Portuguese Water Dog vs English Cocker Spaniel
Breed Compatibility
93% Compatible
Energy Level
Portuguese Water Dog: Energetic0.8
English Cocker Spaniel: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Portuguese Water Dog: Easy Training0.8
English Cocker Spaniel: Eager to Please1.0
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Portuguese Water Dog: Daily Brushing0.8
English Cocker Spaniel: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Portuguese Water Dog5/5
English Cocker Spaniel5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
English Cocker Spaniel5/5
Good with Strangers
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
English Cocker Spaniel4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Portuguese Water Dog
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
PRA: Progressive retinal atrophy
GM1: Storage disease disorder
JDCM: Juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy
EOPRA: Early-onset eye disease
Storage Disease: Metabolic disorder
English Cocker Spaniel
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation issue
PRA: Progressive retinal deterioration
Glaucoma: Eye pressure condition
PSOM: Middle ear disease
Kidney Disease: Renal function issues
Heart Issues: Cardiac health concerns
Pros & Cons Comparison
Portuguese Water Dog
Pros
Highly intelligent
Non-shedding coat
Excellent swimming ability
Great family companion
Athletic and versatile
Cons
High grooming needs
Requires extensive exercise
Can be stubborn
Expensive maintenance
English Cocker Spaniel
Pros
Affectionate family companion
Excellent with children
Highly trainable
Moderate size
Good sporting abilities
Cons
Regular grooming required
Can be vocal
Needs consistent exercise
Potential health issues
Separation anxiety prone
Portuguese Water Dog Fun Fact
These dogs were trained to dive underwater to retrieve fishing gear and could swim for hours in cold ocean waters.
English Cocker Spaniel Fun Fact
Their characteristic 'merry' tail action while working gave rise to their nickname as the 'merry cocker.'
Heritage & Purpose
Portuguese Water Dog
Origin:
Maritime working dogs of Portuguese fishing vessels during the 15th century, helping retrieve gear and herd fish into nets while serving as boat guardians and messengers.
English Cocker Spaniel
Origin:
Developed in England during the 1800s for hunting woodcock and other game birds, these skilled retrievers excelled at flushing and retrieving game in dense undergrowth.
Special Considerations
Portuguese Water Dog
Requires professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Daily exercise essential for physical and mental well-being. Regular eye and hip examinations recommended.
English Cocker Spaniel
Regular grooming needed to maintain coat condition. Requires consistent exercise routine. Ear cleaning and monitoring essential due to breed's susceptibility to infections.
Shedding
SeasonalShedding
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