Irish Water Spaniel vs. Collie: Breed Differences and Similarities

Weight Gain Potential

Which breed eats more: Irish Water Spaniel or Collie?

3 / 5

The Irish Water Spaniel and Collie breeds have an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Irish Water Spaniels or Collies hypoallergenic, or neither?

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

Temperament

What are the personalities of Irish Water Spaniel and Collie dogs?

Active
Clownish
Intelligent
Alert
Inquisitive
Quick

Friendly
Gentle
Intelligent
Loyal
Protective
Responsive
Social
Hard working
Docile
Obedient
Elegant
Herding

Shedding Level

Do Irish Water Spaniels shed more than Collies, or which breed sheds more, Irish Water Spaniels or Collies?

1 / 5

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

5 / 5

Collies shed a lot of hair each year, so frequent brushing is essential for reducing shedding and maintaining coat health.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Irish Water Spaniel or Collie?

4 / 5

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

5 / 5

Choose a Collie 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.

Origin

What is the origin of Irish Water Spaniel and Collie dog breeds?

Ireland

United Kingdom

Ancestry

What are the origins of Irish Water Spaniel and Collie breeds?

poodle, portuguese water dog, barbet

Collie, Sheepdog

Date of Birth

When were Irish Water Spaniel and Collie breeds first developed?

1800s

Breed Group

What is the Breed Group of Irish Water Spaniel and Collie?

Sporting (AKC:1884)
Gun Dogs (UKC)

Herding (AKC:1885 & UKC)

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Irish Water Spaniel and Collie dogs?

Brown
Amber

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Irish Water Spaniel and Collie?

Black
Brown

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Irish Water Spaniel and Collie breeds?

Brown

Black
Sable
Blue

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Irish Water Spaniel and Collie breeds?

4 / 5

The coat of Irish Water Spaniel and Collie dogs is longer than that of the typical dog.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Irish Water Spaniel and Collie?

5 / 5

4 / 5

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Irish Water Spaniel and Collie?

Curly

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Irish Water Spaniel and Collie?

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 Collie can have a litter of 14-16 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.

Adaptability

4 / 5

The adaptability of Irish Water Spaniel and Collie dogs is a well-known trait. They are known for being able to adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.

Health Issues

Between Irish Water Spaniel and Collie, which breed is more prone to health problems?

4 / 5

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.

3 / 5

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

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Irish Water Spaniel and Collie breeds?

Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Irish Water Spaniel and Collie?

Otitis Externa
Entropion
Eye Problems
Hypothyroidism

Allergies
Skin Problems
Dermatomyositis
Nasal Solar Dermatitis

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Irish Water Spaniel and Collie breeds?

Eye
Hip
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Eye
Blood Test
(Dna Test For Pra)
Physical Examination
Allergy Tests

Energy

How do the energy levels of Irish Water Spaniels and Collies compare?

5 / 5

Irish Water Spaniels thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

3 / 5

Collies are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Irish Water Spaniel vs Collie social needs comparison

3 / 5

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

5 / 5

Collie has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Exercise Needed

Irish Water Spaniel vs Collie exercise need comparison.

5 / 5

Irish Water Spaniels need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

4 / 5

Collies require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Irish Water Spaniel or Collie?

1 / 5

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

3 / 5

Collies have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Drooling Tendency

Which drools more/less, Irish Water Spaniel or Collie?

2 / 5

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

1 / 5

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

Tendency to Bark

Do Irish Water Spaniels or Collies bark more/less frequently?

3 / 5

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.

2 / 5

Collie dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Territorial

Is the Irish Water Spaniel or Collie a better guard dog?

3 / 5

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

5 / 5

Collie dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Irish Water Spaniel vs Collie?

3 / 5

Roaming urge

Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

3 / 5

1 / 5

Prey Drive

Irish Water Spaniel or Collie - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

5 / 5

4 / 5

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Irish Water Spaniel and Collie entertained?

Walking, Swimming, Hunting, Running

Walks, Training, Tasking, Public Access, Walk, Run, Playing, Petting, Walking, Eating Snacks, Runnig, Snow, Fetch, Runn, Feeding, Going on walks, Camping, Hiking, Swimming

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Irish Water Spaniels or Collies?

Irish Water Spaniels are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Collies are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

3 / 5

1 / 5

Walks per Week

How many miles should Irish Water Spaniel or Collie walk each week?

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 Collie, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Irish Water Spaniels or Collies require more exercise?

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 Collies usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Irish Water Spaniels or Collies?

4 / 5

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.

5 / 5

Collies have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Irish Water Spaniels and Collies?

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Irish Water Spaniel or Collie in cups?

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 60-75 pound (27 - 34 kg) Collie feed 3.2 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Irish Water Spaniel or Collie?

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

The average cost of a Collie is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Irish Water Spaniel or Collie?

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 Collie 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.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Irish Water Spaniels vs Collies

4 / 5

The Irish Water Spaniel and Collie breeds are considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How do Irish Water Spaniel and Collie compare in sensitivity?

4 / 5

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

5 / 5

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

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Irish Water Spaniel vs Collie?

4 / 5

5 / 5

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Irish Water Spaniel or Collie?

2 / 5

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

3 / 5

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

Child Friendly

Do Irish Water Spaniels or Collies have a friendlier temperament towards children?

5 / 5

The typical characteristics of Irish Water Spaniel and Collie indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Irish Water Spaniel or Collie?

5 / 5

Cat Friendly

Do Irish Water Spaniel or Collie breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

2 / 5

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

5 / 5

Collies are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Irish Water Spaniel or Collie?

2 / 5

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

4 / 5

Collies are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Pet friendly

How do Irish Water Spaniel or Collie dogs interact with other pets?

2 / 5

5 / 5

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Irish Water Spaniel or Collie?

2 / 5

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

4 / 5

Collies are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Irish Water Spaniel and Collie?

4 / 5

Irish Water Spaniel and Collie are playful dogs. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for Irish Water Spaniel and Collie is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Irish Water Spaniels and Collies compare?

4 / 5

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

5 / 5

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