Active
Clownish
Intelligent
Alert
Inquisitive
Quick

Alert
Sensitive
Intelligent
Friendly
Obedient
Inquisitive
Selfish
Fearless
Watchful
Companionable
Spirited

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

Avoid Sniffons as watchdogs - they're not effective.

poodle, portuguese water dog, barbet

Brussels Griffon and Miniature Schnauzer

1800s

Unknown

Brown
Amber

Brown

Black
Brown

Black

Brown

Blue
Fawn
Silver
Red
Gray
Black

Irish Water Spaniels have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Sniffons 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 Sniffon can have a litter of 3-6 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.

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

Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism

Portosystemic Shunt
Sick Sinus Syndrome

Otitis Externa
Entropion
Eye Problems
Hypothyroidism

Pulmonic Stenosis
Cataracts
Diabetes
Hypothyroidism
Hyperlipoproteinemia
Schnauzer Comedo Syndrome
Pancreatitis
Syringomyelia
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia (IMHA)
Atopy
Urolithiasis

Eye
Hip
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Eye Examination
Blood And Urine Analysis
X-rays or other radiographic imaging
Electrocardiograph (ECG - measures rate and rhythm)

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

Sniffons are a good choice for a low-key lifestyle due to their low energy levels.

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

Sniffon has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

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

Sniffons need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

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

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

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.

Sniffons 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 Sniffon, 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 Sniffons 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.

Sniffons have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Scissors
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 9-15 pound (4 - 7 kg) Sniffon 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 Sniffon is somewhere $1.30 - $1.40 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 Sniffon is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 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 Spaniel is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Sniffons are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

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

The Sniffon 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.

Sniffons have an average level of friendliness towards children.

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

Sniffons 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.

Sniffons 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.

Sniffons are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

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

Sniffons 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.

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