Irish Water Spaniel vs American Leopard Hound
Breed Compatibility
86% Compatible
Energy Level
Irish Water Spaniel: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
American Leopard Hound: Energetic0.8
Very Compatible
Trainability
Irish Water Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
American Leopard Hound: Eager to Please1.0
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Irish Water Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
American Leopard Hound: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Moderate
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
American Leopard Hound5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
American Leopard Hound3/5
Good with Strangers
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
American Leopard Hound3/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
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
American Leopard Hound
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Eye Problems: Various ocular conditions
Ear Infections: Due to drooping ears
Bloat: Digestive emergency risk
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development issue
Allergies: Environmental sensitivities
Pros & Cons Comparison
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
American Leopard Hound
Pros
Excellent tracking abilities
Good with families
Intelligent
Low grooming needs
Cons
High exercise requirements
Strong prey drive
May be too energetic for apartments
Can be vocal
Irish Water Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive rat-like tail, unique among water dogs, earned them the nickname 'Whiptail'.
American Leopard Hound Fun Fact
Despite their name, these hounds were primarily used to track mountain lions rather than actual leopards!
Heritage & Purpose
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.
American Leopard Hound
Origin: United States
Developed in the southern United States during the 18th century, these hounds excelled at treeing and tracking large game, particularly leopard cats and mountain lions.
Special Considerations
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.
American Leopard Hound
Regular exercise crucial to prevent behavioral issues. Weekly grooming maintains coat health. Early socialization important for balanced temperament.
Related Comparisons
Same Group
Irish Water Spaniel vs Boykin Spaniel →Similar Size
Irish Water Spaniel vs Belgian Tervuren →Similar Size
Irish Water Spaniel vs Afghan Hound →