Cardigan Welsh Corgi vs Irish Water Spaniel
Herding · Small vs Sporting · Large
Cardigan Welsh CorgiSmall
A loyal, smart, affectionate herding dwarf with a long tail — Pembroke's older, mellower cousin.
Weight: 30–38 lbsLifespan: 12–15 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 30–38 lbs for the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
- • The Cardigan Welsh Corgi typically lives longer (12–15 years).
- • The Irish Water Spaniel sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Cardigan Welsh Corgi | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
Group | Herding | Sporting |
Size | Small | Large |
Origin | Wales | Ireland |
Height (male) | 10.5–12.5" | 22–24" |
Height (female) | 10.5–12.5" | 21–23" |
Weight (male) | 30–38 lbs | 55–68 lbs |
Weight (female) | 25–34 lbs | 45–58 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–15 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. | Moderate (3/5) | 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 | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with strangers | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | medium | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
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About the Cardigan Welsh Corgi
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a loyal, smart, affectionate herding dwarf with a long tail — Pembroke's older, mellower cousin. Originally from Wales, this small herding breed typically weighs 30–38 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as loyal, smart, affectionate.
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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Cardigan Welsh Corgi health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • IVDD
- • Eye disorders
Irish Water Spaniel health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism