English Setter vs Irish Water Spaniel
Breed Compatibility
88% Compatible
Energy Level
English Setter: Energetic0.8
Irish Water Spaniel: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Very Compatible
Trainability
English Setter: Easy Training0.8
Irish Water Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
English Setter: 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 Setter4/5
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Good with Other Dogs
English Setter4/5
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Good with Strangers
English Setter4/5
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
English Setter
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Deafness: Hereditary hearing loss
Hypothyroidism: Thyroid hormone deficiency
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development issue
Eye Problems: Various ocular conditions
Bloat: Gastric dilatation risk
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 Setter
Pros
Gentle and friendly temperament
Excellent with children
Athletic and versatile
Good hunting companion
Cons
Regular grooming required
High exercise needs
Can be stubborn
Moderate shedding
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 Setter Fun Fact
Their unique speckled coat pattern, called 'belton,' is a trademark feature that only appears after birth.
Irish Water Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive rat-like tail, unique among water dogs, earned them the nickname 'Whiptail'.
Heritage & Purpose
English Setter
Origin:
Developed in England during the 1800s for hunting game birds, these dogs excelled at 'setting' or crouching low when locating birds, allowing hunters to cast nets over the game.
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 Setter
Regular grooming needed for coat maintenance. High exercise requirements must be met daily. Health screening for breed-specific issues recommended.
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.
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