Tibetan Spaniel vs Irish Water Spaniel
Breed Compatibility
84% Compatible
Energy Level
Tibetan Spaniel: Calm0.4
Irish Water Spaniel: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Less Compatible
Trainability
Tibetan Spaniel: Agreeable0.6
Irish Water Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
Tibetan Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Irish Water Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Moderate
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Tibetan Spaniel5/5
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Good with Other Dogs
Tibetan Spaniel3/5
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Good with Strangers
Tibetan Spaniel4/5
Irish Water Spaniel3/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Tibetan Spaniel
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap displacement
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Vision loss
Heart Murmurs: Cardiac abnormalities
Portosystemic Shunt: Liver condition
Cherry Eye: Third eyelid disorder
Entropion: Inward rolling eyelids
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
Tibetan Spaniel
Pros
Adaptable to various living situations
Low exercise requirements
Affectionate with family
Good watchdog capabilities
Cons
Can be stubborn during training
Moderate grooming needs
May be reserved with strangers
Prone to barking
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
Tibetan Spaniel Fun Fact
Known as 'Little Lions' in Tibet due to their practice of perching on monastery walls as lookouts.
Irish Water Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive rat-like tail, unique among water dogs, earned them the nickname 'Whiptail'.
Heritage & Purpose
Tibetan Spaniel
Origin:
Serving as companion and watchdog in Tibetan monasteries since ancient times, these alert dogs were valued for their keen vision and warning abilities in the Himalayan region.
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
Tibetan Spaniel
Regular grooming needed for double coat maintenance. Moderate exercise requirements and early socialization important. Watch for eye-related health 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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