English Cocker Spaniel vs Irish Water Spaniel
Breed Compatibility
74% Compatible
Energy Level
English Cocker Spaniel: Regular Exercise0.6
Irish Water Spaniel: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
English Cocker Spaniel: Eager to Please1.0
Irish Water Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
English Cocker Spaniel: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Irish Water Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
English Cocker Spaniel5/5
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Good with Other Dogs
English Cocker Spaniel5/5
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Good with Strangers
English Cocker Spaniel4/5
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
English Cocker Spaniel
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation issue
PRA: Progressive retinal deterioration
Glaucoma: Eye pressure condition
PSOM: Middle ear disease
Kidney Disease: Renal function issues
Heart Issues: Cardiac health concerns
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
English Cocker Spaniel
Pros
Affectionate family companion
Excellent with children
Highly trainable
Moderate size
Good sporting abilities
Cons
Regular grooming required
Can be vocal
Needs consistent exercise
Potential health issues
Separation anxiety prone
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
English Cocker Spaniel Fun Fact
Their characteristic 'merry' tail action while working gave rise to their nickname as the 'merry cocker.'
Irish Water Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive rat-like tail, unique among water dogs, earned them the nickname 'Whiptail'.
Heritage & Purpose
English Cocker Spaniel
Origin:
Developed in England during the 1800s for hunting woodcock and other game birds, these skilled retrievers excelled at flushing and retrieving game in dense undergrowth.
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
English Cocker Spaniel
Regular grooming needed to maintain coat condition. Requires consistent exercise routine. Ear cleaning and monitoring essential due to breed's susceptibility to infections.
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.