Irish Water Spaniel has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Belgian Tervuren has average obesity risk, needs balanced diet, daily walks, and weight monitoring.

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Irish Water Spaniels are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Unfortunately, the Belgian Tervuren is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Active
Clownish
Intelligent
Alert
Inquisitive
Quick

Alert
Energetic
Loyal
Attentive
Intelligent
Protective

Irish Water Spaniels shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Belgian Tervurens are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Irish Water Spaniels make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

Choose a Belgian Tervuren if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Ireland

Belgium

poodle, portuguese water dog, barbet

shepherd

Sporting (AKC:1884)
Gun Dogs (UKC)

Herding (AKC:1959 & UKC)

Brown
Amber

Brown

Black
Brown

Black

Brown

Black
Brindle
Cream
Fawn

Irish Water Spaniels have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Belgian Tervurens are known for their coat length.

Curly

Straight

An Irish Water Spaniel can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Belgian Tervuren can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Irish Water Spaniels are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Belgian Tervurens are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Irish Water Spaniels typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

While the Belgian Tervuren breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Thyroid
Von Willebrand's Disease
Degenerative Myelopathy

Otitis Externa
Entropion
Eye Problems
Hypothyroidism

Elbow Dysplasia
Sebaceous Adenitis
Skin Allergies
Dental Disease
Osteochondritis Dissecans

Eye
Hip
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Blood Test
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Dental Examination

Irish Water Spaniel has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

Belgian Tervuren has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Irish Water Spaniels are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Belgian Tervurens sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

Irish Water Spaniel has low drooling tendency, suitable for those who dislike drool marks.

Belgian Tervuren minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

Irish Water Spaniels bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Belgian Tervuren dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

While Irish Water Spaniel dogs can defend their territory or owners, it's not their primary trait, and they are not ideal guard dogs.

Belgian Tervuren dogs have a strong protective nature and territorial instinct. They are highly vigilant and will fiercely defend their home and family.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Irish Water Spaniel, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Belgian Tervuren, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Irish Water Spaniels usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Belgian Tervurens usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Irish Water Spaniels require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

The Belgian Tervuren requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Scissors
Nail Clipper

The average cost of an Irish Water Spaniel is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

The average cost of a Belgian Tervuren is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

The average per month expenses of an Irish Water Spaniel is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Belgian Tervuren is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Irish Water Spaniels can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

Belgian Tervurens are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

Irish Water Spaniels make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Belgian Tervurens are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Irish Water Spaniels are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.

Belgian Tervurens are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Irish Water Spaniels are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Belgian Tervurens are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Irish Water Spaniels are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

The Belgian Tervuren is highly intelligent and eager to please, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced dog owners due to its easy trainability.