Irish Water Spaniel vs Portuguese Water Dog
Sporting · Large vs Working · 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
Portuguese Water DogMedium
An affectionate, athletic, smart fisherman's dog — Bo Obama's breed, swims and herds fish into nets.
Weight: 42–60 lbsLifespan: 11–13 years
Quick take
- • Irish Water Spaniel is the larger breed at 55–68 lbs (males) vs 42–60 lbs for the Portuguese Water Dog.
- • The Irish Water Spaniel typically lives longer (12–13 years).
- • The Portuguese Water Dog is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Irish Water Spaniel | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
Group | Sporting | Working |
Size | Large | Medium |
Origin | Ireland | Portugal |
Height (male) | 22–24" | 20–23" |
Height (female) | 21–23" | 17–21" |
Weight (male) | 55–68 lbs | 42–60 lbs |
Weight (female) | 45–58 lbs | 35–50 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–13 years | 11–13 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) | 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) | High (4/5) |
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) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
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 Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is an affectionate, athletic, smart fisherman's dog — Bo Obama's breed, swims and herds fish into nets. Originally from Portugal, this medium working breed typically weighs 42–60 lbs and lives 11–13 years. Breeders describe them as affectionate, athletic, smart.
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Irish Water Spaniel health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism
Portuguese Water Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Storage diseases