Cane Corso vs Irish Water Spaniel
Working · Large vs Sporting · Large
Cane CorsoLarge
An assertive, smart, intelligent Italian guard mastiff — Roman war dog turned modern protector.
Weight: 99–110 lbsLifespan: 9–12 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
- • Cane Corso is the larger breed at 99–110 lbs (males) vs 55–68 lbs for the Irish Water Spaniel.
- • The Irish Water Spaniel typically lives longer (12–13 years).
- • The Irish Water Spaniel sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Cane Corso | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
Group | Working | Sporting |
Size | Large | Large |
Origin | Italy | Ireland |
Height (male) | 25–27.5" | 22–24" |
Height (female) | 23.5–26" | 21–23" |
Weight (male) | 99–110 lbs | 55–68 lbs |
Weight (female) | 88–99 lbs | 45–58 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 9–12 years | 12–13 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | High (4/5) | 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. | Very Low (1/5) | High (4/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | High (4/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) |
Good with kids | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with strangers | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | short | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
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About the Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is an assertive, smart, intelligent Italian guard mastiff — Roman war dog turned modern protector. Originally from Italy, this large working breed typically weighs 99–110 lbs and lives 9–12 years. Breeders describe them as assertive, smart, intelligent.
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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Cane Corso health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Bloat
- • Eye problems
- • Cherry eye
Irish Water Spaniel health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism