Irish Water Spaniel Puppy Weight Calculator

Calculate the adult weight for your Irish Water Spaniel. Just type your puppy’s current weight and age, and see how big your puppy gets.

Irish Water Spaniel Breed Profile & Growth Guide

Breed Overview

The Irish Water Spaniel is the tallest of the spaniel breeds and among the oldest retrievers, developed in Ireland for waterfowl hunting. Distinguished by its curly liver-colored coat and unique “rat tail,” this breed combines intelligence, strength, and versatility. Bred to work in water and on land, Irish Water Spaniels are excellent swimmers and eager workers.

In temperament, they are intelligent, alert, and often reserved with strangers but deeply loyal to their family. These dogs are active and thrive in environments where they can be mentally and physically stimulated. While playful and often clownish with their people, early socialization is key to managing their independent streak.

Size Category: Large
Irish Water Spaniels are considered a large breed, with adult males typically weighing 55–68 lbs and females 45–58 lbs. Their height ranges from 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder. Due to their rapid early growth and the breed’s active, athletic build, growth tracking is important to ensure healthy joint development, prevent obesity, and avoid musculoskeletal issues during puppyhood.

For more details, visit the AKC Irish Water Spaniel breed page.

Irish Water Spaniel Growth Chart & Weight Ranges

Age	Male Weight (lbs)	Female Weight (lbs)
4 weeks	4 – 6	3 – 5
8 weeks	9 – 12	8 – 11
3 months	18 – 25	16 – 22
4 months	25 – 33	22 – 30
6 months	35 – 45	30 – 40
9 months	45 – 58	40 – 52
12 months	50 – 65	45 – 58
18 months	55 – 68 (full)	45 – 58 (full)

Note: Males generally weigh 5–10 lbs more than females and may grow slightly taller and more muscular.

How Much Bigger Will My Irish Water Spaniel Puppy Get?

Irish Water Spaniel puppies grow steadily through their first year, with a longer adolescent phase typical of large breeds.

• 50% of adult weight by 4–5 months
• 75% by 6–8 months
• Full adult size by 12–18 months

Rule of thumb:
To estimate adult weight, double your puppy’s weight at 16 weeks.

Exceptions:
Some Irish Water Spaniels, especially males, may continue filling out until around 18–20 months, gaining muscle and chest width even after reaching adult height.

For more breed-specific health and care tips, refer to the Irish Water Spaniel Club of America.

Irish Water Spaniel Growth Tips

Nutrition

• Feeding Schedule: Offer 3 meals per day until 6 months old, then reduce to 2 meals daily.
• Choose a large-breed puppy formula to support gradual, even growth and minimize joint stress.
• Maintain a lean body condition throughout puppyhood to reduce the risk of hip or elbow dysplasia.

Exercise

• Irish Water Spaniels are high-energy and thrive on regular activity—but avoid high-impact exercise like running on hard surfaces or excessive jumping until at least 12–15 months.
• Provide structured walks, water play, scent games, and early obedience training to satisfy both physical and mental needs.

Health Watch

• Hip and elbow dysplasia: Common in larger breeds—monitor growth and avoid overfeeding.
• Ear infections: Their floppy ears and love of water make them prone to ear infections—keep ears dry and clean.
• Growth plate injuries: Avoid intense jumping or agility-type movements while growth plates are still open.