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Irish Water Spaniel

Irish Water Spaniel

Origin

🇮🇪

Ireland

Size

Large Breed

Ideal Space

House with backyard

Ideal Weather

10º-24ºC

Life Expectancy

10-12 years

Cost of buying

₹ 50,000 - ₹ 1,00,000

Top 5 Traits

Energetic

Athletic

Intelligent

Loyal

Playful

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹ 5,700 - ₹ 8,550

A medium sized fluffy Icelandic Sheepdog with tan and white fur and a curled tail walks through dry
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by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 16 May 2025

Overview of the Irish Water Spaniel Breed

The Irish Water Spaniel is a distinctive, versatile dog breed characterized by its curly, water-resistant coat and feisty nature. Known for being intelligent and playful, this breed was a water retriever and excelled in agility. 

 

Characteristics

Barking

Quiet

Loud

Temperament with Kids

Aggressive

Friendly

Playfulness

Silent

Very Playful

Friendliness

Not Friendly

Super Friendly

Compatibility with other dogs

Aggressive

Friendly

Need for attention

Independent

Very Needy

Monthly Expenses

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Adopt/Shop of Irish Water Spaniel Breed

Cost of buying

₹ 50,000 - ₹ 1,00,000

Be conscientious through either breeding or buying an Irish Water Spaniel and pledge to care for this rare breed for life.

 

Prerequisites to pet a Irish Water Spaniel

Access to Groomer

Access to Veterinary

Appropriate Climate

Lifestyle Compatibility

Financial Capability

Are You Prepared for the Arrival of Your Irish Water Spaniel?

Are you ready to take the plunge and welcome this incredible Irish Water Spaniel breed into your home? Adopting or shopping, spending on good nutrition, healthcare, and grooming will give you a long, happy bond with your new friend.

 

Nutrition Guide for the Irish Water Spaniel

Monthly Food Expenses

₹ 3,000 - ₹ 4,500

Calories per day

Puppies1500 kcal

Adults1300 kcal

Essential Nutrients

Protein

Fats

Carbohydrates

Fibre

Vitamins

Minerals

List of foods

Chicken

Dry Dog Food

Fresh Meat

Fresh Fish

Fruits

Mutton

Vegetables

Home made meals

Now, if you want your Irish Water Spaniel in the best shape they can be, balanced nutrition is essential. A carefully formalized meal plan caters to their high energy levels, adds a natural shine to their coats, and increases their overall vitality. Adult dogs typically weigh between 25 to 30 kg (55–65 lbs) and require 1,000 to 1,400 calories per day. Their diet should be rich in high-quality animal protein — about 22% to 30% — from sources like chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, or fish.

 

Breakdown of Macro-nutrients

Best Foods for Irish Water Spaniel

Here's a list of the best foods for the Irish Water Spaniel:

 

Never Feed These Foods To Irish Water Spaniel

Avoid anything with these ingredients

Alcohol

Almonds

Avocados

Cherries

Cinnamon

Coffee / Tea

Dairy

Fruit seeds

Garlic

Grapes

Lemon

Mushrooms

Onions

Milk Products

Salt

Sugar

Some food items are not favorable for your Irish Water Spaniel's health and can even be fatal:

 
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Health Guide for Irish Water Spaniel Breeds

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹ 1,500 - ₹ 2,250

Common Health Issues

Bloat

Canine Influenza

Canine distemper

Heartworm

Hip Dysplasia

Kennel Cough

Leptospirosis

Parasites

Ringworm

Well being

Exercise

Agility Training

Bonding

Socialization

Games

Energy Level

High

Exercise routine

60 - 90 minutes

Recognising Stress

Changes in appetite

Excessive Barking

Pacing

Excessive Panting

Reluctance to move

Increased laziness

Decreased play

Health Issues of Basset Hound Breed

To stay healthy, Irish Water Spaniels also require regular vet check-ups, weight management, dental care, and joint screenings. Feed a balanced diet, exercise, and watch for dysplasia, thyroid disease, and eye problems.

 

Vaccination details

Growth Stage

Core Vaccines

6-8 Weeks

DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)

10-12 Weeks

DHPP (2nd dose)

14-16 Weeks

DHPP (3rd dose), Rabies

Annually

DHPP (Booster), Rabies

Senior Dog Care Information

Special care will be needed as your Irish Water Spaniel ages to make sure they are still happy and comfortable in their life.

 

Grooming for Irish Water Spaniel Breed

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹ 1,200 - ₹ 1,800

Shedding Level

Low Shedding

Hygienic Checklist

Bathing

Brushing

Ear Cleaning

Nail Trimming

Eye Care

Teeth Care

Benefits of Grooming

Cleanliness

Low Shedding

Odourless

Prevents infections

Quality of life

Prevents Bad Breath

Due to their distinctive, curly coat, grooming is an important aspect of maintaining an Irish Water Spaniel. Regular grooming sessions help to prevent matting and keep the coat looking natural and shiny.

 
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Happy Pet Team

Author

Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are they hypoallergenic?

Makes them a better choice for some allergy sufferers, and they also shed very little, although no dog is completely hypoallergenic.

Do they need plenty of exercise?

They require daily walks, playtime, and chances to swim. If required, consult a veterinary trainer.

How much do they cost?

Prices from breeders run from ₹ 50,000 - ₹ 1,00,000, and adoption fees are usually less.

What is their lifespan?

With the right care, they usually can live 10 to 13 years.