Irish Water Spaniel vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Sporting · Large vs Herding · 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
Pembroke Welsh CorgiSmall
A smart, alert, affectionate herder on stumpy legs — the favorite breed of Queen Elizabeth II.
Weight: 24–30 lbsLifespan: 12–13 years
Quick take
- • Irish Water Spaniel is the larger breed at 55–68 lbs (males) vs 24–30 lbs for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
- • The Irish Water Spaniel sheds less.
- • The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Irish Water Spaniel | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
Group | Sporting | Herding |
Size | Large | Small |
Origin | Ireland | Wales |
Height (male) | 22–24" | 10–12" |
Height (female) | 21–23" | 10–12" |
Weight (male) | 55–68 lbs | 24–30 lbs |
Weight (female) | 45–58 lbs | 24–28 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–13 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) | 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) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very Low (1/5) | High (4/5) |
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) | High (4/5) |
Good with kids | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
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 | medium |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | No |
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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 Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a smart, alert, affectionate herder on stumpy legs — the favorite breed of Queen Elizabeth II. Originally from Wales, this small herding breed typically weighs 24–30 lbs and lives 12–13 years. Breeders describe them as smart, alert, affectionate.
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Irish Water Spaniel health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism
Pembroke Welsh Corgi health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • IVDD
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Degenerative myelopathy
- • Obesity