Irish Water Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz
Breed Compatibility
81% Compatible
Energy Level
Irish Water Spaniel: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Finnish Spitz: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Very Compatible
Trainability
Irish Water Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
Finnish Spitz: Agreeable0.6
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
Irish Water Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Finnish Spitz: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Moderate
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Finnish Spitz5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Finnish Spitz4/5
Good with Strangers
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Finnish Spitz3/5
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 Spitz
Hip dysplasia: joint malformation
Patellar luxation: kneecap issues
Eye problems: progressive conditions
Epilepsy: neurological disorder
Dental issues: periodontal disease
Heart defects: 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
Finnish Spitz
Pros
Loyal family companion
Excellent watchdog
Good with children
Low grooming needs
Cons
Frequent barker
High exercise needs
Strong prey drive
Independent nature
Irish Water Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive rat-like tail, unique among water dogs, earned them the nickname 'Whiptail'.
Finnish Spitz Fun Fact
Finnish Spitz are known as 'Barking Bird Dogs' due to their unique hunting style of alerting hunters with their voice.
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 Spitz
Origin:
Developed in Finland during the 1800s, these dogs served as specialized hunting companions, using their distinctive barking technique to track and tree game birds.
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 Spitz
Regular brushing during shedding seasons, consistent exercise to manage energy levels, and early socialization to control barking tendencies are essential.
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