Is the American Water Spaniel or the Irish Terrier better for families with children?

Both the American Water Spaniel and the Irish Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the American Water Spaniel or the Irish Terrier?

The American Water Spaniel sheds more than the Irish Terrier. If shedding is a concern, the Irish Terrier is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the American Water Spaniel or the Irish Terrier?

The American Water Spaniel is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is American Water Spaniel or Irish Terrier bigger?

American Water Spaniel and Irish Terrier are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, American Water Spaniel or Irish Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, American Water Spaniel or Irish Terrier?

For apartment or apartment living, American Water Spaniel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

American Water Spaniel vs Irish Terrier: Which Sheds Less?

American Water Spaniel vs Irish Terrier: full comparison

Trait	American Water Spaniel	Irish Terrier
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	Very High
Trainability	High	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Medium	Low
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	High
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The American Water Spaniel is a moderately built dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Irish Terrier is a moderately built dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The American Water Spaniel needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Irish Terrier requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The American Water Spaniel needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Irish Terrier needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and drops very little hair. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The American Water Spaniel learns quickly and enjoys the training process, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Irish Terrier trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, American Water Spaniel will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Irish Terrier keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, American Water Spaniel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, American Water Spaniel and Irish Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, American Water Spaniel has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, American Water Spaniel and Irish Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Irish Terrier has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the American Water Spaniel if you want an easier dog to train or you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

Choose the Irish Terrier if you want a more protective, watchful guardian, you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure, or you want less shedding around the home.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the American Water Spaniel or the Irish Terrier better for families with children?: Both the American Water Spaniel and the Irish Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the American Water Spaniel or the Irish Terrier?: The American Water Spaniel sheds more than the Irish Terrier. If shedding is a concern, the Irish Terrier is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the American Water Spaniel or the Irish Terrier?: The American Water Spaniel is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is American Water Spaniel or Irish Terrier bigger?: American Water Spaniel and Irish Terrier are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, American Water Spaniel or Irish Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, American Water Spaniel or Irish Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, American Water Spaniel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

American Water Spaniel vs Irish Terrier