Is the English Shepherd or the Irish Terrier better for families with children?

Both the English Shepherd and the Irish Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the English Shepherd or the Irish Terrier?

The English Shepherd 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 English Shepherd or the Irish Terrier?

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

Is English Shepherd or Irish Terrier bigger?

English Shepherd and Irish Terrier are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, English Shepherd or Irish Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, English Shepherd or Irish Terrier?

For apartment or apartment living, English Shepherd and Irish Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

English Shepherd vs Irish Terrier: Which Trains Easier?

English Shepherd vs Irish Terrier: full comparison

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

Key differences at a glance

The English Shepherd has noticeably higher trainability than the Irish Terrier.

Size and living space

The English Shepherd is a medium-sized dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. By comparison, the Irish Terrier is a medium-sized dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. 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 English Shepherd requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. The Irish Terrier requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The English Shepherd needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Irish Terrier needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds only lightly. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The English Shepherd learns at a pace few breeds can match, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Irish Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, English Shepherd is naturally alert and defends its people, whereas Irish Terrier is naturally alert and defends its people.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, English Shepherd and Irish Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, English Shepherd and Irish Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, English Shepherd has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, English Shepherd 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 English Shepherd if you want an easier dog to train.

Choose the Irish Terrier if you want less shedding around the home or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the English Shepherd or the Irish Terrier better for families with children?: Both the English Shepherd and the Irish Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the English Shepherd or the Irish Terrier?: The English Shepherd 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 English Shepherd or the Irish Terrier?: The English Shepherd is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is English Shepherd or Irish Terrier bigger?: English Shepherd and Irish Terrier are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, English Shepherd or Irish Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, English Shepherd or Irish Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, English Shepherd and Irish Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

English Shepherd vs Irish Terrier