Australian Kelpie vs Irish Water Spaniel
Compare Australian Kelpie and Irish Water Spaniel: size, life expectancy, temperament and care side by side.
Australian Kelpie
VS
Irish Water Spaniel
Comparison Table
Show Differences Only
Characteristic
Australian Kelpie
Irish Water Spaniel
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
FCI Group
1 – Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs
8 – Retrievers, Flushing Dogs and Water Dogs
Height
43 – 51 cm
51 – 61 cm
Weight
14 – 20 kg
25 – 34 kg
Life Expectancy
11 – 15 years
12 – 14 years
Child-Friendly
5/5
5/5
Energy Level
3/5
4/5
Intelligence
5/5
4/5
Trainability
5/5
4/5
Health
4/5
3/5
Grooming Needs
3/5
3/5
Shedding
3/5
2/5
Barking Level
4/5
Not Available
Aggressiveness
3/5
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
Australian Kelpie
Great with Kids
Very Smart
Easy to Train
Medium
Irish Water Spaniel
Great with Kids
High Energy
Very Smart
Quiet
Easy to Train
Large
Summary
About Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie is a medium, athletic herding dog, bred for stamina and focus. Intelligent and quick to learn, it needs extensive daily exercise and mental work. Affectionate yet independent, it excels in herding and dog sports, stays generally healthy, and suits active, committed homes.
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.
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