Irish Water Spaniel vs Bearded Collie
Breed Compatibility
74% Compatible
Energy Level
Irish Water Spaniel: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Bearded Collie: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Irish Water Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
Bearded Collie: Independent0.4
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
Irish Water Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Bearded Collie: Daily Brushing0.8
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Bearded Collie5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Bearded Collie5/5
Good with Strangers
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Bearded Collie4/5
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
Bearded Collie
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Collie Eye Anomaly: Vision concerns
Hypothyroidism: Hormone imbalance
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Vision loss
Allergies: Environmental sensitivities
Addison's Disease: Adrenal condition
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
Bearded Collie
Pros
Intelligent and trainable
Excellent family companion
Good with children
Weather-resistant coat
Cons
High grooming needs
Requires extensive exercise
Can be stubborn
Frequent barking
Irish Water Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive rat-like tail, unique among water dogs, earned them the nickname 'Whiptail'.
Bearded Collie Fun Fact
Their unique bouncing herding style earned them the nickname 'bouncing Beardie' among Scottish shepherds!
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.
Bearded Collie
Origin:
Scottish shepherds developed these dogs in the highlands during the 16th century for herding sheep and cattle across challenging terrain. Their distinctive coat protected them in harsh weather.
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.
Bearded Collie
Daily coat brushing essential to prevent matting. Requires significant exercise commitment. Regular eye and hip checks needed. Tendency to bark needs early training attention.
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