Papillon vs Irish Water Spaniel
Breed Compatibility
85% Compatible
Energy Level
Papillon: Regular Exercise0.6
Irish Water Spaniel: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Papillon: Eager to Please1.0
Irish Water Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Papillon: Weekly Brushing0.4
Irish Water Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Moderate
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Papillon5/5
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Good with Other Dogs
Papillon3/5
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Good with Strangers
Papillon5/5
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Papillon
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap displacement
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Vision loss
Dental Issues: Tooth decay risk
Heart Murmurs: Cardiac abnormalities
Von Willebrand's Disease: Blood clotting
Fontanel: Soft spots on skull
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
Papillon
Pros
Highly intelligent
Easy to train
Good with families
Adaptable
Low maintenance
Cons
Can be yappy
Delicate build
May be stubborn
Separation anxiety prone
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
Papillon Fun Fact
Their name 'Papillon' means butterfly in French, inspired by their distinctive ear shape and feathering.
Irish Water Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive rat-like tail, unique among water dogs, earned them the nickname 'Whiptail'.
Heritage & Purpose
Papillon
Origin: France
Developed in Renaissance Europe as companion dogs for nobility, these elegant canines appeared in numerous royal portraits across France, Spain, and Belgium.
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
Papillon
Regular ear cleaning needed due to distinctive ear feathering. Weekly brushing maintains coat health. Dental care crucial due to predisposition to dental issues.
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.
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