Chow Chow vs Irish Water Spaniel
Non-Sporting · Medium vs Sporting · Large
Chow ChowMedium
A dignified, bright, serious-minded ancient Chinese breed with a famous purple-blue tongue.
Weight: 45–70 lbsLifespan: 8–12 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
- • Chow Chow is the larger breed at 45–70 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 has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Irish Water Spaniel sheds less.
- • The Irish Water Spaniel is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Chow Chow | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
Group | Non-Sporting | Sporting |
Size | Medium | Large |
Origin | China | Ireland |
Height (male) | 17–20" | 22–24" |
Height (female) | 17–20" | 21–23" |
Weight (male) | 45–70 lbs | 55–68 lbs |
Weight (female) | 45–70 lbs | 45–58 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 8–12 years | 12–13 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Moderate (3/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Very Low (1/5) | Low (2/5) |
Good with kids | Moderate (3/5) | 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. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | long | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
Ad slot · compare-mid
About the Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a dignified, bright, serious-minded ancient Chinese breed with a famous purple-blue tongue. Originally from China, this medium non-sporting breed typically weighs 45–70 lbs and lives 8–12 years. Breeders describe them as dignified, bright, serious-minded.
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.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Chow Chow health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Skin issues
- • Bloat
Irish Water Spaniel health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism