Irish Water Spaniel vs Barbet
Breed Compatibility
74% Compatible
Energy Level
Irish Water Spaniel: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Barbet: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Irish Water Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
Barbet: Agreeable0.6
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
Irish Water Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Barbet: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Barbet5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Barbet5/5
Good with Strangers
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Barbet3/5
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
Barbet
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint abnormality
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Vision loss
Epilepsy: Neurological disorder
Ear Infections: Due to water exposure
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
Barbet
Pros
Excellent swimming ability
Good with families
Low shedding coat
Intelligent and trainable
Cons
High grooming needs
Requires regular exercise
Can be expensive to maintain
Prone to ear infections
Irish Water Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive rat-like tail, unique among water dogs, earned them the nickname 'Whiptail'.
Barbet Fun Fact
Barbets are so water-loving that their nickname in France is 'Barbet of the marshes'!
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.
Barbet
Origin:
French water dogs from the 16th century, Barbets were developed to retrieve waterfowl from marshes and lakes. Their waterproof coat and swimming ability made them invaluable hunting companions.
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.
Barbet
Regular grooming to maintain their distinctive coat, access to swimming opportunities, and protection from ear infections during water activities are essential.
Shedding
SeasonalShedding
InfrequentRelated 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 →