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 Papichon is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Active
Clownish
Intelligent
Alert
Inquisitive
Quick

Playful
Happy
Energetic
Alert
Sensitive
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Gentle
Cheerful

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

Papichons are low shedding dogs, requiring minimal coat care.

Irish Water Spaniels make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

Avoid Papichons as watchdogs - they're not effective.

Ireland

United States

poodle, portuguese water dog, barbet

Bichon Frise, Papillon

1800s

Unknown

Brown
Amber

Brown
Amber

Black
Brown

Black

Brown

White
Brown
Sable
Red
Black

Irish Water Spaniels have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Papichons have medium-length coats.

Curly

Wavy

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 Papichon can have a litter of 2-5 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.

Papichons 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 Papichon breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism

Patellar Luxation
Cataracts
Canine Hip Dysplasia (Chd)
Bladder Stones and Infections

Otitis Externa
Entropion
Eye Problems
Hypothyroidism

Allergies
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Eye
Hip
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Ultrasound
Blood And Urine Analysis
Full Physical Examination
Complete Ophthalmologic Examination
Skin Scraping Test for Allergies
X-rays or other radiographic imaging
Electroretinogram
ACTH Test

Irish Water Spaniels thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Papichons' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

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

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

Irish Water Spaniels need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Papichons need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

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

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

Walking, Swimming, Hunting, Running

Chase, Catch, Hide and seek, Walk, Go Camping, Catch treats, Tug-of-war, Nap, Fetch, High Five, Shake, Play

Irish Water Spaniels are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Papichons are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

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 Papichon, it's at least 7 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 Papichons 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.

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
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 10-16 pound (5 - 7 kg) Papichon feed 1 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 Papichon is somewhere $1.40 - $2.80 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 Papichon is between $36 - $39. This makes an average of $432 - $468 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 Papichon is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

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

Papichons 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.

Papichons are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

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

Papichons 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.

Papichons are highly friendly around strangers.

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

Papichons are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.