Irish Water Spaniel vs Tornjak
Breed Compatibility
86% Compatible
Energy Level
Irish Water Spaniel: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Tornjak: N/A
Less Compatible
Trainability
Irish Water Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
Tornjak: Easy Training0.8
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Irish Water Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Tornjak: N/A
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Tornjak3/5
Good with Other Dogs
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Tornjak1/5
Good with Strangers
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Tornjak3/5
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
Tornjak
Hip dysplasia: Joint malformation
Elbow dysplasia: Joint issues
Eye problems: Various conditions
Bloat: Gastric torsion risk
Heart issues: Cardiac concerns
Skin allergies: Dermatitis
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
Tornjak
Pros
Excellent guardian
Loyal family companion
Weather-resistant coat
Intelligent
Good with children
Cons
Needs extensive space
Heavy shedding
Strong-willed nature
High exercise needs
Requires early socialization
Irish Water Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive rat-like tail, unique among water dogs, earned them the nickname 'Whiptail'.
Tornjak Fun Fact
Tornjaks can distinguish between welcome guests and intruders without specific training, showing remarkable judgment.
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.
Tornjak
Origin:
Developed in the mountainous regions of Bosnia and Croatia as livestock guardians during medieval times. Protected flocks from predators while displaying exceptional loyalty to their charges.
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.
Tornjak
Requires regular grooming during shedding seasons. Exercise needs must be met daily. Health monitoring important due to size-related concerns.
Shedding
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