How tall is a Irish Water Spaniel?

An adult Irish Water Spaniel stands about 23 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.

Is a Irish Water Spaniel considered a large dog?

Yes — at 23" / 62 lb, the Irish Water Spaniel falls into the large-breed size class (shoulder height 23–27"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #89 tallest.

How does a Irish Water Spaniel compare to a person?

At 23" tall, a Irish Water Spaniel stands about 36% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

Irish Water Spaniel Size Compared to a Person

A Irish Water Spaniel stands 23″ at the shoulder and weighs about 62 lb — that puts it at 36% of the height of an average adult (5′4″ / 64″). Of the 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #89 by shoulder height and falls into the large-breed size class (Large breeds, 23–27").

Irish Water Spaniel next to a person at scale — 23-inch shoulder height, 62 lb. Drawn by iDogNames. — Irish Water Spaniel at 23″ / 62 lb, next to an average adult at 5′4″ / 135 lb. Drawn to AKC breed standards.

How a Irish Water Spaniel compares

	Irish Water Spaniel	Person	Difference
Shoulder height	23″	64″	-41″
Weight	62 lb	135 lb	-73 lb

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About the Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is the tallest of all spaniel breeds and one of the most distinctive-looking dogs you will ever encounter. With their tightly curled liver-colored coat, clean-shaven face, and signature rat tail, these dogs have a unique appearance that sets them apart from every other breed. Developed in Ireland as a versatile water retriever, the IWS is an exceptional swimmer with a natural love of water.

Similar-size breeds

The 8 breeds in the Large size class with shoulder height closest to the Irish Water Spaniel.

Airedale Terrier — 23″ / 60 lb (same height)
Boxador — 23″ / 65 lb (same height)
Catahoula Cur — 23″ / 73 lb (same height)
French Mastiff — 23″ / 110 lb (same height)
Gerberian Shepsky — 23″ / 55 lb (same height)
German Wirehaired Lab — 23″ / 65 lb (same height)
Huskita — 23″ / 65 lb (same height)
Plott Hound — 23″ / 55 lb (same height)

Frequently asked

How tall is a Irish Water Spaniel?: An adult Irish Water Spaniel stands about 23 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.
Is a Irish Water Spaniel considered a large dog?: Yes — at 23" / 62 lb, the Irish Water Spaniel falls into the large-breed size class (shoulder height 23–27"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #89 tallest.
How does a Irish Water Spaniel compare to a person?: At 23" tall, a Irish Water Spaniel stands about 36% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

More on the Irish Water Spaniel

Irish Water Spaniel dog names & full breed page · All large-size breeds · Visual atlas (Large section) · Size comparison home