Portuguese Water Dog vs Welsh Springer Spaniel
Breed Compatibility
100% Compatible
Energy Level
Portuguese Water Dog: Energetic0.8
Welsh Springer Spaniel: Energetic0.8
Very Compatible
Trainability
Portuguese Water Dog: Easy Training0.8
Welsh Springer Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Portuguese Water Dog: Daily Brushing0.8
Welsh Springer Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Portuguese Water Dog5/5
Welsh Springer Spaniel5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Welsh Springer Spaniel4/5
Good with Strangers
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Welsh Springer Spaniel1/5
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
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Eye Problems: Various ocular conditions
Epilepsy: Neurological seizure disorder
Glaucoma: Increased eye pressure issue
Entropion: Inward rolling of eyelids
Thyroid Issues: Hormone imbalance risks
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
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Pros
Excellent family companion
Good with children
Trainable
Athletic
Affectionate
Cons
Needs regular exercise
Regular grooming required
Can be reserved with strangers
Moderate shedding
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.
Welsh Springer Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive red and white coat pattern has remained unchanged for centuries in Welsh hunting circles.
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.
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Origin:
Developed in Wales during the 1800s as skilled hunting companions, these spaniels excelled at flushing and retrieving game in challenging Welsh terrain.
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.
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Weekly grooming sessions needed to maintain coat. Requires consistent exercise routine. Regular eye checks and hip evaluations recommended for preventive care.
Shedding
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