Irish Water Spaniel vs. King Rat: Breed Differences and Similarities

Hypoallergenic

Are Irish Water Spaniels or King Rats 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 King Rat 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 King Rat dogs?

Active
Clownish
Intelligent
Alert
Inquisitive
Quick

Active
Loving
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Social
Inquisitive
Fearless
Cheerful
Quiet
Nonaggressive
Polite
Graceful
Sporty
No tendency towards nervousness

Shedding Level

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

1 / 5

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

4 / 5

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

Origin

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

Ireland

United States

Ancestry

What are the origins of Irish Water Spaniel and King Rat breeds?

poodle, portuguese water dog, barbet

Rat Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Date of Birth

When were Irish Water Spaniel and King Rat breeds first developed?

1800s

2000's

Eye Color Possibilites

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

Brown
Amber

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

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

Black
Brown

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

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

Brown

Red
Black
Brown
Pied
White

Coat Length

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

4 / 5

Irish Water Spaniels have longer coats compared to most dogs.

1 / 5

King Rats have short coats.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Irish Water Spaniel and King Rat?

5 / 5

3 / 5

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Irish Water Spaniel and King Rat?

Curly

Straight

Litter Size

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

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 King Rat can have a litter of 5-7 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

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

5 / 5

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

Health Issues

Between Irish Water Spaniel and King Rat, 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 King Rat 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 King Rat breeds?

Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism

Patellar Luxation
Deafness
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
Lens Luxation
Heart Disease
Syringomyelia
Mitral Valve Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

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

Otitis Externa
Entropion
Eye Problems
Hypothyroidism

Demodectic Mange
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Cataracts
Retinal Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Epilepsy
Skin Allergies
Dental Disease
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Microphthalmia
Corneal Dystrophy

Occasional Tests

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

Eye
Hip
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Knee
Hip X-Rays
Heart
Dna For Pra
Dental Examination
Skin Evaluation
Eye Examinations
Hearing Tests

Social Needs

Irish Water Spaniel vs King Rat social needs comparison

3 / 5

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

5 / 5

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

Sleeping Need

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

1 / 5

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

2 / 5

King Rats sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Irish Water Spaniel vs King Rat?

3 / 5

Roaming urge

Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

3 / 5

Prey Drive

Irish Water Spaniel or King Rat - 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 King Rat entertained?

Walking, Swimming, Hunting, Running

Walking, Fortnite, Dieng, Death, Sleeping, Jacks gay

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Irish Water Spaniels or King Rats?

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.

King Rats 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 King Rat 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 King Rat, it's at least 9 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Irish Water Spaniels or King Rats 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 King Rats 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.

Grooming

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

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.

2 / 5

The King Rat has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Irish Water Spaniels and King Rats?

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Irish Water Spaniel or King Rat 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 13-25 pound (6 - 11 kg) King Rat feed 1 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 King Rat?

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

The average cost of a King Rat is somewhere $1.40 - $1.40 per day.

Monthly Cost

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

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 King Rat is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 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.

Sensitivity Level

How do Irish Water Spaniel and King Rat 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.

Apartment Friendly

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

2 / 5

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

5 / 5

King Rats make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Child Friendly

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

5 / 5

The typical characteristics of Irish Water Spaniel and King Rat 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 King Rat?

5 / 5

Cat Friendly

Do Irish Water Spaniel or King Rat 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.

4 / 5

King Rats are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Dog Friendly

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

2 / 5

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

5 / 5

King Rats are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Pet friendly

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

2 / 5

4 / 5

Stranger Friendly

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

2 / 5

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

5 / 5

King Rats are highly friendly around strangers.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Irish Water Spaniel and King Rat?

4 / 5

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

3 / 5

King Rats have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Trainability

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

4 / 5

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

3 / 5

King Rats are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.