Irish Water Spaniel vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Breed Compatibility
74% Compatible
Energy Level
Irish Water Spaniel: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Calm0.4
Less Compatible
Trainability
Irish Water Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Eager to Please1.0
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Irish Water Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel5/5
Good with Strangers
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel4/5
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
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Mitral Valve Disease: Heart condition
Syringomyelia: Neurological disorder
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap issues
Eye Problems: Various conditions
Heart Murmurs: Cardiac concerns
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
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Pros
Exceptionally affectionate
Good with children
Adaptable to different living situations
Easy to train
Gentle temperament
Cons
Significant health concerns
Regular grooming required
Separation anxiety prone
Cannot be left alone long
Expensive medical care
Irish Water Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive rat-like tail, unique among water dogs, earned them the nickname 'Whiptail'.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Fun Fact
King Charles II was so devoted to these dogs that he decreed they be allowed in any public place, including Parliament!
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.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Origin:
Developed in the United Kingdom during the 16th century as companion dogs for nobility, particularly favored by King Charles II. Served as lap warmers and gentle 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.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Regular heart monitoring required. Daily brushing needed to maintain coat. Cannot tolerate extreme temperatures or long periods of solitude.
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 →