Irish Water Spaniel vs Portuguese Water Dog

Compare the Irish Water Spaniel to the Portuguese Water Dog. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Irish Water Spaniels and Portuguese Water Dogs.

Irish Water Spaniel vs Portuguese Water Dog
Irish Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Irish Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
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General Details
Irish Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
Yes
Yes
Lifespan
10-12 Years
10-14 Years
Height
20-24 Inches
17-22 Inches
Weight
45-65 Pounds
35-60 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Above Average
History
Irish Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Origin Country
Ireland
Portugal
Origin Year
1000 AD
1297 AD
Temperament
Irish Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Above Average
Average
Personality
Irish Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Willing to Please
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Irish Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Apartment
Yes
No
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
No
Medium Yard
Yes
No
Large Yard
No
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
40-75 °F
40-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Irish Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Energy Level
High
High to Very High
Exercise Required
High to Very High
High to Very High
Top Running Speed
24 MPH
22 MPH
Strength
Medium to High
High
Grooming Needs
Irish Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Coat Maintenance
High
Medium to High
Shedding
None to Low
None
Dander
None to Low
None to Low
Drool
None
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Irish Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
Irish Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
Yes
Yes
Breed Instincts
Irish Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Aggression
None
None
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Below Average
Chasing
Average
Below Average
Follow Commands
Above Average
Below Average
Fighting
Below Average
Below Average
Guarding
Above Average
Below Average
Herding
Below Average
None
Hunting
Above Average
Below Average
Protection
Above Average
Average
Remove Vermin
Below Average
None
Sled Pulling
None
None
Watch / Guardian
Average
Above Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Irish Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Average Lifespan
10-12 Years
10-14 Years
Health Concerns
Irish Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Common Health Issues
Hip dysplasia
Ear infections
Hypothyroidism
Eye diseases
Addison's disease
Entropion
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Ectropion
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Irritable bowel syndrome
Gangliosidosis
Hair Loss
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Irish Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Coat Type
Hair
Hair
Coat Layering
Curly
Curly
Single
Coat Texture
Silky
Wavy
Wavy
Coat Length
Medium to Long
Medium
Coat Coloring
Irish Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Breed Colors
Brown
Brown
Black
Black
Black and White
Black and White
Brown
Brown
Brown and White
Brown and White
White
White
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