Beagle vs Irish Water Spaniel
Hound · Small vs Sporting · Large
BeagleSmall
A friendly, curious, merry scenthound — the world's most popular small hound, famous for its bay.
Weight: 20–30 lbsLifespan: 10–15 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 20–30 lbs for the Beagle.
- • The Irish Water Spaniel sheds less.
- • The Irish Water Spaniel is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Beagle | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
Group | Hound | Sporting |
Size | Small | Large |
Origin | England | Ireland |
Height (male) | 13–15" | 22–24" |
Height (female) | 13–15" | 21–23" |
Weight (male) | 20–30 lbs | 55–68 lbs |
Weight (female) | 20–30 lbs | 45–58 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 10–15 years | 12–13 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | High (4/5) | 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. | Low (2/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Very High (5/5) | Low (2/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with strangers | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | short | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
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About the Beagle
The Beagle is a friendly, curious, merry scenthound — the world's most popular small hound, famous for its bay. Originally from England, this small hound breed typically weighs 20–30 lbs and lives 10–15 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, curious, merry.
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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Beagle health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Obesity
- • Epilepsy
- • Hypothyroidism
- • Ear infections
Irish Water Spaniel health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism