Goldendoodle vs Irish Water Spaniel

Miscellaneous · Large vs Sporting · Large

Quick take
  • Goldendoodle is the larger breed at 50–90 lbs (males) vs 55–68 lbs for the Irish Water Spaniel.
  • The Irish Water Spaniel sheds less.
  • The Goldendoodle is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitGoldendoodleIrish Water Spaniel
Group
MiscellaneousSporting
Size
LargeLarge
Origin
USAIreland
Height (male)
20–24"22–24"
Height (female)
20–24"21–23"
Weight (male)
50–90 lbs55–68 lbs
Weight (female)
50–90 lbs45–58 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
10–15 years12–13 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
High (4/5)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.
Low (2/5)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
Very High (5/5)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.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Coat length
longlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
YesYes
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About the Goldendoodle

The Goldendoodle is a friendly, smart, family-oriented Golden Retriever × Poodle hybrid — top US designer dog of the 2020s. Originally from USA, this large miscellaneous breed typically weighs 50–90 lbs and lives 10–15 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, smart, family-oriented.

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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Goldendoodle health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Heart conditions
  • Eye disorders
  • Allergies

Irish Water Spaniel health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders
  • Hypothyroidism