Irish Water Spaniel vs Pekingese
Breed Compatibility
95% Compatible
Energy Level
Irish Water Spaniel: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Pekingese: Calm0.4
Less Compatible
Trainability
Irish Water Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
Pekingese: May be Stubborn0.2
Less Compatible
Grooming Needs
Irish Water Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Pekingese: 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
Pekingese3/5
Good with Other Dogs
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Pekingese3/5
Good with Strangers
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Pekingese3/5
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
Pekingese
Brachycephalic syndrome: Breathing issues
Patellar luxation: Kneecap problems
Heart murmurs: Cardiac concerns
Eye problems: Due to facial structure
Spinal disc issues: Back problems
Skin fold infections: Facial wrinkles
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
Pekingese
Pros
Excellent apartment dogs
Loyal and devoted
Low exercise needs
Independent nature
Cons
Stubborn and challenging to train
Regular grooming required
Heat sensitive
Can be aloof with strangers
Irish Water Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive rat-like tail, unique among water dogs, earned them the nickname 'Whiptail'.
Pekingese Fun Fact
Ancient Chinese emperors would sentence anyone who stole a Pekingese to death!
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.
Pekingese
Origin:
Sacred dogs of Chinese Imperial palace during Tang Dynasty, these companions were exclusively owned by royalty and served as temple guardians and lap dogs.
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.
Pekingese
Regular grooming essential for coat maintenance. Heat sensitivity requires climate control. Special attention needed for facial wrinkles and breathing issues.
Related Comparisons
Same Group
Irish Water Spaniel vs Boykin Spaniel →Similar Size
Irish Water Spaniel vs Belgian Tervuren →Similar Size
Irish Water Spaniel vs Afghan Hound →