While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Irish Water Spaniels are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Unfortunately, the Pointer is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Active
Clownish
Intelligent
Alert
Inquisitive
Quick

Active
Amiable
Kind
Intelligent
Affectionate
Outright
Tempered
Loyal

Ireland

England

poodle, portuguese water dog, barbet

Pointer, Hound, Newfoundland Dog, Setter, Bulldog

1800s

1600s

Sporting (AKC:1884)
Gun Dogs (UKC)

Sporting (AKC:1884)
Gun Dogs (UKC)

Brown
Amber

Hazel
Brown

Black
Brown

Black
Brown
Isabella

Brown

Black
Brown
White
Isabella

Irish Water Spaniels have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Pointers have short coats.

Curly

Straight

An Irish Water Spaniel can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Pointer can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Irish Water Spaniels are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Pointers are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Irish Water Spaniels typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

The Pointer is prone to health issues and requires regular check-ups with a vet to identify and treat any problems early.

Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism

Hip Dysplasia

Otitis Externa
Entropion
Eye Problems
Hypothyroidism

Bloat
Congenital Heart Defect
Eye Conditions

Eye
Hip
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Cardiac
Hip
Heart
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Irish Water Spaniel has low drooling tendency, suitable for those who dislike drool marks.

Pointer minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

While Irish Water Spaniel dogs can defend their territory or owners, it's not their primary trait, and they are not ideal guard dogs.

Pointer dogs have a strong protective nature and territorial instinct. They are highly vigilant and will fiercely defend their home and family.

Walking, Swimming, Hunting, Running

Walking, Play, Sniffing, Other dogs, Walk, Run, Running, Marking

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Irish Water Spaniel, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Pointer, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Irish Water Spaniels usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Pointers usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Irish Water Spaniels require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

The Pointer is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Scissors
Nail Clipper

The average cost of an Irish Water Spaniel is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

The average cost of a Pointer is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

The average per month expenses of an Irish Water Spaniel is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Pointer is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Irish Water Spaniel is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Pointers are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

Pointers have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

Irish Water Spaniels can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

The Pointer is not suitable for apartments and requires a large yard to thrive. Pent-up energy in small spaces can lead to destructive behavior.

Irish Water Spaniels are somewhat cat friendly and can be trained to get along with cats.

Pointers are not cat friendly.

Irish Water Spaniels are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.

Pointers are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Irish Water Spaniels are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Pointers are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Irish Water Spaniels are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

The Pointer is highly intelligent and eager to please, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced dog owners due to its easy trainability.