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 Mini Ratzer 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
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Obedient
Lively
Inquisitive
Fearless
Spirited

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

Mini Ratzers are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Ireland

United States

poodle, portuguese water dog, barbet

Rat Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer

1800s

1990s

Brown
Amber

Blue
Hazel
Brown

Black
Brown

Black
Brown

Brown

Black
Gray
Brown
Red
Cream
Fawn
Blue
White
Pied
Sable
Brindle

Irish Water Spaniels have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Mini Ratzers have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

Curly

Wiry

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 Mini Ratzer can have a litter of 5-7 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.

Mini Ratzers are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Irish Water Spaniels typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

While the Mini Ratzer breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism

Patellar Luxation
Pulmonic Stenosis
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Portosystemic Shunt
Pancreatitis

Otitis Externa
Entropion
Eye Problems
Hypothyroidism

Demodectic Mange
Cataracts
Color Dilution Alopecia
Schnauzer Comedo Syndrome
Bladder Stones and Infections

Eye
Hip
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Cardiac
Eye Examination
Dental Examination
Skin Evaluation
Ultrasound
Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)
Blood And Urine Analysis

Irish Water Spaniel has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

Mini Ratzer has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Walking, Swimming, Hunting, Running

Fetching, Running, Hunting, Fetch, Walk, Run, Jog, Tug-of-war

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 Mini Ratzer, it's at least 7 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

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 Mini Ratzer requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Dematter
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

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

The average cost of a Mini Ratzer is somewhere $2.20 - $3.40 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 Mini Ratzer is between $67 - $101. This makes an average of $804 - $1212 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.

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

The Mini Ratzer is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

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

Mini Ratzers 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.

Mini Ratzers are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

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

Mini Ratzers are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

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

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