Breed comparison
Irish Water Spaniel vs Spanish Water Dog
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
Spanish Water Dog5Affection with family5
3Good with young children4
3Good with other dogs3
3Openness to strangers3
5Playfulness4
3Energy level4
5Trainability4
4Mental stimulation needs5
4Adaptability3
3Watchdog / protective3
1Barking3
1Shedding1
3Coat grooming4
2Drooling2
The biggest differences
- Barking: the Spanish Water Dog scores 3 out of 5, the Irish Water Spaniel 1.
They score the same on affection with family, good with other dogs, openness to strangers, watchdog / protective, shedding, drooling.
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 Spanish Water Dog if you have young children, you want an energetic exercise partner.
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.