Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen vs Irish Water Spaniel
Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.
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Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Irish Water Spaniel
15.5–18 in
Height
21–24 in
40–45 lb
Weight
45–68 lb
13–15 yr
Lifespan
12–13 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#177
AKC popularity
#159
Trait-by-trait
Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.5
Affectionate w/ Family
5
3
Good with Young Children
3
4
Good with Other Dogs
3
3
Shedding Level
1
2
Coat Grooming
3
2
Drooling Level
2
5
Good with Strangers
3
4
Playfulness
5
3
Watchdog / Protective
3
4
Adaptability
4
3
Trainability
5
5
Energy Level
3
4
Barking Level
1
4
Mental Stimulation Needs
4
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen Irish Water Spaniel
Overlay
Where they diverge
Barking Level
Irish Water Spaniel barks less (3-point difference)
Shedding Level
Irish Water Spaniel sheds less (2-point difference)
Good with Strangers
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is friendlier with strangers (2-point difference)
Trainability
Irish Water Spaniel is easier to train (2-point difference)
Energy Level
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen has more energy (2-point difference)
The verdict
Choose the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen if…
- Hunters
- Active families
- Rural living
- You value barking level — Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen scores noticeably higher.
Choose the Irish Water Spaniel if…
- Hunters
- Active families
- Waterfowl hunting
- You value trainability — Irish Water Spaniel scores higher here.
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Irish Water Spaniel Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Irish Water Spaniel home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
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