English Springer Spaniel vs Irish Water Spaniel
Sporting · Medium vs Sporting · Large
English Springer SpanielMedium
A friendly, playful, obedient gundog — bred to spring game from cover for the hunter's net or gun.
Weight: 50–55 lbsLifespan: 12–14 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 50–55 lbs for the English Springer Spaniel.
- • The English Springer Spaniel typically lives longer (12–14 years).
- • The Irish Water Spaniel sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | English Springer Spaniel | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
Group | Sporting | Sporting |
Size | Medium | Large |
Origin | England | Ireland |
Height (male) | 19–21" | 22–24" |
Height (female) | 18–20" | 21–23" |
Weight (male) | 50–55 lbs | 55–68 lbs |
Weight (female) | 40–50 lbs | 45–58 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–14 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. | 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. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Low (2/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | 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 | medium | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
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About the English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is a friendly, playful, obedient gundog — bred to spring game from cover for the hunter's net or gun. Originally from England, this medium sporting breed typically weighs 50–55 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, playful, obedient.
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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English Springer Spaniel health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye conditions
- • Ear infections
- • Phosphofructokinase deficiency
Irish Water Spaniel health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism