Longevity
Life expectancy
Its usual life expectancy is between 10 and 12 years. A balanced diet, regular activity, maintaining a healthy weight and preventive veterinary follow-up help preserve its quality of life.
Build
A robust breed?
Its muscular build and endurance make it a rather sturdy dog, capable of working in demanding environments. This overall robustness does not rule out the joint, skin and nail predispositions reported in the breed.
Watch points
What to watch for
Particular attention must be paid to locomotion, the condition of the skin and coat as well as the strength of the nails. Any lameness, unusual hair loss, skin lesion or nail fragility warrants veterinary advice.
Hip dysplasia : This abnormality of the coxofemoral joint can cause pain, lameness and osteoarthritis; screening of breeding dogs is recommended.
Follicular dysplasia : This disorder of the hair follicles can cause hair loss and abnormalities in coat quality.
Nail fragility : Abnormal shedding or fragility of the nails is reported in the breed and should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The Irish Water Dog generally tolerates cold as well as heat, provided it has water, shade and an effort adapted to the conditions. After swimming, it should be rinsed if necessary and the coat and ears should be dried thoroughly.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Very active, he more easily maintains good body condition when his physical exertion is regular. The ration must nevertheless be adjusted to his age, his weight, his activity level and the treats given, with frequent monitoring of his silhouette.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Have the hips and gait checked during veterinary follow-up.
- Inspect the skin and coat to quickly spot any unusual hair loss.
- Monitor the condition of the claws and report any unusual brittleness or abnormal shedding.
- Examine and dry the ears after swims and outings.
- Brush and comb the coat about twice a week.
Vaccination
Irish Water Spaniel vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Irish Water Spaniel? Like all cats, the Irish Water Spaniel receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Irish Water Spaniel is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Irish Water Spaniel vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Irish Water Spaniel?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Irish Water Spaniel
Before breeding, it is relevant to check hip quality and to examine the skin and nail history of the lines. Regular veterinary monitoring must include the musculoskeletal system, the skin, the coat, the claws and the ears.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
