• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet vs Irish Water Spaniel Comparison - Dog breed selector: Cao De Agua or French Water Dog or Bog Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet vs Irish Water Spaniel" Compare Portuguese Water Dog and Barbet. Which is better: Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet or Irish Water Spaniel?
 
 
 
Name Portuguese Water Dog Barbet Irish Water Spaniel
OriginsPortugal flagPortugal France flagFrance Ireland flagIreland
Group Working Dogs Gun Dog Gun Dog
Popularity Rank54404164
Reviews511
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel breeds.
Cao De Agua
Portie
Water Dog
French Water Dog Bog Dog
Rat Tail Spaniel
Shannon Spaniel
Whiptail
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet vs Irish Water Spaniel Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Large
Medium
Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 42-55 pounds (19-25 kg), Female: 35-49 pounds (16-22 kg) 37–62 pounds (17–28 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) 37–62 pounds (17–28 kg ) 55 pounds (25 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet or Irish Water Spaniel? Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet vs Irish Water Spaniel height comparison:
Male: 20-22 inches (50-57 cm), Female: 17-20 inches (43-52 cm) Male: 23–26 inches (58–65 cm), Female: 21–24 inches (53–61 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) Male: 23–26 inches (58–65 cm), Female: 21–24 inches (53–61 cm) 21.5 inches (54.5 cm)

Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet vs Irish Water Spaniel Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Find price differences between these breeds.
$2500-$2800 $600-$1000 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet or Irish Water Spaniel?
Very frequent: The Portuguese Water Dog is quite easy to get.
Average: The Barbet is a commonly available dog breed.
Frequent: The Irish Water Spaniel is easier than average to get.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet vs Irish Water Spaniel Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Portuguese Water Dog dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Very smart: Irish Water Spaniel is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which is easiest to train?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Barbet dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed is most alert?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Barbet dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed is most protective?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Barbet dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet vs Irish Water Spaniel Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel? Compare temperaments.
Intelligent
Docile
Obedient
Brave
Impetuous
Quarrelsome
Intelligent
Obedient
Joyful
Companionable
Cheerful
Active
Clownish
Alert
Intelligent
Quick
Inquisitive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Barbet dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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 Barbet vs Irish Water Spaniel?
High: Portuguese Water Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Barbet 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 Barbet vs Irish Water Spaniel social needs comparison:
Portuguese Water Dog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Barbet dogs are a social breed.
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?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Barbet 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?
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.
Barbet 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 Barbet vs Irish Water Spaniel Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Portuguese Water Dog rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Barbet rarely barks.
See more.
Average: The Irish Water Spaniel barks occasionally.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed is most playful?
The Portuguese Water Dog is a playful breed.
See more.
The Barbet is a highly playful breed.
See more.
The Irish Water Spaniel is a playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Apartment-friendly dog the Portuguese Water Dog breed.
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 Barbet indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Irish Water Spaniel breed in the home.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet vs Irish Water Spaniel Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed is most flexible?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Barbet dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet 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.
Barbet dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet vs Irish Water Spaniel Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

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

Low 🔽

The Barbet has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Irish Water Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which uses mouth most during play?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Barbet dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Portuguese Water Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Barbet bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Water Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet vs Irish Water Spaniel Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed lives longest?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog: 12 years
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Barbet: 14 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Irish Water Spaniel: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which handles climate changes best?
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 Barbet 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.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which has fewer health issues?
The Portuguese Water Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Barbets tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Irish Water Spaniels are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Portuguese Water Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Frequent
The Barbet should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) 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).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet vs Irish Water Spaniel? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet 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
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Epilepsy
Entropion
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Hernia
Overbite
Underbite
No data available

Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet vs Irish Water Spaniel Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed is most active?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are high-energy dogs.
Barbet dogs are high-energy dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet vs Irish Water Spaniel exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet 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.
Barbet dogs have an average exercise need.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet or Irish Water Spaniel?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs don't need too much sleep.
Barbet dogs don't need too much sleep.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs don't need too much sleep.

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

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Portuguese Water Dog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Barbet has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Irish Water Spaniel has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which needs most food?
2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet vs Irish Water Spaniel Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. What colors are available?
Black
White
Brown
Black
Gray
White
Brown
Fawn
Brown
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Portuguese Water Dog requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Barbet requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Advanced: The Irish Water Spaniel requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which drools least?
The Portuguese Water Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Barbet 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.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

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

Medium

The Barbet has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Irish Water Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Curly Waterproof Dense
Curly
Tight
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which requires most frequent baths?
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.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet or Irish Water Spaniel? Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet or {name3 shedding:
Portuguese Water Dog dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Barbet dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet vs Irish Water Spaniel Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which is best with kids?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Barbet dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Barbet dogs are generally with 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 Barbet or Irish Water Spaniel? Which dog is more friendly?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Barbet dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet or Irish Water Spaniel?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Barbet dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet or Irish Water Spaniel?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Barbet dogs are average friendly towards other 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: Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet vs Irish Water Spaniel?
Yes
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Barbet 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.
Yes
Barbet is one of the best dog breeds 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.
Barbets are usually recommended for elderly people.
Irish Water Spaniels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

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

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which is best suited for service work?

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 Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which excels in therapy work?

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.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which has best nose work ability?

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 & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which is best for SAR work?

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which is best suited for water work?

Yes

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

Yes

Barbet breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Yes

Irish Water Spaniel breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which is best for draft work?

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.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which has most military use?

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.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet vs Irish Water Spaniel Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which has most puppies?
4-8 puppies 4-6 puppies 4-12 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. What's recommended?

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.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet vs Irish Water Spaniel Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983 as a Hound breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club as a Miscellaneous breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. How are they classified internationally?
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. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which has most recognition?
American Kennel Club
Canadian Kennel Club
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Australian National Kennel Council
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
The Kennel Club
American Kennel Club
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
No data available

Rate This Comparsion - Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet vs Irish Water Spaniel

Reviews