Irish Water Spaniel vs Bloodhound
Breed Compatibility
97% Compatible
Energy Level
Irish Water Spaniel: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Bloodhound: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Irish Water Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
Bloodhound: Independent0.4
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
Irish Water Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Bloodhound: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Bloodhound3/5
Good with Other Dogs
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Bloodhound3/5
Good with Strangers
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Bloodhound3/5
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
Bloodhound
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
Bloat: Gastric torsion risk
Entropion: Eyelid rolls inward
Ectropion: Eyelid rolls outward
Ear Infections: Due to long ears
Skin Fold Dermatitis: In wrinkles
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
Bloodhound
Pros
Exceptional tracking abilities
Gentle and patient with family
Good with children
Loyal and affectionate
Cons
Heavy drooling
Strong tracking instincts can lead to wandering
Stubborn during training
High maintenance grooming needs
Irish Water Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive rat-like tail, unique among water dogs, earned them the nickname 'Whiptail'.
Bloodhound Fun Fact
Bloodhound tracking evidence is legally admissible in most United States courts of law.
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.
Bloodhound
Origin:
Medieval European monasteries developed these dogs for tracking game and people, with their exceptional scenting abilities making them invaluable for manhunts and rescue operations.
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.
Bloodhound
Regular cleaning of facial folds and ears required. Drooling management needed throughout home. Secure fencing essential due to strong tracking instincts and wandering tendencies.
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