Irish Water Spaniel
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Irish Water Spaniel. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | moderate | The main orthopedic concern; request OFA scores. |
| Cancer (lymphosarcoma) | moderate | Elevated rates appear in breed health surveys. |
| Hypothyroidism | moderate | Common in middle age; routine bloodwork catches it. |
| Ear infections | moderate | Pendulous ears and constant swimming combine to cause otitis. |
| Nail bed disease (focal paronychia) | moderate | The breed is predisposed to inflamed, infected nail beds. |
Pet insurance for a Irish Water Spaniel
Insurers price a Irish Water Spaniel from the breed's documented claims profile — here, a clean bill of health with no dominant high-risk hereditary condition. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Irish Water Spaniel is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 45–68 lbs and a grooming score of 3/5, the Irish Water Spaniel sits around the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is the tallest spaniel and one of the oldest, a liver-colored, top-knotted water retriever with a distinctive rat tail. It is a brave, playful, slightly clownish gundog that swims obsessively and needs an hour-plus of daily exercise; the breed retains a protective edge and can be reserved with strangers. The dense curls shed little — a plus for some allergy sufferers — but need regular brushing and trimming. Suits hunters and active families wanting a rare, athletic water dog.
Origin: Ireland
Temperament
Related reading for Irish Water Spaniel owners
Irish Water Spaniel FAQ
How long do Irish Water Spaniels live?
The typical Irish Water Spaniel lifespan is 12–13 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Irish Water Spaniel?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Irish Water Spaniel carries no dominant high-risk hereditary condition, which keeps it near or below that average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Irish Water Spaniel a good apartment dog?
Usually not. At 45–68 lbs with an energy level of 5/5, the Irish Water Spaniel needs more space and daily exercise than most apartments can offer.
What health problems are Irish Water Spaniels prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Hip dysplasia, Cancer (lymphosarcoma), Hypothyroidism. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.