English Springer Spaniel vs Portuguese Water Dog
Breed Compatibility
86% Compatible
Energy Level
English Springer Spaniel: Regular Exercise0.6
Portuguese Water Dog: Energetic0.8
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
English Springer Spaniel: Eager to Please1.0
Portuguese Water Dog: Easy Training0.8
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
English Springer Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Portuguese Water Dog: Daily Brushing0.8
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
English Springer Spaniel3/5
Portuguese Water Dog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
English Springer Spaniel4/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Good with Strangers
English Springer Spaniel4/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
English Springer Spaniel
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation issue
PRA: Progressive retinal deterioration
Ear Infections: Due to floppy ears
Phosphofructokinase: Metabolic disorder
Retinal Dysplasia: Eye development issue
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development problem
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
English Springer Spaniel
Pros
Excellent family companion
Highly trainable
Athletic and versatile
Good with children
Cons
Requires regular exercise
Needs consistent grooming
Can be prone to ear infections
May be too energetic for some
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
English Springer Spaniel Fun Fact
Their 'springing' hunting technique of flushing birds into flight gave this breed its distinctive name.
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
English Springer Spaniel
Origin:
Developed in England during the 1800s as skilled bird hunting dogs, specifically for flushing and retrieving game in varying terrain. Valued for exceptional nose work and stamina.
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
English Springer Spaniel
Regular ear cleaning needed to prevent infections. Requires consistent exercise and mental stimulation. Coat needs routine maintenance to prevent matting.
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.