Irish Water Spaniel vs Toy Poodle
Sporting · Large vs Toy · Toy
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
Toy PoodleToy
An active, intelligent, lively toy version of the Poodle — apartment-friendly hypoallergenic charmer.
Weight: 4–6 lbsLifespan: 10–18 years
Quick take
- • Irish Water Spaniel is the larger breed at 55–68 lbs (males) vs 4–6 lbs for the Toy Poodle.
- • The Toy Poodle typically lives longer (10–18 years).
- • The Toy Poodle is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Irish Water Spaniel | Toy Poodle |
|---|---|---|
Group | Sporting | Toy |
Size | Large | Toy |
Origin | Ireland | Germany |
Height (male) | 22–24" | 9–10" |
Height (female) | 21–23" | 9–10" |
Weight (male) | 55–68 lbs | 4–6 lbs |
Weight (female) | 45–58 lbs | 4–6 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–13 years | 10–18 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) | 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) | Moderate (3/5) |
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) | Very High (5/5) |
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 Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle is an active, intelligent, lively toy version of the Poodle — apartment-friendly hypoallergenic charmer. Originally from Germany, this toy toy breed typically weighs 4–6 lbs and lives 10–18 years. Breeders describe them as active, intelligent, lively.
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Irish Water Spaniel health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism
Toy Poodle health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Tracheal collapse
- • Eye disorders
- • Dental issues