Irish Water Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier
Breed Compatibility
83% Compatible
Energy Level
Irish Water Spaniel: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Yorkshire Terrier: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Irish Water Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
Yorkshire Terrier: May be Stubborn0.2
Less Compatible
Grooming Needs
Irish Water Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Yorkshire Terrier: Specialty/Professional1.0
Less Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Yorkshire Terrier5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Yorkshire Terrier3/5
Good with Strangers
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Yorkshire Terrier5/5
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
Yorkshire Terrier
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap dislocation
Portosystemic Shunt: Liver condition
Tracheal Collapse: Airway weakness
Dental Issues: Tooth decay risk
Retinal Dysplasia: Eye development
Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar
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
Yorkshire Terrier
Pros
Portable size
Minimal shedding
Adaptable to apartment living
Long lifespan
Affectionate with family
Cons
High grooming needs
Can be yappy
Delicate physique
Stubborn streak
Difficult to housebreak
Irish Water Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive rat-like tail, unique among water dogs, earned them the nickname 'Whiptail'.
Yorkshire Terrier Fun Fact
Despite their tiny size, Yorkies were originally bred as working dogs to catch rats in textile mills!
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.
Yorkshire Terrier
Origin: England
Developed in Yorkshire, England during the 1800s, these small terriers excelled at catching rats in textile mills. Working-class weavers bred them for their hunting prowess and portable size.
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.
Yorkshire Terrier
Professional grooming needed for long coat maintenance. Daily brushing required. Small size makes them vulnerable to injury. Need protection from extreme temperatures.
Shedding
SeasonalShedding
InfrequentRelated 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 →