Irish Water Spaniel
The tallest of all spaniels, with a distinctive curly liver coat and a rat-like tail. Irish Water Spaniels are hardworking retrievers with a clownish sense of humor and a natural love of water.
VS
Portuguese Water Dog
An athletic, water-loving working dog with a hypoallergenic curly coat. Portuguese Water Dogs are energetic, intelligent, and thrive with active families who love the outdoors.
Quick Answer
Choose Irish Water Spaniel if you want a great companion. Choose Portuguese Water Dog if you want easier to train.
Quick Comparison
Irish Water Spaniel
Attribute
Portuguese Water Dog
large
Size
medium
20–30 kg (44–66 lbs)
Weight
16–27 kg (35–60 lbs)
51–61 cm (20–24 in)
Height
43–57 cm (17–22 in)
12–13 yrs
Lifespan
11–13 yrs
4/5
Trainability
5/5Better
4/5
Energy
5/5
4/5
Good with Kids
4/5
1/5
Shedding
1/5
4/5
Grooming
4/5
2/5
Apartment
2/5
4/5
Health
4/5
Better$1,200–$2,500
Price
$2,000–$4,000
Attribute Comparison
Cost of Ownership
Irish Water Spaniel is less expensive to own annually.
Irish Water Spaniel
Avg. Purchase$1,850
Annual Food$660
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$250
Annual Total$1,410 ✓
Portuguese Water Dog
Avg. Purchase$3,000
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$500
Annual Total$1,550
The upfront cost gap is substantial. A Portuguese Water Dog puppy runs $2,000–$4,000, while a Irish Water Spaniel is $1,200–$2,500.
Temperament & Personality
Irish Water Spaniel is calmer; Portuguese Water Dog is more energetic.
Irish Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Playfulness
5/5
vs5/5
Barking Level
3/5
vs2/5Better
Energy
4/5
vs5/5
Irish Water Spaniels from the Sporting group carry a alert, hardworking and clownish personality, shaped by their heritage as sporting dogs. Portuguese Water Dogs, belonging to the Working group, are adventurous, athletic and affectionate — reflecting their own distinct breeding history.
Exercise & Activity
Portuguese Water Dog needs more exercise; Irish Water Spaniel is lower-maintenance.
Irish Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Energy Level
4/5
vs5/5
Exercise Needs
4/5
vs5/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
vs2/5
The Portuguese Water Dog needs slightly more exercise (5/5) than the Irish Water Spaniel (4/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have very high to high energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Portuguese Water Dog.
Family & Social Life
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Irish Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Good with Kids
4/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs4/5Better
Strangers
2/5
vs3/5Better
Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Training & Intelligence
Portuguese Water Dog is generally easier to train.
Irish Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Trainability
4/5
vs5/5Better
Intelligence
5/5
vs5/5
The Portuguese Water Dog has a slight training edge (5/5 vs 4/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Portuguese Water Dog tends to catch on a bit faster.
Size & Appearance
Irish Water Spaniel is the larger breed; Portuguese Water Dog is more compact.
Irish Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Weight (kg)
20–30
vs16–27
Height (cm)
51–61
vs43–57
The Irish Water Spaniel stands 51–61 cm (20–24 in) and weighs 20–30 kg (44–66 lbs), while the Portuguese Water Dog measures 43–57 cm (17–22 in) and 16–27 kg (35–60 lbs). The Irish Water Spaniel is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
Health & Lifespan
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Irish Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Lifespan (years)
12–13
vs11–13
Health Robustness
4/5
vs4/5
Lifespan is a near-tie: the Irish Water Spaniel lives roughly 12–13 years while the Portuguese Water Dog averages 11–13 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Grooming & Shedding
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
Irish Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Shedding
1/5
vs1/5
Grooming Needs
4/5
vs4/5
Both breeds shed at the same rate (1/5), so fur management will be identical for either choice. Neither breed will leave much hair around the house.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Irish Water Spaniel if you value lower exercise needs (4/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
Choose Irish Water Spaniel if...
- • You want it matches your lifestyle
Choose Portuguese Water Dog if...
- • You want easier to train
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Irish Water Spaniel or Portuguese Water Dog?
The Irish Water Spaniel scores 4/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Portuguese Water Dog at 4/5. Both breeds can be great family dogs with proper training and socialization.
Is a Irish Water Spaniel or Portuguese Water Dog easier to train?
The Portuguese Water Dog is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Irish Water Spaniel's 4/5. The Portuguese Water Dog's eagerness to please makes training sessions more productive.
Which costs more, a Irish Water Spaniel or Portuguese Water Dog?
A Irish Water Spaniel puppy costs $1,200–$2,500 while a Portuguese Water Dog costs $2,000–$4,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,410 for the Irish Water Spaniel and $1,550 for the Portuguese Water Dog. The Portuguese Water Dog costs more to maintain annually.
Do Irish Water Spaniels or Portuguese Water Dogs live longer?
The Irish Water Spaniel lives 12–13 years on average, while the Portuguese Water Dog lives 11–13 years. The Irish Water Spaniel generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Irish Water Spaniel or Portuguese Water Dog live in an apartment?
The Irish Water Spaniel is equally suited for apartments (2/5) as the Portuguese Water Dog (2/5). Neither breed is ideal for apartments — both prefer more space.