Irish Water Spaniel vs Labradoodle
Sporting · Large vs Miscellaneous · Large
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
LabradoodleLarge
A friendly, energetic, intelligent Labrador × Poodle hybrid — the original 'doodle' bred for service work.
Weight: 50–65 lbsLifespan: 12–14 years
Quick take
- • Labradoodle is the larger breed at 50–65 lbs (males) vs 55–68 lbs for the Irish Water Spaniel.
- • The Labradoodle typically lives longer (12–14 years).
- • The Labradoodle has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Irish Water Spaniel sheds less.
- • The Labradoodle is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Irish Water Spaniel | Labradoodle |
|---|---|---|
Group | Sporting | Miscellaneous |
Size | Large | Large |
Origin | Ireland | Australia |
Height (male) | 22–24" | 21–24" |
Height (female) | 21–23" | 21–24" |
Weight (male) | 55–68 lbs | 50–65 lbs |
Weight (female) | 45–58 lbs | 50–65 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–13 years | 12–14 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
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) | Low (2/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Low (2/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) |
Good with kids | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with strangers | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | long | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | Yes |
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 Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a friendly, energetic, intelligent Labrador × Poodle hybrid — the original 'doodle' bred for service work. Originally from Australia, this large miscellaneous breed typically weighs 50–65 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, energetic, intelligent.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Irish Water Spaniel health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism
Labradoodle health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Allergies