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

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

Which sheds more, the Briard or the Irish Water Spaniel?

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

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

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Briard or Irish Water Spaniel bigger?

Briard and Irish Water Spaniel are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Briard or Irish Water Spaniel?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

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

For apartment or apartment living, Briard and Irish Water Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.

Briard vs Irish Water Spaniel: Which Sheds Less?

Briard vs Irish Water Spaniel: full comparison

Trait	Briard	Irish Water Spaniel
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	Very High	Very High
Shedding	High	Low
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	High	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	11 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	Yes

Key differences at a glance

The Briard has noticeably higher shedding than the Irish Water Spaniel.

Size and living space

The Briard is a large and powerful breed that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. By comparison, the Irish Water Spaniel is a large and powerful breed that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. 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 Briard needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The Irish Water Spaniel needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Briard is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and sheds enough that regular cleaning becomes routine. The Irish Water Spaniel is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and sheds only lightly. The Irish Water Spaniel is also considered hypoallergenic, an advantage for allergy sufferers. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Briard picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and gets on with children when raised around them. The Irish Water Spaniel picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, Briard keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family, whereas Irish Water Spaniel will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Briard and Irish Water Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Briard and Irish Water Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Irish Water Spaniel has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Briard and Irish Water Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Irish Water Spaniel has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Briard if you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

Choose the Irish Water Spaniel if you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat, you want less shedding around the home, or you want a longer-lived breed.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Briard or the Irish Water Spaniel better for families with children?: Both the Briard and the Irish Water Spaniel are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Briard or the Irish Water Spaniel?: The Briard sheds more than the Irish Water Spaniel. If shedding is a concern, the Irish Water Spaniel is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Briard or the Irish Water Spaniel?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Briard or Irish Water Spaniel bigger?: Briard and Irish Water Spaniel are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Briard or Irish Water Spaniel?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Briard or Irish Water Spaniel?: For apartment or apartment living, Briard and Irish Water Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.

Briard vs Irish Water Spaniel