Chinese Crested vs Irish Water Spaniel
Breed Compatibility
97% Compatible
Energy Level
Chinese Crested: Regular Exercise0.6
Irish Water Spaniel: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Chinese Crested: Agreeable0.6
Irish Water Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
Chinese Crested: Occasional Bath/Brush0.2
Irish Water Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Moderate
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Chinese Crested3/5
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Good with Other Dogs
Chinese Crested3/5
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Good with Strangers
Chinese Crested4/5
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Chinese Crested
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Vision loss
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap dislocation
Primary Lens Luxation: Eye condition
Glaucoma: Eye pressure disorder
Legg-Calve-Perthes: Hip joint issue
Cardiac Issues: Heart conditions
Irish Water Spaniel
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
Eye Problems: Progressive retinal atrophy
Ear Infections: Due to water exposure
Hypothyroidism: Hormone imbalance
Allergies: Environmental sensitivities
Follicular Dysplasia: Coat abnormalities
Pros & Cons Comparison
Chinese Crested
Pros
Excellent companion dog
Minimal shedding
Good for apartment living
Affectionate with family
Cons
Requires skin care (hairless variety)
Sensitive to extreme temperatures
Can be yappy
May be difficult to housebreak
Irish Water Spaniel
Pros
Excellent swimming ability
Intelligent and trainable
Low-shedding coat
Devoted family companion
Cons
High grooming needs
Requires extensive exercise
Can be reserved with strangers
Prone to ear infections
Chinese Crested Fun Fact
The hairless gene in Chinese Cresteds is actually incomplete dominance, resulting in some dogs being born with fur!
Irish Water Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive rat-like tail, unique among water dogs, earned them the nickname 'Whiptail'.
Heritage & Purpose
Chinese Crested
Origin:
Developed in ancient China as companion dogs for Chinese sailors, these small dogs served as ratters on ships while traveling maritime trade routes during the Han dynasty.
Irish Water Spaniel
Origin:
Developed in Ireland during the 1830s for retrieving waterfowl from cold waters and rough terrain. Prized for their water-resistant coat and exceptional swimming abilities.
Special Considerations
Chinese Crested
Hairless variety needs sun protection and regular skin care. Both varieties require dental attention and protection from extreme temperatures.
Irish Water Spaniel
Regular coat maintenance required. Needs access to swimming opportunities. Ears must be checked frequently due to water exposure and long ear canals.
Shedding
InfrequentShedding
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