Irish Water Spaniel vs Pomsky

Sporting · Large vs Miscellaneous · Small

Quick take
  • Irish Water Spaniel is the larger breed at 55–68 lbs (males) vs 20–30 lbs for the Pomsky.
  • The Pomsky typically lives longer (13–15 years).
  • The Pomsky has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Irish Water Spaniel sheds less.
  • The Irish Water Spaniel is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitIrish Water SpanielPomsky
Group
SportingMiscellaneous
Size
LargeSmall
Origin
IrelandUSA
Height (male)
22–24"10–15"
Height (female)
21–23"10–15"
Weight (male)
55–68 lbs20–30 lbs
Weight (female)
45–58 lbs20–30 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–13 years13–15 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)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)High (4/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
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)Moderate (3/5)
Coat length
longlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
YesNo
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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 Pomsky

The Pomsky is an energetic, playful, intelligent Pomeranian × Husky hybrid — Husky's fluff in a Pomeranian frame. Originally from USA, this small miscellaneous breed typically weighs 20–30 lbs and lives 13–15 years. Breeders describe them as energetic, playful, intelligent.

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Irish Water Spaniel health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders
  • Hypothyroidism

Pomsky health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders
  • Skin allergies