Shih Tzu vs Irish Water Spaniel
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Shih Tzu
Toy Group
Irish Water Spaniel
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Shih Tzu Overview
Shih Tzus captivate with their luxurious flowing double coat and distinctive chrysanthemum-like face, where the hair grows upward on the nose. These compact, sturdy dogs possess a proud bearing with their head held high, level back, and plumed tail carried over their back. Their warm, trusting eyes and sweet expression perfectly match their affectionate and outgoing personality.
Irish Water Spaniel Overview
Irish Water Spaniels boast a distinctive curly liver-colored coat and rat-like tail, standing proudly as one of the oldest spaniel breeds. Their athletic build features a deep chest, powerful legs, and a characteristic topknot of long, loose curls. These intelligent dogs combine a playful spirit with remarkable work ethic, displaying both dignity and enthusiasm in their daily activities.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Shih Tzus are less energetic than Irish Water Spaniels, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Shih Tzus require more grooming attention compared to Irish Water Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Shih Tzus tend to be more reserved with strangers than Irish Water Spaniels.
- Trainability: Shih Tzus may be slightly easier to train due to their Shih Tzu's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Shih Tzus adapt better to apartment living, while Irish Water Spaniels typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Shih Tzu and Irish Water Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Shih Tzu | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-18 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Shih Tzu | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9-11 inches 23-27 cm | 21-24 inches 53-61 cm |
| Weight | 9-16 lbs 4-7 kg | 45-68 lbs 20-31 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Shih Tzu | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing | Playful, Hardworking, Brave |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Shih Tzu | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Shih Tzu Temperament
The Shih Tzu is known for being affectionate, playful, outgoing, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Irish Water Spaniel Temperament
The Irish Water Spaniel is characterized by being playful, hardworking, brave, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Shih Tzu and Irish Water Spaniel, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
Irish Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
Irish Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Shih Tzu
Rating: 3/5
Irish Water Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Shih Tzu
Rating: 2/5
Irish Water Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
Irish Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Shih Tzu Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Shih Tzus require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Shih Tzus require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Irish Water Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Irish Water Spaniels need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Irish Water Spaniels require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Shih Tzu Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Dental Issues
Irish Water Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Hypothyroidism
- Allergies
Pros & Cons
Shih Tzu
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Good with children
- Adaptable to small spaces
- Low exercise needs
- Affectionate personality
Cons
- High grooming requirements
- Prone to health issues
- Can be stubborn
- Temperature sensitive
- Difficult to housebreak
Irish Water Spaniel
Pros
- Excellent swimming ability
- Intelligent and trainable
- Low-shedding coat
- Devoted family companion
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be reserved with strangers
- Prone to ear infections
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Shih Tzu and Irish Water Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.