Rat Terrier
VS
Irish Water Spaniel
Rat Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel
Compare Rat Terrier and Irish Water Spaniel side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Rat Terrier
Irish Water Spaniel
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
25 – 46 cm
51 – 61 cm
Weight
5 – 10 kg
25 – 34 kg
Life expectancy
15 – 18 years
12 – 14 years
Child friendly
3/5
5/5
Energy level
3/5
4/5
Intelligence
3/5
4/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
4/5
3/5
Grooming needs
1/5
3/5
Shedding
3/5
2/5
Barking level
4/5
0/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
0/5
Characteristics
Rat Terrier
Low grooming
Small
Irish Water Spaniel
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Quiet
Easy to train
Large
Summary
About Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier is an American‑bred, small to medium, athletic farm and vermin dog. Intelligent and energetic, it thrives on training, exercise, and close family contact. With a short, low‑maintenance coat in many pied colors, it suits active homes and excels in various dog sports.
About Irish Water Spaniel
Medium–large, athletic gundog with a distinctive curly liver coat, smooth face and tapering “rat tail.” Clever, water‑loving retriever that forms close bonds, often to one person. Needs substantial daily exercise, mental work, regular grooming and kind, consistent training.
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