Irish Water Spaniel vs Great Pyrenees
Breed Compatibility
98% Compatible
Energy Level
Irish Water Spaniel: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Great Pyrenees: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Very Compatible
Trainability
Irish Water Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
Great Pyrenees: Independent0.4
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
Irish Water Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Great Pyrenees: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Great Pyrenees3/5
Good with Other Dogs
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Great Pyrenees3/5
Good with Strangers
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Great Pyrenees3/5
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
Great Pyrenees
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
Bloat: Gastric torsion risk
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap issues
Eye Problems: Various conditions
Heart Issues: Cardiac concerns
Bone Cancer: Higher risk breed
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
Great Pyrenees
Pros
Excellent guardian
Gentle with family
Independent nature
Good with children
Weather-resistant coat
Cons
Heavy shedding
Stubborn streak
Needs space
Independent nature
Barking tendency
Irish Water Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive rat-like tail, unique among water dogs, earned them the nickname 'Whiptail'.
Great Pyrenees Fun Fact
Great Pyrenees were once appointed as official guard dogs for the French royal court in medieval times.
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.
Great Pyrenees
Origin:
Mountain guardians in the Pyrenees range between France and Spain, protecting sheep from wolves and bears since medieval times. Valued for their independence and protective instincts.
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.
Great Pyrenees
Regular grooming needed for heavy coat. Requires secure fencing due to roaming instincts. Early socialization essential for balanced temperament.
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