Irish Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog
Breed Compatibility
93% Compatible
Energy Level
Irish Setter: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Portuguese Water Dog: Energetic0.8
Very Compatible
Trainability
Irish Setter: Agreeable0.6
Portuguese Water Dog: Easy Training0.8
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
Irish Setter: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Portuguese Water Dog: Daily Brushing0.8
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Irish Setter5/5
Portuguese Water Dog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Irish Setter5/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Good with Strangers
Irish Setter5/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Irish Setter
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
PRA: Progressive eye disease
Bloat: Gastric torsion risk
Epilepsy: Neurological disorder
OCD: Joint cartilage issue
Hypothyroidism: Hormone imbalance
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
Irish Setter
Pros
Affectionate and friendly
Athletic and energetic
Good with families
Beautiful appearance
Cons
High exercise needs
Regular grooming required
Can be stubborn
Not ideal for apartments
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
Irish Setter Fun Fact
Their flowing red coat earned them the nickname 'Rolling Thunder' among Irish hunters in the 1800s.
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
Irish Setter
Origin:
Developed in Ireland during the 1800s, these dogs excelled at hunting game birds across vast territories. Their distinctive red coat made them visible to hunters in field conditions.
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
Irish Setter
Regular grooming needed for silky coat maintenance. High exercise requirements must be met daily. Watch for signs of hip problems and eye issues as they age.
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.
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