Irish Water Spaniel vs Tibetan Spaniel
Breed Compatibility
84% Compatible
Energy Level
Irish Water Spaniel: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Tibetan Spaniel: Calm0.4
Less Compatible
Trainability
Irish Water Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
Tibetan Spaniel: Agreeable0.6
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
Irish Water Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Tibetan Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Moderate
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Tibetan Spaniel5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Tibetan Spaniel3/5
Good with Strangers
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Tibetan Spaniel4/5
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
Tibetan Spaniel
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap displacement
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Vision loss
Heart Murmurs: Cardiac abnormalities
Portosystemic Shunt: Liver condition
Cherry Eye: Third eyelid disorder
Entropion: Inward rolling eyelids
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
Tibetan Spaniel
Pros
Adaptable to various living situations
Low exercise requirements
Affectionate with family
Good watchdog capabilities
Cons
Can be stubborn during training
Moderate grooming needs
May be reserved with strangers
Prone to barking
Irish Water Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive rat-like tail, unique among water dogs, earned them the nickname 'Whiptail'.
Tibetan Spaniel Fun Fact
Known as 'Little Lions' in Tibet due to their practice of perching on monastery walls as lookouts.
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.
Tibetan Spaniel
Origin:
Serving as companion and watchdog in Tibetan monasteries since ancient times, these alert dogs were valued for their keen vision and warning abilities in the Himalayan region.
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.
Tibetan Spaniel
Regular grooming needed for double coat maintenance. Moderate exercise requirements and early socialization important. Watch for eye-related health issues.
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