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Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Comparison - Dog breed selector: Bobtail or Cao De Agua or Bog Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel" Compare Old English Sheepdog and Portuguese Water Dog. Which is better: Old English Sheepdog or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?
 
 
 
Name Old English Sheepdog Portuguese Water Dog Irish Water Spaniel
OriginsEngland flagEngland Portugal flagPortugal Ireland flagIreland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank7054164
Reviews151
User Ratings

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

Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Old English Sheepdog or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Which is the smallest dog, Old English Sheepdog or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?
Large Medium Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, Old English Sheepdog or Portuguese Water Dog or Portuguese Water Dog? Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel weight comparison:
Male: from 65 pounds (29 kg), Female: from 60 pounds (27 kg) 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: from 65 pounds (29 kg), Female: from 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 48.5 pounds (22 kg), Female: 42 pounds (19 kg) 55 pounds (25 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Old English Sheepdog or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel height comparison:
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51 cm) 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: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (51 cm) Male: 21 inches (53.5 cm), Female: 18.5 inches (47.5 cm) 21.5 inches (54.5 cm)

Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Old English Sheepdog or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Which is more expensive?
$1200-$1500 $2500-$2800 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Old English Sheepdog or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?
Very frequent: The Old English Sheepdog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Portuguese Water Dog is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Irish Water Spaniel is easier than average to get.

Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel intelligence:
Smart: The Old English Sheepdog dogs have great intelligence.
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Smart: The Portuguese Water Dog dogs have great intelligence.
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Very smart: Irish Water Spaniel is an excellent dog breed.
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Trainability
Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel trainability comparison.
Old English Sheepdog dogs are easy to train.
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Portuguese Water Dog dogs are easy to train.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Old English Sheepdog or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?
Old English Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Old English Sheepdog or 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?
Old English Sheepdog dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average defenders.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs are average defenders.
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Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Old English Sheepdog or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel behavior/temperament comparison:
Playful
Funny
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Sociable
Adaptable
Bubbly
Intelligent
Docile
Obedient
Brave
Impetuous
Quarrelsome
Active
Clownish
Alert
Intelligent
Quick
Inquisitive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Old English Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel?
High: Old English Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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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
Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel social needs comparison:
Old English Sheepdog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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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?
Old English Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
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? Which can be better for hunting?
Old English Sheepdog dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.
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.

Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel playfulness comparison:
The Old English Sheepdog is a playful breed.
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The Portuguese Water Dog is a playful breed.
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The Irish Water Spaniel is a playful breed.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel?
Average: The Old English Sheepdog barks occasionally.
See more.
Low to Average: The Portuguese Water Dog rarely barks.
See more.
Average: The Irish Water Spaniel barks occasionally.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Old English Sheepdog or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Old English Sheepdog indoors.
Apartment-friendly dog the Portuguese Water Dog breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Irish Water Spaniel breed in the home.

Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Old English Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
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: Old English Sheepdog or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?
Old English Sheepdog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
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.

Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Old English Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Portuguese Water Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Water Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Old English Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

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? Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel mouthiness comparison:
Old English Sheepdog dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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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.

Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel health comparison. Which is the healthier: Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel?
The Old English Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
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: Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Deafness
Entropion
Diabetes
Heat Intolerance
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?
Average
The Old English Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
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
Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel lifespan comparison. How long do Old English Sheepdog, Portuguese Water Dog and Irish Water Spaniel breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Old English Sheepdog: 11 years
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: Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Old English Sheepdog 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 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.

Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Old English Sheepdog or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel energy level comparison:
Old English Sheepdog dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are high-energy dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Old English Sheepdog or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Old English Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
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: Old English Sheepdog or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?
Old English Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs don't need too much sleep.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs don't need too much sleep.

Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Old English Sheepdog or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?
Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day. 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? Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Old English Sheepdog's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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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.

Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel coat comparison:
Waterproof
Shaggy
Double
Curly Dense
Curly
Tight
Colors
What are the original Old English Sheepdog, Portuguese Water Dog and Irish Water Spaniel color?
Gray
Blue
White
Grizzle
Merle
Black
White
Brown
Brown
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Old English Sheepdog or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel grooming comparison:
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
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 Old English Sheepdog or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Old English Sheepdog or Portuguese Water Dog or {name3 shedding:
Old English Sheepdog dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
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: Old English Sheepdog or 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.
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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
Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel?

Medium

The Old English Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

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?
The Old English Sheepdog is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
See more.
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.

Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Old English Sheepdog dogs are usually friendly towards other 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 Old English Sheepdog or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Which dog is more friendly?
Old English Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
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 Old English Sheepdog or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?
Old English Sheepdog dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
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 Old English Sheepdog or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?
Old English Sheepdog dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
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 Old English Sheepdog or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?
Old English Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly 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 good for the first-time owners: Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel?
Yes
Old English Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
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
Old English Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
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?
Old English Sheepdogs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Portuguese Water Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
Irish Water Spaniels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Old English Sheepdog vs 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.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Old English Sheepdog or 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.

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.

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.

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: Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel?

Not really

Old English Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

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.

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.

Not really

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

Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 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.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Old English Sheepdog and Portuguese Water Dog and Irish Water Spaniel have?
5-8 puppies 4-8 puppies 4-12 puppies

Old English Sheepdog vs 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 1888 as a Herding breed. 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 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. 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 Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
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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