Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever

Compare the Irish Water Spaniel to the Labrador Retriever. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Irish Water Spaniels and Labrador Retrievers.

Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever
Irish Water Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Irish Water Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
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General Details
Irish Water Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
Yes
No
Lifespan
10-12 Years
10-12 Years
Height
20-24 Inches
21-24 Inches
Weight
45-65 Pounds
55-80 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Above Average
History
Irish Water Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Origin Country
Ireland
Canada
Origin Year
1000 AD
1700 AD
Temperament
Irish Water Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Personality
Irish Water Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Snuggle
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Irish Water Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
No
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
40-75 °F
30-90 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Irish Water Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Energy Level
High
High
Exercise Required
High to Very High
High
Top Running Speed
24 MPH
20 MPH
Strength
Medium to High
High
Grooming Needs
Irish Water Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Coat Maintenance
High
Medium
Shedding
None to Low
High
Dander
None to Low
Medium
Drool
None
Medium
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Irish Water Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
Irish Water Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
Yes
Yes
Breed Instincts
Irish Water Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Aggression
None
None
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Below Average
Chasing
Average
Below Average
Follow Commands
Above Average
Average
Fighting
Below Average
None
Guarding
Above Average
None
Herding
Below Average
None
Hunting
Above Average
Above Average
Protection
Above Average
None
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Below Average
Sled Pulling
None
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
Average
Below Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Irish Water Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Average Lifespan
10-12 Years
10-12 Years
Health Concerns
Irish Water Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Common Health Issues
Hip dysplasia
Ear infections
Hypothyroidism
Eye diseases
Bloat
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Ear infections
Progressive retinal atrophy
Epilepsy
Elbow dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Tricuspid valve dysplasia
Myopathy
Acute moist dermatitis
Cold tail
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Irish Water Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Coat Type
Hair
Fur
Coat Layering
Curly
Double
Coat Texture
Silky
Wavy
Straight
Coat Length
Medium to Long
Short
Coat Coloring
Irish Water Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Breed Colors
Brown
Brown
Black
Black
Chocolate
Chocolate
Yellow
Yellow
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