Irish Water Spaniel vs Manchester 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
Manchester TerrierSmall
A keen, devoted, observant English ratter — sleek black-and-tan terrier, gentleman's rat-pit champion.
Weight: 12–22 lbsLifespan: 15–17 years
Quick take
- • Irish Water Spaniel is the larger breed at 55–68 lbs (males) vs 12–22 lbs for the Manchester Terrier.
- • The Manchester Terrier typically lives longer (15–17 years).
- • The Irish Water Spaniel sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Irish Water Spaniel | Manchester Terrier |
|---|---|---|
Group | Sporting | Terrier |
Size | Large | Small |
Origin | Ireland | England |
Height (male) | 22–24" | 15–16" |
Height (female) | 21–23" | 15–16" |
Weight (male) | 55–68 lbs | 12–22 lbs |
Weight (female) | 45–58 lbs | 12–22 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–13 years | 15–17 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. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very Low (1/5) | Low (2/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | High (4/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with kids | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
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) | High (4/5) |
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 Manchester Terrier
The Manchester Terrier is a keen, devoted, observant English ratter — sleek black-and-tan terrier, gentleman's rat-pit champion. Originally from England, this small terrier breed typically weighs 12–22 lbs and lives 15–17 years. Breeders describe them as keen, devoted, observant.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Irish Water Spaniel health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism
Manchester Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Von Willebrand's disease
- • Heart problems
- • Eye disorders