Nederlandse Kooikerhondje vs Irish Water Spaniel
Breed Compatibility
97% Compatible
Energy Level
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje: Regular Exercise0.6
Irish Water Spaniel: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje: Eager to Please1.0
Irish Water Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje: Weekly Brushing0.4
Irish Water Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Moderate
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje3/5
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Good with Other Dogs
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje3/5
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Good with Strangers
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje4/5
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
Von Willebrand's Disease: Blood clotting disorder
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap dislocation issue
Hereditary Necrotizing Myelopathy: Nerve disease
Eye Problems: Various ocular conditions
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation concern
Epilepsy: Neurological seizure disorder
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
Pros & Cons Comparison
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
Pros
Intelligent and trainable
Good family companion
Moderate exercise needs
Adaptable to different homes
Cons
Can be reserved with strangers
Requires regular grooming
May be vocal
Limited breed availability
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
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Fun Fact
Their unique black-tipped ears called 'earrings' were historically believed to help attract ducks during hunting.
Irish Water Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive rat-like tail, unique among water dogs, earned them the nickname 'Whiptail'.
Heritage & Purpose
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
Origin:
Dutch decoy dogs from the 16th century, used to lure ducks into elaborate trap systems called duck decoys. Their distinctive markings helped attract waterfowl during hunting.
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.
Special Considerations
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
Weekly grooming needed for coat maintenance. Requires consistent exercise and mental stimulation. Regular health monitoring for breed-specific conditions essential.
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.