Cocker Spaniel vs Portuguese Water Dog
Breed Compatibility
93% Compatible
Energy Level
Cocker Spaniel: Regular Exercise0.6
Portuguese Water Dog: Energetic0.8
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Cocker Spaniel: Eager to Please1.0
Portuguese Water Dog: Easy Training0.8
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Cocker Spaniel: Daily Brushing0.8
Portuguese Water Dog: Daily Brushing0.8
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Cocker Spaniel5/5
Portuguese Water Dog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Cocker Spaniel5/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Good with Strangers
Cocker Spaniel4/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Cocker Spaniel
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Vision loss
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
Ear Infections: Chronic inflammation
Heart Disease: Cardiac concerns
Patellar Luxation: Knee problems
Glaucoma: Eye pressure issues
Portuguese Water Dog
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
PRA: Progressive retinal atrophy
GM1: Storage disease disorder
JDCM: Juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy
EOPRA: Early-onset eye disease
Storage Disease: Metabolic disorder
Pros & Cons Comparison
Cocker Spaniel
Pros
Affectionate family companion
Good with children
Highly trainable
Moderate size
Sporting ability
Cons
Regular grooming required
Prone to ear infections
Can be vocal
Separation anxiety prone
Portuguese Water Dog
Pros
Highly intelligent
Non-shedding coat
Excellent swimming ability
Great family companion
Athletic and versatile
Cons
High grooming needs
Requires extensive exercise
Can be stubborn
Expensive maintenance
Cocker Spaniel Fun Fact
The Cocker Spaniel was America's most popular breed for several years in the 1940s and 1950s.
Portuguese Water Dog Fun Fact
These dogs were trained to dive underwater to retrieve fishing gear and could swim for hours in cold ocean waters.
Heritage & Purpose
Cocker Spaniel
Origin:
Developed in England during the 1800s for hunting woodcock and other game birds. These skilled retrievers excelled at flushing and recovering birds from dense undergrowth.
Portuguese Water Dog
Origin:
Maritime working dogs of Portuguese fishing vessels during the 15th century, helping retrieve gear and herd fish into nets while serving as boat guardians and messengers.
Special Considerations
Cocker Spaniel
Daily coat brushing essential to prevent matting. Regular ear cleaning needed to prevent infections. Moderate exercise requirements must be met consistently.
Portuguese Water Dog
Requires professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Daily exercise essential for physical and mental well-being. Regular eye and hip examinations recommended.
Shedding
OccasionalShedding
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