Breed comparison
Irish Water Spaniel vs Lagotto Romagnolo
How the two breeds compare on the American Kennel Club's 1 to 5 trait ratings, and which one suits which home.
Irish Water Spaniel
5Affection with family5
3Good with young children3
3Good with other dogs5
3Openness to strangers4
5Playfulness4
3Energy level4
5Trainability4
4Mental stimulation needs4
4Adaptability4
3Watchdog / protective3
1Barking2
1Shedding1
3Coat grooming2
2Drooling2
The biggest differences
- Good with other dogs: the Lagotto Romagnolo scores 5 out of 5, the Irish Water Spaniel 3.
They score the same on affection with family, good with young children, mental stimulation needs, adaptability, watchdog / protective, shedding.
Which one should you choose?
Pick the Irish Water Spaniel if you prefer a calmer dog, you want a dog that is easier to train, you want a quieter dog. Pick the Lagotto Romagnolo if you want an energetic exercise partner, you have other dogs.
Ratings are general breed tendencies from the AKC. Every dog is an individual, so meet the dog, and its parents if you can, before you decide. Not sure? Try the breed selector.
Source: American Kennel Club breed ratings (compiled February 2022). How we check.