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 Cattle Shepherd is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Active
Clownish
Intelligent
Alert
Inquisitive
Quick

Active
Curious
Loving
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Affectionate
Obedient
Loyal
Good-natured
Watchful

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

Cattle Shepherds are heavy shedders, but regular brushing can help manage shedding and promote a healthy coat.

poodle, portuguese water dog, barbet

German Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog

1800s

2000's

Brown
Amber

Blue
Brown
Amber

Black
Brown

Black

Brown

Brown
Red
Brindle
Blue
Black

Irish Water Spaniels have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Cattle Shepherds have medium-length coats.

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 Cattle Shepherd can have a litter of 6-10 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.

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

Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism

Hip Dysplasia
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Otitis Externa
Entropion
Eye Problems
Hypothyroidism

Deafness
Flea Allergy

Eye
Hip
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination

X-Rays
Blood Count
Ophthalmologic Examination
Blood Work and Serum Chemistry Tests

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

Cattle Shepherd has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

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 Cattle Shepherd, it's at least 14 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 Cattle Shepherds usually need at least 120 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 Cattle Shepherd requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

For an average 55-68 pound (25 - 31 kg) Irish Water Spaniel feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 45-80 pound (20 - 36 kg) Cattle Shepherd feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

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

The average cost of a Cattle Shepherd is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 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 Cattle Shepherd is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 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.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

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

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

Irish Water Spaniels are somewhat cat friendly and can be trained to get along with cats.

Cattle Shepherds are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

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

Cattle Shepherds are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Irish Water Spaniels are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Cattle Shepherds are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

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

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