Irish Water Spaniel vs Finnish Lapphund
Breed Compatibility
91% Compatible
Energy Level
Irish Water Spaniel: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Finnish Lapphund: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Irish Water Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
Finnish Lapphund: Eager to Please1.0
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Irish Water Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Finnish Lapphund: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Moderate
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Finnish Lapphund4/5
Good with Other Dogs
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Finnish Lapphund3/5
Good with Strangers
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Finnish Lapphund4/5
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
Finnish Lapphund
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
PRCD-PRA: Progressive eye condition
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development issue
GCL: Genetic eye disorder
PHTVL/PHPV: Eye development disorder
RD: Retinal development problems
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
Finnish Lapphund
Pros
Excellent family companion
Good with children
Highly trainable
Weather resistant
Adaptable
Cons
Heavy seasonal shedding
Can be vocal
Needs regular exercise
Strong herding instinct
Irish Water Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive rat-like tail, unique among water dogs, earned them the nickname 'Whiptail'.
Finnish Lapphund Fun Fact
Finnish Lapphunds can herd reindeer using subtle body movements and barking patterns unique to the breed.
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.
Finnish Lapphund
Origin:
Developed by the Sami people in Lapland during the 1940s, these dogs expertly herded reindeer across vast Arctic territories, using their agility and intelligence to manage large herds.
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.
Finnish Lapphund
Regular brushing needed during heavy shedding seasons. Requires consistent exercise and mental stimulation. Monitor for common breed-specific health issues.
Related 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 →