Australian Cattle Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel
Herding · Medium vs Sporting · Large
Australian Cattle DogMedium
An alert, curious, pleasant herding dog with a blue or red speckled coat — needs intense daily exercise.
Weight: 35–50 lbsLifespan: 12–16 years
Irish Water SpanielLarge
A playful, hardworking, brave water retriever — Ireland's sporting clown with a famous rat-tail.
Weight: 55–68 lbsLifespan: 12–13 years
Quick take
- • Irish Water Spaniel is the larger breed at 55–68 lbs (males) vs 35–50 lbs for the Australian Cattle Dog.
- • The Australian Cattle Dog typically lives longer (12–16 years).
- • The Australian Cattle Dog has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Irish Water Spaniel sheds less.
- • The Australian Cattle Dog is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Australian Cattle Dog | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
Group | Herding | Sporting |
Size | Medium | Large |
Origin | Australia | Ireland |
Height (male) | 18–20" | 22–24" |
Height (female) | 17–19" | 21–23" |
Weight (male) | 35–50 lbs | 55–68 lbs |
Weight (female) | 35–50 lbs | 45–58 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–16 years | 12–13 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Moderate (3/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) |
Good with kids | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with strangers | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | short | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
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About the Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is an alert, curious, pleasant herding dog with a blue or red speckled coat — needs intense daily exercise. Originally from Australia, this medium herding breed typically weighs 35–50 lbs and lives 12–16 years. Breeders describe them as alert, curious, pleasant.
About the Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is a playful, hardworking, brave water retriever — Ireland's sporting clown with a famous rat-tail. Originally from Ireland, this large sporting breed typically weighs 55–68 lbs and lives 12–13 years. Breeders describe them as playful, hardworking, brave.
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Australian Cattle Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Deafness
- • Progressive retinal atrophy
Irish Water Spaniel health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism