Irish Water Spaniel vs Poodle
Discover the differences between Irish Water Spaniel and Poodle to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Irish Water Spaniel
Lively, curly-coated, and full of character, this breed thrives on adventure and affection. Always eager to please, it excels as both a playful companion and skilled retriever.
Poodle
Elegant, intelligent, and highly trainable, this breed stands out for its lively spirit and loyal companionship. Their hypoallergenic coat and playful personality make them ideal family pets.
Quick comparison
Large
25–30 kg
Dense curls, water-repellent
12–13 years
20–26 kg
High energy
Medium
20–32 kg
Curly, dense
12–15 years
18–27 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Irish Water Spaniel
Generally sociable, bonds closely with family members
Quick learner, responds well to training
High stamina, thrives with regular activity
Enjoys games and interactive play sessions
Adjusts well to new routines and environments
Poodle
Warm and sociable with family and guests
Highly intelligent and quick to learn commands
Needs regular activity and enjoys exercise
Loves games and interactive playtime
Easily adjusts to new environments and routines
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Irish Water Spaniel
Hip dysplasia, eye issues
Poodle
Hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Irish Water Spaniel
Challenging for novices
Needs experienced handling and consistent training routines
Not ideal
Needs space and frequent activity to prevent boredom
Perfect fit
Thrives with active owners who enjoy outdoor activities
Good companion
Playful and gentle but may be boisterous for toddlers
Generally compatible
Can live with other pets if socialized early
Poor fit
Dislikes being left alone and may develop anxiety or destructive habits
Poodle
Great choice
Intelligent and eager to please, Poodles are easy for beginners to train and manage.
Highly suitable
Poodles adapt well to apartment life if given daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Perfect fit
Their energy and love for activity make them great companions for active households.
Very friendly
Poodles are gentle and patient with children when socialized from a young age.
Gets along well
Poodles usually coexist peacefully with other pets, especially if socialized early.
Prone to anxiety
Poodles can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods regularly.
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Irish Water Spaniel
- Excellent swimmer and water retriever
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Loyal and affectionate with family
- Low-shedding curly coat
- Energetic and playful nature
Poodle
- Highly intelligent and easy to train
- Hypoallergenic coat reduces shedding
- Strong bond with family members
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Excellent performance in canine sports
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Irish Water Spaniel
- Needs extensive daily exercise
- Prone to separation anxiety
- Can be reserved with strangers
- Coat requires regular grooming
- May be stubborn during training
Poodle
- Requires regular professional grooming
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- Needs daily mental and physical stimulation
- Can be reserved with unfamiliar people
- Susceptible to certain genetic health issues
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