Scottish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel
Compare Scottish 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
Scottish Terrier
Irish Water Spaniel
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
25 – 28 cm
51 – 61 cm
Weight
8 – 11 kg
25 – 34 kg
Life expectancy
13 – 14 years
12 – 14 years
Child friendly
4/5
5/5
Energy level
3/5
4/5
Intelligence
5/5
4/5
Trainability
2/5
4/5
Health
2/5
3/5
Grooming needs
4/5
3/5
Shedding
2/5
2/5
Barking level
4/5
0/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
0/5
Characteristics
Scottish Terrier
Great with kids
Super smart
Stubborn
Small
Irish Water Spaniel
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Quiet
Easy to train
Large
Summary
About Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers are small, sturdy, low‑slung dogs originally bred in Scotland to hunt vermin. Recognizable by their long head, prick ears, and wiry double coat, they are loyal, independent, and reserved with strangers. They need regular grooming, moderate exercise, and patient, positive training.
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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