Puli vs Irish Water Spaniel
Breed Compatibility
97% Compatible
Energy Level
Puli: Regular Exercise0.6
Irish Water Spaniel: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Puli: Independent0.4
Irish Water Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
Puli: Specialty/Professional1.0
Irish Water Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Less Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Puli3/5
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Good with Other Dogs
Puli3/5
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Good with Strangers
Puli3/5
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Puli
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Eye Problems: Progressive retinal issues
Deafness: Hereditary hearing loss
Bloat: Gastric torsion risk
Allergies: Skin sensitivity common
Von Willebrand's: Blood clotting 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
Puli
Pros
Excellent herding instincts
Loyal family companion
Intelligent and trainable
Weather-resistant coat
Good watchdog
Cons
High grooming maintenance
Can be stubborn
Requires experienced owner
Moderate exercise needs
Strong herding instinct may need management
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
Puli Fun Fact
Their distinctive corded coat naturally forms into separate rope-like strands without human intervention!
Irish Water Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive rat-like tail, unique among water dogs, earned them the nickname 'Whiptail'.
Heritage & Purpose
Puli
Origin:
Hungarian herding dogs from the Middle Ages, Pulis worked alongside shepherds in the Magyar plains. Their distinctive coat protected them while controlling flocks in harsh conditions.
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
Puli
Professional grooming expertise needed for cord maintenance. Regular exercise essential for mental stimulation. Early socialization important for balanced temperament.
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.
Shedding
InfrequentShedding
SeasonalRelated Comparisons
Same Group
Puli vs Belgian Tervuren →Similar Size
Puli vs Boykin Spaniel →Similar Size
Puli vs Miniature Bull Terrier →