Irish Water Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier
Breed Compatibility
85% Compatible
Energy Level
Irish Water Spaniel: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
West Highland White Terrier: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Irish Water Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
West Highland White Terrier: Agreeable0.6
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
Irish Water Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
West Highland White Terrier: Daily Brushing0.8
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
West Highland White Terrier5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
West Highland White Terrier3/5
Good with Strangers
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
West Highland White Terrier4/5
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
West Highland White Terrier
Craniomandibular Osteopathy: Jaw bone growth
Legg-Calve-Perthes: Hip joint issue
Addison's Disease: Hormone deficiency
White Shaker Syndrome: Tremor condition
Pulmonary Fibrosis: Lung tissue scarring
Skin Allergies: Dermatological 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
West Highland White Terrier
Pros
Adaptable to different living situations
Good with families
Low-shedding coat
Alert watchdog
Cons
Can be stubborn
Regular grooming required
May chase small animals
Can be vocal
Irish Water Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive rat-like tail, unique among water dogs, earned them the nickname 'Whiptail'.
West Highland White Terrier Fun Fact
Their white coat was specifically bred after a farmer accidentally shot his reddish-brown terrier, mistaking it for a fox!
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.
West Highland White Terrier
Origin:
Developed in Scotland during the 1800s, these terriers were bred to hunt rats, foxes, and other vermin in the Scottish Highlands, with their white coat making them easily distinguishable from prey.
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.
West Highland White Terrier
Regular grooming is essential for their double coat. They need consistent training to manage terrier stubbornness and require proper socialization to prevent small animal chasing.
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