Irish Water Spaniel vs Basset Hound
Breed Compatibility
72% Compatible
Energy Level
Irish Water Spaniel: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Basset Hound: Couch Potato0.2
Less Compatible
Trainability
Irish Water Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
Basset Hound: Independent0.4
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
Irish Water Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Basset Hound: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Basset Hound5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Basset Hound5/5
Good with Strangers
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Basset 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
Basset Hound
Ear Infections: Prone due to long ears
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
Glaucoma: Eye pressure condition
Bloat: Gastric torsion risk
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint problems
Thrombopathy: Blood clotting issue
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
Basset Hound
Pros
Gentle and patient temperament
Great with children and other pets
Low exercise needs
Excellent sense of smell
Adaptable to different living situations
Cons
Stubborn and challenging to train
Prone to obesity
Regular ear cleaning required
Significant drooling
Can be vocal
Irish Water Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive rat-like tail, unique among water dogs, earned them the nickname 'Whiptail'.
Basset Hound Fun Fact
Their long ears help sweep scent particles toward their nose, making them one of the best tracking breeds!
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.
Basset Hound
Origin:
Developed in medieval France during the 1500s, these scent hounds excelled at tracking rabbits and hares through dense underbrush, their low-set bodies and powerful noses perfectly suited for the task.
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.
Basset Hound
Regular ear cleaning essential due to infection risk. Weight management crucial to prevent joint stress. Moderate exercise needed despite low energy levels.
Shedding
SeasonalShedding
OccasionalRelated 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 →