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 Siberian Shiba 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
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Outgoing
Gentle
Going
Fearless
Keen
Faithful
Charming

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

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

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

Siberian Shibas aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

Ireland

United States

poodle, portuguese water dog, barbet

Shiba Inu, Siberian Husky

1800s

Unknown

Brown
Amber

Blue
Brown
Amber

Black
Brown

Black
Brown

Brown

Black
Fawn
Brown
White
Red
Pied
Gray

Irish Water Spaniels have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Siberian Shibas 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 Siberian Shiba can have a litter of 4-8 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.

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

Siberian Shibas 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 Siberian Shiba breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism

Glaucoma
Hip Dysplasia

Otitis Externa
Entropion
Eye Problems
Hypothyroidism

Patellar Luxation
Cataracts

Eye
Hip
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination

X-Rays
MRI
CT Scan
Physical Examination
Ultrasound
Urinalysis
Complete Blood Profile
Intraocular Pressure
Blood Count
Chemical Analysis
Ophthalmic Examination

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

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

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

Siberian Shibas need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

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

Siberian Shibas sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

Walking, Swimming, Hunting, Running

Walk, Tug-of-war, Fetch, Tug of war, Tag

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 Siberian Shiba, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

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 Siberian Shiba requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Deshedder
Scissors
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 15-30 pound (7 - 14 kg) Siberian Shiba 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.

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

The average cost of a Siberian Shiba is somewhere $1.30 - $1.40 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 Siberian Shiba 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.

Irish Water Spaniel is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Siberian Shiba has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

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

The Siberian Shiba is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

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

Siberian Shibas 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.

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

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

Siberian Shibas are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

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

Siberian Shibas may require more time and patience to learn commands, but with consistency, they can be trained.