Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel

Compare the Golden Retriever to the Irish Water Spaniel. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Golden Retrievers and Irish Water Spaniels.

Golden Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel
Golden Retriever
Irish Water Spaniel
Golden Retriever
Irish Water Spaniel
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General Details
Golden Retriever
Irish Water Spaniel
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
Yes
Lifespan
10-12 Years
10-12 Years
Height
21-24 Inches
20-24 Inches
Weight
55-80 Pounds
45-65 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Above Average
History
Golden Retriever
Irish Water Spaniel
Origin Country
United Kingdom
Ireland
Origin Year
1865 AD
1000 AD
Temperament
Golden Retriever
Irish Water Spaniel
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Personality
Golden Retriever
Irish Water Spaniel
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Golden Retriever
Irish Water Spaniel
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
No
Temperature Tolerance
30-80 °F
40-75 °F
Barks/Howls
Below Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Golden Retriever
Irish Water Spaniel
Energy Level
High
High
Exercise Required
Medium to High
High to Very High
Top Running Speed
25 MPH
24 MPH
Strength
High
Medium to High
Grooming Needs
Golden Retriever
Irish Water Spaniel
Coat Maintenance
Medium to High
High
Shedding
Medium to High
None to Low
Dander
Medium
None to Low
Drool
None
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Golden Retriever
Irish Water Spaniel
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
Golden Retriever
Irish Water Spaniel
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
Yes
Yes
Breed Instincts
Golden Retriever
Irish Water Spaniel
Aggression
None
None
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Below Average
Chasing
Above Average
Average
Follow Commands
Above Average
Above Average
Fighting
Below Average
Below Average
Guarding
Below Average
Above Average
Herding
Below Average
Below Average
Hunting
Above Average
Above Average
Protection
Below Average
Above Average
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Below Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
None
Watch / Guardian
Below Average
Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Golden Retriever
Irish Water Spaniel
Average Lifespan
10-12 Years
10-12 Years
Health Concerns
Golden Retriever
Irish Water Spaniel
Common Health Issues
Bloat
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Hypothyroidism
Elbow dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Subaortic Stenosis
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Hip dysplasia
Ear infections
Hypothyroidism
Eye diseases
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Golden Retriever
Irish Water Spaniel
Coat Type
Fur
Hair
Coat Layering
Double
Curly
Coat Texture
Wavy
Silky
Wavy
Coat Length
Medium
Medium to Long
Coat Coloring
Golden Retriever
Irish Water Spaniel
Breed Colors
Dark Golden
Gold
Light Golden
Brown
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