Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhound
VS
Irish Water Spaniel
Irish Water Spaniel

Irish Wolfhound vs Irish Water Spaniel

Compare Irish Wolfhound and Irish Water Spaniel side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Irish Wolfhound
Irish Water Spaniel
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
71 – 90 cm
51 – 61 cm
Weight
40 – 69 kg
25 – 34 kg
Life expectancy
6 – 8 years
12 – 14 years
Child friendly
5/5
5/5
Energy level
3/5
4/5
Intelligence
3/5
4/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
3/5
3/5
Grooming needs
3/5
3/5
Shedding
3/5
2/5
Barking level
1/5
0/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
0/5
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Characteristics

Irish Wolfhound
Great with kids
Quiet
Giant
Irish Water Spaniel
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Quiet
Easy to train
Large

Summary

About Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are giant, tall hounds with a strong yet graceful build and a rough, weather‑resistant coat. Calm, gentle and sensitive, they are low‑key indoors but need steady exercise and space. They have notable health risks and a relatively short lifespan, so careful breeding and care are vital.
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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