Irish Water Spaniel has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Rafeiro Do Alentejo has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.

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 Rafeiro Do Alentejo is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Active
Clownish
Intelligent
Alert
Inquisitive
Quick

Calm
Protective
Sober
Independent
Selfish
Confidence
Territorial

Irish Water Spaniels shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Irish Water Spaniels make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

Choose a Rafeiro Do Alentejo if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Ireland

Portugal

poodle, portuguese water dog, barbet

Mastiff-Type

1800s

Unknown

Sporting (AKC:1884)
Gun Dogs (UKC)

Guardian Dog (UKC)

Brown
Amber

Brown

Black
Brown

Black

Brown

Pied
Brindle
Fawn
Gray
Black

Irish Water Spaniels have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos have medium-length coats.

Curly

Straight

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

Rafeiro Do Alentejos have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

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.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism

Usually Very Healthy

Otitis Externa
Entropion
Eye Problems
Hypothyroidism

Hip Dysplasia

Eye
Hip
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination

X-Rays
General Physical Examination
OFA on hips and elbows

Irish Water Spaniels thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are a good choice for a low-key lifestyle due to their low energy levels.

Irish Water Spaniel has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

Rafeiro Do Alentejo has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Irish Water Spaniels need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

Irish Water Spaniels are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are known for their relaxed and calm nature and enjoy long periods of sleep.

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

Rafeiro Do Alentejo is an average drooler, monitor for excessive drooling which may indicate health issues.

Irish Water Spaniels bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Rafeiro Do Alentejo dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

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

Rafeiro Do Alentejo dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

Walking, Swimming, Hunting, Running

Hug, Walk, Run, Chase, Fetch, Tug-of-war

Irish Water Spaniels are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

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 Rafeiro Do Alentejo, it's at least 10 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 Rafeiro Do Alentejos usually need at least 60 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 Rafeiro Do Alentejo has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

For an average 55-68 pound (25 - 31 kg) Irish Water Spaniel feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 88-110 pound (40 - 50 kg) Rafeiro Do Alentejo feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

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

The average cost of a Rafeiro Do Alentejo is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 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 Rafeiro Do Alentejo is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 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.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos 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.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

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

The Rafeiro Do Alentejo 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 make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Irish Water Spaniels are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are not very stranger friendly.

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

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are not very fond of playing and prefer other activities.

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

Rafeiro Do Alentejos can be difficult to train and require consistent and patient training.