Irish Water Spaniel vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Sporting · Large vs Herding · Medium
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
Polish Lowland SheepdogMedium
A clever, lively, perceptive Polish shaggy herder — shaggy-coated dog known for memory and adaptability.
Weight: 30–50 lbsLifespan: 12–14 years
Quick take
- • Irish Water Spaniel is the larger breed at 55–68 lbs (males) vs 30–50 lbs for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
- • The Polish Lowland Sheepdog typically lives longer (12–14 years).
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Irish Water Spaniel | Polish Lowland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
Group | Sporting | Herding |
Size | Large | Medium |
Origin | Ireland | Poland |
Height (male) | 22–24" | 18–20" |
Height (female) | 21–23" | 17–19" |
Weight (male) | 55–68 lbs | 30–50 lbs |
Weight (female) | 45–58 lbs | 30–50 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–13 years | 12–14 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) | High (4/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with kids | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
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) | High (4/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | long | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | Yes |
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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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a clever, lively, perceptive Polish shaggy herder — shaggy-coated dog known for memory and adaptability. Originally from Poland, this medium herding breed typically weighs 30–50 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as clever, lively, perceptive.
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Irish Water Spaniel health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism
Polish Lowland Sheepdog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders