Large · Sporting group
Irish Water Spaniel
Irish Water Spaniel is a large dog in the Sporting group. AKC scores point to moderate energy, moderate grooming needs, lower shedding, and higher trainability.
Illustrative image. Individual dogs vary in markings and build.
- Life expectancy
- 12-13 years
- Typical weight
- 55-68 pounds (male), 45-58 pounds (female)
- Typical height
- 22-24 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female)
- Origin
- Ireland
- AKC recognized
- 1878
AKC trait scores
The broad tendencies, in one view.
Scores use the AKC's 1-to-5 scale. They describe a breed tendency, not a specific dog or a guarantee of behavior.
Daily rhythm
Energy
Lower means a calmer everyday energy level.
Mental work
Higher means more regular mental engagement.
Vocal tendency
Higher means more frequent barking or vocalizing.
Adaptability
Higher means more ease with routine or environment changes.
Home upkeep
Shedding
Higher means more loose coat to manage.
Grooming frequency
Higher means more frequent coat maintenance.
Drooling
Higher means more drool to live with.
Trainability
Higher means the breed usually picks up training faster.
Social tendencies
Young children
Patience around young children.
Other dogs
How the breed tends to do with other dogs.
Strangers
Higher means more openness to new people.
Family affection
Affection toward the family.
See if the whole pattern fits
Take the lifestyle quiz.
Compare this profile with the full sourced set instead of choosing from one trait.
Build a shortlistPlan the commitment
Price the size, not the fantasy.
Start a 15-year planning view using the published adult-size class.
Open the cost plannerOfficial source
Read the AKC profile.
Review the source page and contact the breed's national parent club for deeper research.
Open official profileKeep comparing