Irish Water Spaniel vs Lagotto Romagnolo
Breed Compatibility
87% Compatible
Energy Level
Irish Water Spaniel: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Lagotto Romagnolo: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Irish Water Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
Lagotto Romagnolo: Eager to Please1.0
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Irish Water Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Lagotto Romagnolo: Occasional Bath/Brush0.2
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Lagotto Romagnolo3/5
Good with Other Dogs
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Lagotto Romagnolo5/5
Good with Strangers
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Lagotto Romagnolo4/5
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
Lagotto Romagnolo
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Epilepsy: Neurological seizure disorder
Eye Problems: Various ocular conditions
Benign Juvenile Epilepsy: Early onset
Storage Disease: Metabolic disorder risk
Cerebral Dysfunction: Brain function issues
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
Lagotto Romagnolo
Pros
Excellent nose work abilities
Minimal shedding
Highly trainable
Good with families
Adaptable to different environments
Cons
Requires regular grooming
High exercise needs
Can be vocal
Expensive to purchase
Irish Water Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive rat-like tail, unique among water dogs, earned them the nickname 'Whiptail'.
Lagotto Romagnolo Fun Fact
The only breed specifically developed and recognized worldwide for truffle hunting abilities!
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.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Origin:
Dating back to Renaissance Italy's Romagna region, these skilled water retrievers evolved into specialized truffle hunters, using their exceptional nose work abilities to locate valuable fungi.
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.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Regular grooming needed to maintain curly coat. Requires consistent mental stimulation through training or nose work. Monitor for early signs of epilepsy or neurological issues.
Shedding
SeasonalShedding
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