Australian Shepherd vs Irish Water Spaniel
Compare Australian Shepherd and Irish Water Spaniel: size, life expectancy, temperament and care side by side.
Australian Shepherd
VS
Irish Water Spaniel
Comparison Table
Show Differences Only
Characteristic
Australian Shepherd
Irish Water Spaniel
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
FCI Group
1 – Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs
8 – Retrievers, Flushing Dogs and Water Dogs
Height
46 – 58 cm
51 – 61 cm
Weight
14 – 29 kg
25 – 34 kg
Life Expectancy
13 – 16 years
12 – 14 years
Child-Friendly
3/5
5/5
Energy Level
3/5
4/5
Intelligence
3/5
4/5
Trainability
4/5
4/5
Health
4/5
3/5
Grooming Needs
4/5
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 Shepherd
Easy to Train
Medium
Irish Water Spaniel
Great with Kids
High Energy
Very Smart
Quiet
Easy to Train
Large
Summary
About Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a medium, athletic herding dog, highly intelligent and energetic. Loyal and people oriented, it bonds closely and needs substantial daily exercise, training, and mental work. Its striking, weather resistant coat and varied eye colors add to its appeal.
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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