Irish Water Spaniel vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Breed Compatibility
92% Compatible
Energy Level
Irish Water Spaniel: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Cardigan Welsh Corgi: Energetic0.8
Very Compatible
Trainability
Irish Water Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
Cardigan Welsh Corgi: Agreeable0.6
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
Irish Water Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Cardigan Welsh Corgi: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Moderate
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Cardigan Welsh Corgi4/5
Good with Other Dogs
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Cardigan Welsh Corgi3/5
Good with Strangers
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Cardigan Welsh Corgi4/5
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
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
PRA: Progressive eye disease
DM: Degenerative myelopathy
IVDD: Spinal disc problems
CHD: Cardiac health concerns
vWD: Blood clotting disorder
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
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Pros
Intelligent and trainable
Loyal family companion
Good watchdog
Adaptable to different living situations
Cons
Prone to back problems
Heavy shedder
Can be stubborn
Requires regular exercise
Irish Water Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive rat-like tail, unique among water dogs, earned them the nickname 'Whiptail'.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Fun Fact
Despite similar appearances, Cardigan Welsh Corgis are older than their Pembroke cousins by about 2000 years!
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.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Origin:
Welsh farmers developed these dogs in Cardiganshire during medieval times for herding cattle, driving livestock to market, and protecting farmsteads.
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.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Regular spine care needed due to long back. Requires consistent exercise but avoid high-impact activities. Regular grooming needed during shedding seasons.
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