While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Irish Water Spaniels are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Unfortunately, the French Mastahoula is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Active
Clownish
Intelligent
Alert
Inquisitive
Quick

Loving
Independent
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Loyal
Devoted
Gentle
Outright
Tempered
Companionable
Vigilant

Irish Water Spaniels shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

French Mastahoulas are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Ireland

United States

poodle, portuguese water dog, barbet

French Mastiff, Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog

1800s

Unknown

Brown
Amber

Blue
Brown

Black
Brown

Black

Brown

Black
Brown
White
Brindle

Irish Water Spaniels have longer coats compared to most dogs.

French Mastahoulas have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

Curly

Straight

An Irish Water Spaniel can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A French Mastahoula can have a litter of 4-6 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Irish Water Spaniels are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

French Mastahoulas have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism

Patellar Luxation
Deafness
Hip Dysplasia
Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Otitis Externa
Entropion
Eye Problems
Hypothyroidism

Entropion
Cataracts
Atopy

Eye
Hip
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination

X-Rays
Eye Examination
Fecal Examination
Urinalysis
Brain Auditory Evoked Response (BAER)
Bloodwork
Thyroid Panel
Skin Scrape

Irish Water Spaniels are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

French Mastahoulas have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Irish Water Spaniel, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For French Mastahoula, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Irish Water Spaniels usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most French Mastahoulas usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Irish Water Spaniels require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

The French Mastahoula has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

For an average 55-68 pound (25 - 31 kg) Irish Water Spaniel feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 28-82 pound (13 - 37 kg) French Mastahoula feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of an Irish Water Spaniel is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

The average cost of a French Mastahoula is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

The average per month expenses of an Irish Water Spaniel is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a French Mastahoula is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

French Mastahoulas have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

Irish Water Spaniels can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

The French Mastahoula is not suitable for apartments and requires a large yard to thrive. Pent-up energy in small spaces can lead to destructive behavior.

Irish Water Spaniels make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

French Mastahoulas are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Irish Water Spaniels are somewhat cat friendly and can be trained to get along with cats.

French Mastahoulas are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Irish Water Spaniels are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.

French Mastahoulas are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Irish Water Spaniels are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

French Mastahoulas are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Irish Water Spaniels are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

French Mastahoulas have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Irish Water Spaniels are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

French Mastahoulas are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.