Shetland Sheepdog
VS
Irish Water Spaniel
Shetland Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel
Compare Shetland Sheepdog 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
Shetland Sheepdog
Irish Water Spaniel
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
35 – 37 cm
51 – 61 cm
Weight
6 – 12 kg
25 – 34 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 13 years
12 – 14 years
Child friendly
3/5
5/5
Energy level
4/5
4/5
Intelligence
5/5
4/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
4/5
3/5
Grooming needs
4/5
3/5
Shedding
5/5
2/5
Barking level
5/5
0/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
0/5
Characteristics
Shetland Sheepdog
High energy
Super smart
Small
Irish Water Spaniel
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Quiet
Easy to train
Large
Summary
About Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog is a small to medium, agile herding breed with a dense double coat and striking colors. Bright, sensitive, and very people focused, it bonds closely with family, is reserved with strangers, excels in dog sports, and needs regular grooming, daily walks, and mental exercise.
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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