Irish Water Spaniel vs Irish Setter
Breed Compatibility
76% Compatible
Energy Level
Irish Water Spaniel: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Irish Setter: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Very Compatible
Trainability
Irish Water Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
Irish Setter: Agreeable0.6
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
Irish Water Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Irish Setter: 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
Irish Setter5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Irish Setter5/5
Good with Strangers
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Irish Setter5/5
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
Irish Setter
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
PRA: Progressive eye disease
Bloat: Gastric torsion risk
Epilepsy: Neurological disorder
OCD: Joint cartilage issue
Hypothyroidism: Hormone imbalance
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
Irish Setter
Pros
Affectionate and friendly
Athletic and energetic
Good with families
Beautiful appearance
Cons
High exercise needs
Regular grooming required
Can be stubborn
Not ideal for apartments
Irish Water Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive rat-like tail, unique among water dogs, earned them the nickname 'Whiptail'.
Irish Setter Fun Fact
Their flowing red coat earned them the nickname 'Rolling Thunder' among Irish hunters in the 1800s.
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.
Irish Setter
Origin:
Developed in Ireland during the 1800s, these dogs excelled at hunting game birds across vast territories. Their distinctive red coat made them visible to hunters in field conditions.
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.
Irish Setter
Regular grooming needed for silky coat maintenance. High exercise requirements must be met daily. Watch for signs of hip problems and eye issues as they age.
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