Irish Water Spaniel vs Jack Russell Terrier
Sporting · Large vs Terrier · Small
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
Jack Russell TerrierSmall
A fearless, vocal, athletic small fox terrier — Eddie from Frasier, ten pounds of pure energy.
Weight: 13–17 lbsLifespan: 13–18 years
Quick take
- • Irish Water Spaniel is the larger breed at 55–68 lbs (males) vs 13–17 lbs for the Jack Russell Terrier.
- • The Jack Russell Terrier typically lives longer (13–18 years).
- • The Jack Russell Terrier has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Irish Water Spaniel sheds less.
- • The Irish Water Spaniel is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Irish Water Spaniel | Jack Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
Group | Sporting | Terrier |
Size | Large | Small |
Origin | Ireland | England |
Height (male) | 22–24" | 10–15" |
Height (female) | 21–23" | 10–15" |
Weight (male) | 55–68 lbs | 13–17 lbs |
Weight (female) | 45–58 lbs | 13–17 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–13 years | 13–18 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very Low (1/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Low (2/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with kids | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with other dogs | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with strangers | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | long | short |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | No |
Ad slot · compare-mid
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.
About the Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a fearless, vocal, athletic small fox terrier — Eddie from Frasier, ten pounds of pure energy. Originally from England, this small terrier breed typically weighs 13–17 lbs and lives 13–18 years. Breeders describe them as fearless, vocal, athletic.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Irish Water Spaniel health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism
Jack Russell Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Eye disorders
- • Deafness