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.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Irish Water Spaniel need? Like all dogs, Irish Water Spaniels should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Irish Water Spaniel vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Irish Water Spaniel booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Irish Water Spaniel need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
