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Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Comparison – Which dog is better Cao De Agua or Bog Dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel" Compare Portuguese Water Dog and Irish Water Spaniel. Which is better: Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?
 
 
 
Name Portuguese Water Dog Irish Water Spaniel
OriginsPortugal flagPortugal Ireland flagIreland
Group Working Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank54164
Reviews51
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Cao De Agua
Portie
Water Dog
Bog Dog
Rat Tail Spaniel
Shannon Spaniel
Whiptail
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Is the Portuguese Water Dog bigger than the Irish Water Spaniel breed? Is a Portuguese Water Dog smaller than an Irish Water Spaniel?
Medium Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel weight comparison:
Male: 42-55 pounds (19-25 kg), Female: 35-49 pounds (16-22 kg) 45-65 pounds (20-30 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 48.5 pounds (22 kg), Female: 42 pounds (19 kg) 55 pounds (25 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Is a Portuguese Water Dog taller than an Irish Water Spaniel?
Male: 20-22 inches (50-57 cm), Female: 17-20 inches (43-52 cm) 20-23 inches (51-58 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 21 inches (53.5 cm), Female: 18.5 inches (47.5 cm) 21.5 inches (54.5 cm)

Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Portuguese Water Dog and Irish Water Spaniel?
$2500-$2800 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?
Very frequent: The Portuguese Water Dog is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Irish Water Spaniel is easier than average to get.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel smarter? Which is best? Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel intelligence:
Smart: The Portuguese Water Dog dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Very smart: Irish Water Spaniel is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Trainability
Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel trainability comparison. What's the difference between Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel behavior/temperament comparison:
Intelligent
Docile
Obedient
Brave
Impetuous
Quarrelsome
Active
Clownish
Alert
Intelligent
Quick
Inquisitive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel?
High: Portuguese Water Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average to High: Irish Water Spaniel dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Social Needs
Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel social needs comparison:
Portuguese Water Dog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel? Which can be better for hunting?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel playfulness comparison:
The Portuguese Water Dog is a playful breed.
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The Irish Water Spaniel is a playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel?
Low to Average: The Portuguese Water Dog rarely barks.
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Average: The Irish Water Spaniel barks occasionally.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?
Apartment-friendly dog the Portuguese Water Dog breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Irish Water Spaniel breed in the home.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Portuguese Water Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Water Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Is a Portuguese Water Dog more dangerous than an Irish Water Spaniel?

Low 🔽

The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Irish Water Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel mouthiness comparison:
Portuguese Water Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel health comparison. Which is the healthier: Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel?
The Portuguese Water Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Irish Water Spaniels are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Entropion
Ectropion
Distichiasis
Persistent Pupillary Membranes
Addison's Disease
Megaesophagus
Irritable Bowel Disease (ibd)
Abnormally Small Eyes
GM-1 Storage Disease
Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Gastrointestinal Diseases
Colitis
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis
Lymphangiectasia
No data available
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel?
Average
The Portuguese Water Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Irish Water Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel lifespan comparison. How long do Portuguese Water Dog and Irish Water Spaniel breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Portuguese Water Dog and Irish Water Spaniel?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog: 12 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Irish Water Spaniel: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Portuguese Water Dog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Irish Water Spaniel can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel energy level comparison:
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are high-energy dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs don't need too much sleep.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs don't need too much sleep.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Does the Portuguese Water Dog breed eat more than the Irish Water Spaniel breed?
2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Portuguese Water Dog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Irish Water Spaniel has an average risk for obesity.
See more.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel coat comparison:
Curly Dense
Curly
Tight
Colors
What are the original Portuguese Water Dog and Irish Water Spaniel color? Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel color comparison:
Black
White
Brown
Brown
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel grooming comparison:
Average: The Portuguese Water Dog requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Advanced: The Irish Water Spaniel requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Do Portuguese Water Dog dogs shed more than Irish Water Spaniel dogs?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
Yes See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?

Low 🔽

The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Irish Water Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel?
The Portuguese Water Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Irish Water Spaniel is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
See more.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Which dog is more friendly?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Can a Portuguese Water Dog and an Irish Water Spaniel be friends? Do Portuguese Water Dog dogs get along with Irish Water Spaniel dogs?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel?
Yes
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Portuguese Water Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Irish Water Spaniel is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Portuguese Water Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
Irish Water Spaniels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel?

Yes

Portuguese Water Dog breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Yes

Irish Water Spaniel breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Portuguese Water Dog and Irish Water Spaniel have? Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel litter size comparison:
4-8 puppies 4-12 puppies

Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983 as a Hound breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Kennel Club
Canadian Kennel Club
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Australian National Kennel Council
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
The Kennel Club
No data available

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