Irish Water Spaniel vs. Pit Pei: Breed Differences and Similarities

Hypoallergenic

Are Irish Water Spaniels or Pit Peis 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 Pit Pei 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 Pit Pei dogs?

Active
Clownish
Intelligent
Alert
Inquisitive
Quick

Loving
Stubborn
Independent
Clownish
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Obedient
Loyal
Devoted
Strong
Willed
Aggressive
Reserved
Suspicious

Shedding Level

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

1 / 5

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

2 / 5

Pit Peis are low shedding dogs, requiring minimal coat care.

Ancestry

What are the origins of Irish Water Spaniel and Pit Pei breeds?

poodle, portuguese water dog, barbet

Shar-Pei and American Pit Bull Terrier

Date of Birth

When were Irish Water Spaniel and Pit Pei breeds first developed?

1800s

Unknown

Eye Color Possibilites

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

Brown
Amber

Hazel
Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

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

Black
Brown

Blue
Black
Brown
Isabella

Coat Color Possibilites

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

Brown

Black
Gray
Brown
Red
Cream
Isabella
Fawn
Blue
Silver
White

Coat Length

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

4 / 5

Irish Water Spaniels have longer coats compared to most dogs.

2 / 5

Pit Peis have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Irish Water Spaniel and Pit Pei?

5 / 5

4 / 5

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Irish Water Spaniel and Pit Pei?

Curly

Straight

Litter Size

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

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 Pit Pei can have a litter of 5-8 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.

3 / 5

Pit Peis have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

Health Issues

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

4 / 5

The Irish Water Spaniel and Pit Pei breeds are commonly healthy with low vet costs, regular check-ups may not be as necessary but it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

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

Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism

Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism

Minor Concerns

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

Otitis Externa
Entropion
Eye Problems
Hypothyroidism

Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia

Occasional Tests

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

Eye
Hip
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination

X-Rays
MRI
Physical Examination
ECG
Joint Fluid Sample
Blood Work
Full Chemistry Panel Tests and Blood Count

Social Needs

Irish Water Spaniel vs Pit Pei social needs comparison

3 / 5

Irish Water Spaniel and Pit Pei have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Sleeping Need

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

1 / 5

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

3 / 5

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

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Irish Water Spaniel vs Pit Pei?

3 / 5

5 / 5

Roaming urge

Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

3 / 5

Prey Drive

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

5 / 5

3 / 5

Past times

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

Walking, Swimming, Hunting, Running

Playing fetch, Walking, Watching tv, Tearing up toys, Eating Snacks, Sleeping, Running, Park, Toys, Walks, Cuddling, Catch treats, Tug-of-war, Fetch

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Irish Water Spaniels or Pit Peis?

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.

Pit Peis 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

Walks per Week

How many miles should Irish Water Spaniel or Pit Pei 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 Pit Pei, 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 Pit Peis 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 Pit Peis 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 Pit Peis?

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 Pit Pei has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Irish Water Spaniels and Pit Peis?

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Cups

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

Irish Water Spaniel and Pit Pei share the same recommended daily food intake of 2.5 cups, although the appropriate quantity may vary depending on the quality and nutritional content of their food.

Daily Cost

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

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

The average cost of a Pit Pei is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

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

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 Pit Pei 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.

Sensitivity Level

How do Irish Water Spaniel and Pit Pei compare in sensitivity?

4 / 5

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

3 / 5

Pit Peis have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

Apartment Friendly

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

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

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

Child Friendly

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

5 / 5

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

3 / 5

Pit Peis have an average level of friendliness towards children.

Senior-friendly

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

5 / 5

3 / 5

Cat Friendly

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

2 / 5

Irish Water Spaniels and Pit Peis are below average friendly toward cats. But with the right training and socialization, they can be good with cats,

Dog Friendly

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

2 / 5

Irish Water Spaniels and Pit Peis are below average dog friendly dogs. Irish Water Spaniels and Pit Peis may not always get along well with other dogs they have not been raised with.

Pet friendly

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

2 / 5

Stranger Friendly

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

2 / 5

They can be below average friendly around strangers, being keen of eye and sharp of tongue, and very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Irish Water Spaniel and Pit Pei may be friendly and outgoing, while others can be standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Irish Water Spaniel and Pit Pei?

4 / 5

Irish Water Spaniel and Pit Pei are playful dogs. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for Irish Water Spaniel and Pit Pei 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 Pit Peis compare?

4 / 5

Irish Water Spaniel and Pit Pei dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.