Water Spaniel breeds?
Brown
Black
White

Brown

Coat Length

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

Maltons have medium-length coats.

Irish Water Spaniels have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Coat Density

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

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Malton and Irish Water Spaniel?
Wavy

Curly

Litter Size

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

3-5 puppies per pregnancy

A Malton can have a litter of 3-5 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.

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.

Adaptability

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

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

Health Issues

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

The Malton and Irish Water Spaniel breeds are commonly healthy with low vet costs, regular check-ups may not be as necessary but it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Malton and Irish Water Spaniel breeds?
Patent Ductus Arteriosis (PDA)
Mitral Valve Dysplasia

Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Malton and Irish Water Spaniel?
Cataracts
Hypothyroidism
Atopic Dermatitis
Bladder Stones
Corneal Dystrophy

Otitis Externa
Entropion
Eye Problems
Hypothyroidism

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Malton and Irish Water Spaniel breeds?
Eye examination
Blood Sugar and Thyroid Tests

Eye
Hip
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Energy

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

Maltons' 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

Malton vs Irish Water Spaniel social needs comparison

Malton has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

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

Exercise Needed

Malton vs Irish Water Spaniel exercise need comparison.

Maltons need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

Irish Water Spaniels need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Sleeping Need

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

Maltons have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

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

Tendency to Bark

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

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

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.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Malton vs Irish Water Spaniel?

Roaming urge

Malton vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

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

Activity Level

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

Medium

Maltons 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 Malton or Irish Water Spaniel walk each week?

5 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Malton, it's at least 5 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 Maltons or Irish Water Spaniels require more exercise?

15 minutes

In general most Maltons usually need at least 15 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, Maltons or Irish Water Spaniels?

The Malton has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

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 Maltons and Irish Water Spaniels?
Pin Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Cups

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

0.7 cups

For an average 10-15 pound (5 - 7 kg) Malton feed 0.7 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

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.

Daily Cost

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

$1.40 - $1.70 / day

The average cost of a Malton is somewhere $1.40 - $1.70 per day.

$2.50 - $3.20 / 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, Malton or Irish Water Spaniel?

$35 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Malton 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.

$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.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Maltons vs Irish Water Spaniels

Malton has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

Irish Water Spaniel is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Sensitivity Level

How do Malton and Irish Water Spaniel compare in sensitivity?

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

Affection Dependance

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

Apartment Friendly

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

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

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

Child Friendly

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

The typical characteristics of Malton 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 - Malton or Irish Water Spaniel?

Cat Friendly

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

Maltons are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

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: Malton or Irish Water Spaniel?

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

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

Pet friendly

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

Stranger Friendly

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

Maltons are highly friendly around strangers.

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

Playfulness

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

Malton and Irish Water Spaniel are playful dogs. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for Malton and Irish Water Spaniel is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

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

Maltons are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

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

Common match-ups