A CLOSER LOOK

Compare dog breeds for everyday life.

Compare size, exercise, grooming and care tradeoffs. Unknown fields stay visible; breed tendencies do not guarantee individual behavior.

Compare selected breed traits

Irish Water Spaniel standing on a grassy dune, with a curly brown coat and thin tail.
Large

Irish Water Spaniel↗

playful / hardworking / brave

Profile in progress
Black Standard Poodle standing on grass, with a curly clipped coat and long legs.
Large

Standard Poodle↗

A bright, athletic companion with a low-shedding coat and a love of learning.

Reviewed profile
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Everyday lifeIrish Water SpanielStandard Poodle
OriginIrelandFrance
SizeLargeLarge
Height22-24 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female)over 15 inches (standard)
Weight55-68 pounds (male), 45-58 pounds (female)60-70 pounds (male standard), 40-50 pounds (female standard)
Typical lifespan12-13 years10-18 years
EnergyModerateHigh
Mental stimulationHighVery high
GroomingModerateHigh
TrainabilityVery highVery high
BarkingVery lowHigh
SheddingVery lowVery low
ChildrenModerateVery high
Other dogsModerateModerate
Apartment adaptabilityUnknownModerate
First-owner suitabilityUnknownHigh
Climate considerationsUnknownUnknown
Monthly estimate (USD)$180–$355$195–$380
Care considerationsUnder review; consult the breed sourceProfessional grooming and mental enrichment are essential; low shedding does not guarantee allergy compatibility.
SourceAKC Irish Water Spaniel breed guideAKC Poodle (Standard) breed guide

AKC trait ratings describe general tendencies. Apartment and first-owner ratings are editorial estimates. Unknown means unresearched or unavailable. Cats and small pets require individual assessment. Monthly estimates exclude emergencies, insurance, and initial costs. Read our methodology and sources.

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