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Irish Water Spaniel vs Portuguese Water Dog

Side-by-side comparison of two popular breeds — temperament, exercise, grooming, lifespan and common health issues. Use it to decide which breed fits your home.

Irish Water Spaniel vs Portuguese Water Dog — at a glance

The Irish Water Spaniel (20–30 kg, 10–12 years) and the Portuguese Water Dog (16–27 kg, 11–13 years) sit in different — or sometimes overlapping — corners of dog ownership. Here's how they really compare for an everyday Irish or UK family.

Energy levels are well-matched between the Irish Water Spaniel and Portuguese Water Dog — both need similar daily exercise.

For a first-time owner, the Portuguese Water Dog is much more forgiving than the Irish Water Spaniel.

Insurance premiums for breeds with brachycephalic, joint or cancer predispositions run 20–40% above average — check before you commit. We have a free quote calculator here.

Irish Water Spaniel Portuguese Water Dog
Group Sporting Working
Origin Ireland Portugal
Weight 20–30 kg 16–27 kg
Height 53–61 cm 43–58 cm
Lifespan 10–12 years 11–13 years
Energy level
Trainability
Grooming needs
Good with kids
Good with other pets
Hypoallergenic
Watchdog instinct
Novice-owner OK

Irish Water Spaniel

Temperament

Energetic, intelligent, mischievous. Bonds intensely with family. Reserved with strangers (not aggressive, just aloof). Loves water above all else — give them a pond, a paddling pool, or expect them to find puddles.

Exercise

60–90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. Built for endurance. Swimming is non-negotiable — they're visibly happier when wet.

Grooming

Tight curls need brushing 2× weekly to prevent matting. Trim every 6–8 weeks to maintain coat shape. Non-shedding, considered hypoallergenic. Ear cleaning weekly (long, hairy, hangs in water → infection prone).

Health

Generally healthy but rare = limited gene pool. Watch for: hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, follicular dysplasia (coat issues), drug sensitivities (avoid sulphonamides, ivermectin without testing).

Full Irish Water Spaniel profile →

Portuguese Water Dog

Temperament

Friendly, intelligent, energetic, biddable.

Exercise

60–90 minutes daily plus swimming if possible.

Grooming

Long curly coat. Brush 3× weekly; trim every 6–8 weeks.

Health

Hip dysplasia. Juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy (DNA test). PRA. Storage disease GM1 (DNA test).

Full Portuguese Water Dog profile →

Which is right for you?

Pick the Irish Water Spaniel if

Active families near water, those wanting a hypoallergenic sporting dog, sense-of-humour required.

Pick the Portuguese Water Dog if

Allergy-sensitive families, water-loving households, active homes.

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