Cockapoo vs Irish Water Spaniel

Miscellaneous · Small vs Sporting · Large

Quick take
  • Irish Water Spaniel is the larger breed at 55–68 lbs (males) vs 12–24 lbs for the Cockapoo.
  • The Cockapoo typically lives longer (13–16 years).
  • The Irish Water Spaniel sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitCockapooIrish Water Spaniel
Group
MiscellaneousSporting
Size
SmallLarge
Origin
USAIreland
Height (male)
10–15"22–24"
Height (female)
10–15"21–23"
Weight (male)
12–24 lbs55–68 lbs
Weight (female)
12–24 lbs45–58 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
13–16 years12–13 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.
Low (2/5)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.
Low (2/5)Low (2/5)
Good with kids
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Good with other dogs
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with strangers
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Low (2/5)Moderate (3/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Coat length
longlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
YesYes
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About the Cockapoo

The Cockapoo is a people-loving, intelligent, low-shed Cocker Spaniel × Poodle hybrid — smaller doodle, apartment-sized. Originally from USA, this small miscellaneous breed typically weighs 12–24 lbs and lives 13–16 years. Breeders describe them as people-loving, intelligent, easygoing.

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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Cockapoo health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Patellar luxation
  • Ear infections
  • Eye disorders
  • Hip dysplasia

Irish Water Spaniel health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders
  • Hypothyroidism