Irish Water Spaniel vs Havanese
Breed Compatibility
75% Compatible
Energy Level
Irish Water Spaniel: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Havanese: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Irish Water Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
Havanese: Easy Training0.8
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Irish Water Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Havanese: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Havanese5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Havanese5/5
Good with Strangers
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Havanese5/5
Living Requirements
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
Havanese
Chondrodysplasia: Skeletal growth issue
Legg-Calve-Perthes: Hip joint problem
Deafness: Hereditary hearing loss
Heart Murmurs: Cardiac abnormality
Cataracts: Vision deterioration
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap dislocation
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
Havanese
Pros
Excellent companion dog
Good with children
Highly adaptable
Low shedding
Intelligent
Social nature
Cons
Regular grooming needed
Separation anxiety prone
Can be vocal
Frequent brushing required
Irish Water Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive rat-like tail, unique among water dogs, earned them the nickname 'Whiptail'.
Havanese Fun Fact
Havanese are the only native dog breed of Cuba and were once known as 'Blanquitos de la Habana'.
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.
Havanese
Origin:
Developed in Cuba during the 1800s as companion dogs for aristocratic families, these charming pets became favored among wealthy Europeans and Cuban expatriates.
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.
Havanese
Regular grooming is essential to maintain their coat. They need consistent companionship and may develop separation anxiety if left alone frequently.
Shedding
SeasonalShedding
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