Cocker Spaniel vs Irish Water Spaniel
Sporting · Small vs Sporting · Large
Cocker SpanielSmall
A gentle, smart, happy gundog — Disney's Lady, with the gorgeous flowing coat and merry tail.
Weight: 25–30 lbsLifespan: 10–14 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 25–30 lbs for the Cocker Spaniel.
- • The Irish Water Spaniel typically lives longer (12–13 years).
- • The Irish Water Spaniel sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Cocker Spaniel | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
Group | Sporting | Sporting |
Size | Small | Large |
Origin | USA | Ireland |
Height (male) | 14.5–15.5" | 22–24" |
Height (female) | 13.5–14.5" | 21–23" |
Weight (male) | 25–30 lbs | 55–68 lbs |
Weight (female) | 20–25 lbs | 45–58 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 10–14 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. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Low (2/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | High (4/5) | 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 | 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 | long | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
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About the Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel is a gentle, smart, happy gundog — Disney's Lady, with the gorgeous flowing coat and merry tail. Originally from USA, this small sporting breed typically weighs 25–30 lbs and lives 10–14 years. Breeders describe them as gentle, smart, happy.
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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Cocker Spaniel health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Eye conditions
- • Ear infections
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Heart disease
Irish Water Spaniel health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism