How much does a Irish Water Spaniel puppy cost?

Irish Water Spaniel puppies cost $1,500 to $3,500 because they’re expensive to breed responsibly, not because they’re trendy. With only 159 in AKC popularity, good breeders are rare and often maintain years-long waitlists. Litters are small—usually 4 to 6 puppies—and breeding requires careful planning due to serious health risks. Every reputable breeder tests for hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and the MDR1 gene mutation that makes some dogs dangerously sensitive to common drugs. Those health clearances aren’t cheap, and skipping them puts puppies at risk. Their curly, hypoallergenic coat means less shedding, but it also demands regular grooming from birth to prevent matting and chronic ear infections, which adds to early care costs. Because demand is low overall, you won’t see mass breeders or puppy mills flooding the market—so prices aren’t artificially deflated. But if you see a pup under $1,200, walk away. That price likely means zero health testing, poor living conditions, or the breeder doesn’t understand the MDR1 risk, which could cost you thousands in vet bills later. These dogs live 10 to 13 years, so cutting corners upfront backfires hard. You’re not just paying for a puppy—you’re paying for genetic responsibility and a breed’s future.