Irish Water Spaniel vs Working Kelpie
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Irish Water Spaniel
Sporting Group
Working Kelpie
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Irish Water Spaniel Overview
Irish Water Spaniels boast a distinctive curly liver-colored coat and rat-like tail, standing proudly as one of the oldest spaniel breeds. Their athletic build features a deep chest, powerful legs, and a characteristic topknot of long, loose curls. These intelligent dogs combine a playful spirit with remarkable work ethic, displaying both dignity and enthusiasm in their daily activities.
Working Kelpie Overview
Working Kelpies are agile, medium-sized herding dogs with a distinctive athletic build and alert expression. Their muscular frame supports tireless work ethic, while their weather-resistant double coat comes in various colors. Sharp intelligence and intense focus characterize their demeanor, complemented by pricked ears and keen eyes that showcase their constant readiness for action.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Irish Water Spaniels are more energetic than Working Kelpies, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Irish Water Spaniels require more grooming attention compared to Working Kelpies.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Irish Water Spaniels tend to be more reserved with strangers than Working Kelpies.
- Trainability: Working Kelpies may be slightly easier to train due to their Working Kelpie's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Working Kelpies adapt better to apartment living, while Irish Water Spaniels typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel and Working Kelpie, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Irish Water Spaniel | Working Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Irish Water Spaniel | Working Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 21-24 inches 53-61 cm | 19-25 inches 48-64 cm |
| Weight | 45-68 lbs 20-31 kg | 28-60 lbs 13-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Irish Water Spaniel | Working Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Hardworking, Brave | Alert, Eager, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Irish Water Spaniel | Working Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Irish Water Spaniel Temperament
The Irish Water Spaniel is known for being playful, hardworking, brave, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Working Kelpie Temperament
The Working Kelpie is characterized by being alert, eager, intelligent, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Irish Water Spaniel and Working Kelpie, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Irish Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Working Kelpie
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Irish Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Working Kelpie
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Irish Water Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
Working Kelpie
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Irish Water Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
Working Kelpie
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Irish Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Working Kelpie
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Irish Water Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Irish Water Spaniels require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Irish Water Spaniels require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Working Kelpie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Working Kelpies need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Working Kelpies require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Irish Water Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Hypothyroidism
- Allergies
Working Kelpie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Cryptorchidism
Pros & Cons
Irish Water Spaniel
Pros
- Excellent swimming ability
- Intelligent and trainable
- Low-shedding coat
- Devoted family companion
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be reserved with strangers
- Prone to ear infections
Working Kelpie
Pros
- Exceptional working ability
- High intelligence
- Strong endurance
- Loyal companion
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Extremely high exercise needs
- Can be too intense for casual owners
- Strong herding instincts
- May be too energetic for small spaces
- Requires constant mental stimulation
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Irish Water Spaniel and Working Kelpie, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.