American Cocker Spaniel vs Irish Water Spaniel
Compare American Cocker Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel: size, life expectancy, temperament and care side by side.
American Cocker Spaniel
VS
Irish Water Spaniel
Comparison table
Show differences only
Characteristic
American Cocker Spaniel
Irish Water Spaniel
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
35 – 38 cm
51 – 61 cm
Weight
10 – 14 kg
25 – 34 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 16 years
12 – 14 years
Child friendly
4/5
5/5
Energy level
3/5
4/5
Intelligence
4/5
4/5
Trainability
4/5
4/5
Health
4/5
3/5
Grooming needs
3/5
3/5
Shedding
3/5
2/5
Barking level
2/5
Not available
Aggressiveness
2/5
Not available
The 1–5 scale shows the level of each trait. A higher value means more of that trait. Individual animals may vary.
Characteristics
American Cocker Spaniel
Great with kids
Super smart
Quiet
Easy to train
Small
Irish Water Spaniel
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Quiet
Easy to train
Large
Summary
About American Cocker Spaniel
American Cocker Spaniel: a small, sturdy gundog with a silky coat and large, expressive eyes. Cheerful, affectionate, and people‑oriented, it suits active families. Needs daily exercise, mental stimulation, gentle positive training, and regular, thorough grooming and ear care.
About Irish Water Spaniel
Medium–large, athletic gundog with a distinctive curly liver coat, smooth face and tapering “rat tail.” Clever, water‑loving retriever that forms close bonds, often to one person. Needs substantial daily exercise, mental work, regular grooming and kind, consistent training.
Similar breeds
More breeds
