Irish Water Spaniel vs Portuguese Water Dog Comparison

Quick Verdict

Who wins in each category?

Overall Winner

Portuguese Water Dog

5/6

categories

Best for Apartments

Portuguese Water Dog

4/5 Β· Ideal

Easiest Grooming

Portuguese Water Dog

3/5 Β· Moderate needs

Longest Lifespan

🀝 Tie

Easiest to Train

Irish Water Spaniel

4.5/5 Β· Easy

Most Active

🀝 Tie

Best for First-Time Owners

🀝 Tie

4/6

67%

Irish Water Spaniel

5/6

83%

Portuguese Water Dog

πŸ‘‘ Winner

* This summary is based on data from our database. Always make your final decision based on your individual needs.

Basic Info

Origin
Ireland
Portugal
Popularity
#164
#54
Common Names & Aliases
Bog DogRat Tail SpanielShannon SpanielWhiptail
Cao De AguaPortieWater Dog
Breed Classification
Purebred
Purebred
Size Classification
Medium
Medium
Weight Statistics
20-30 kg
Male: 19-25 kg, Female: 16-22 kg
Average Weight
24.9 kg
Male: 22 kg, Female: 19.1 kg
Height
51-58 cm
Male: 50-57 cm, Female: 43-52 cm
Average Height
54.5 cm
Male: 53.5 cm, Female: 47.5 cm
Intelligence Rating
4.5/5
4/5
Watchdog Rating
4/5
4/5
Training Difficulty
4/5
4/5
Territorial Protection
3/5
3/5
Price Range
$800-$1000
$2500-$2800
Availability
4/5
5/5
Personality Traits
ActiveClownishIntelligentAlertInquisitiveQuick
BraveImpetuousObedientDocileIntelligentQuarrelsome
Sensitivity Level
4/5
4/5
Impulse to Wander or Roam
3/5
3/5
Prey Drive
5/5
3/5
Affection Level
4/5
5/5
Social Needs
3/5
5/5
Barking Frequency
3/5
2/5
Playful Nature
4/5
4/5
Apartment Adaptability
2/5
4/5
Lifestyle Adaptability
4/5
5/5
Alone Time Tolerance
Moderate
Very Low
Bite Risk Assessment
Low
Low
Mouthing Tendency
3/5
5/5
Bite Strength Rating
Between 200 and 400 PSI
Between 200 and 400 PSI
Average Lifespan
10-12 years
10-14 years
Climate Tolerance
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
Health Concerns
4/5
3/5
Health Problems
Not available
Hip DysplasiaProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Persistent Pupillary MembranesEntropionEctropionDistichiasisCataractsAbnormally Small EyesGM-1 Storage DiseaseJuvenile Dilated CardiomyopathyGastrointestinal DiseasesIrritable Bowel Disease (ibd)ColitisMegaesophagusHemorrhagic GastroenteritisLymphangiectasiaAddison's Disease
Vet Care Frequency
Rare
Average
Energy Rating
5/5
5/5
Sleeping Need
1/5
1/5
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
5/5
4/5
Obesity Tendency
3/5
3/5
Food Consumption
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Allergy Friendliness
Yes
Yes
Coat Colors
Brown
WhiteBrownBlack
Grooming Requirements
4/5
3/5
Shedding Level
1/5
1/5
Drooling Tendency
2/5
1/5
Stinkiness Rating
Medium
Low
Coat Characteristics
DenseTightCurly
Curly
Bathing Needs
3-4 weeks
3-4 weeks
Cat Friendly
2/5
4/5
Child Compatibility
5/5
4/5
Dog Friendly
2/5
4/5
Stranger Friendly
2/5
3/5
Office Friendly
No
No
Senior Citizens Friendly
Highly Recommended
Recommended
Pet Compatibility
Below Average
Good
Good For First Time Owners
Yes
Yes
Service Dog Capability
Not really
Not really
Therapy Work Suitability
Not really
Not really
Scent Detection Ability
Not really
Not really
Search & Rescue Potential
Not really
Not really
Maritime Work Ability
Yes
Yes
Draft Work Capability
Not really
Not really
Military Service Background
Not really
Not really
Puppy Litter Size
4-12 puppies
4-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
60-64 days
60-64 days
Breeding Frequency
Once a year.
Once a year.
AKC Classification
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983 as a Hound breed.
FCI Classification
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section.
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Not available
Federation Cynologique InternationaleAmerican Kennel ClubAustralian National Kennel CouncilCanadian Kennel ClubThe Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubUnited Kennel Club
Winner / Best value