Swedish Lapphund 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.
Swedish Lapphund
Foundation Stock Service
Irish Water Spaniel
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Swedish Lapphund Overview
Swedish Lapphunds possess a distinctive spitz-like appearance with a thick double coat in solid black. Their medium-sized, sturdy frame supports an agile and athletic build, complemented by erect ears and a tightly curled tail. Known for their keen intelligence and lively disposition, these dogs display remarkable herding instincts combined with a friendly, alert temperament. Their expressive faces and bright eyes reflect their attentive nature.
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: Swedish Lapphunds are less energetic than Irish Water Spaniels, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Swedish Lapphunds require less grooming attention compared to Irish Water Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Swedish Lapphunds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Irish Water Spaniels.
- Trainability: Swedish Lapphunds may be slightly easier to train due to their Swedish Lapphund's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Irish Water Spaniels adapt better to apartment living, while Swedish Lapphunds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Swedish Lapphund and Irish Water Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-20 inches 41-51 cm | 21-24 inches 53-61 cm |
| Weight | 30-45 lbs 14-20 kg | 45-68 lbs 20-31 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Intelligent, Lively | Playful, Hardworking, Brave |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Swedish Lapphund Temperament
The Swedish Lapphund is known for being playful, intelligent, lively, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. 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 Swedish Lapphund 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
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Irish Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Irish Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Irish Water Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 2/5
Irish Water Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Irish Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Swedish Lapphund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Swedish Lapphunds 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, Swedish Lapphunds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
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
Swedish Lapphund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Diabetes
- Cataracts
- Patellar Luxation
Irish Water Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Hypothyroidism
- Allergies
Pros & Cons
Swedish Lapphund
Pros
- Excellent cold weather tolerance
- Strong herding instincts
- Loyal family companion
- Good with children
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
- Strong prey drive
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 Swedish Lapphund and Irish Water Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.