Irish Water Spaniel

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• Breed Origin: Irish Water Spaniels originated in Ireland in the mid 1800s for use as game retrieval from water as well as land. This breed was exceedingly popular in 1875 but today it is more popular as a pet and, to some extent, a show dog. This breed was became a popular show dog in the United States and Britain in the last half of the 17th century, and attained the recognition of the third most popular sport dog in the year of 1875. The Irish Water Spaniel is considered to be a rare breed and is rather unique in appearance. The Irish Water Spaniel is not only the oldest of the Spaniels but is also the largest. Over the years has been replaced in favor of the Labrador Retriever. The Irish Water Spaniel is now an uncommon and difficult breed to obtain.

• Coat Colors: Liver

• Description: The appearance of the Irish Water Spaniel is noticeably distinct. They are the largest of the spaniels and are intelligent, alert and eager to please. The Irish Water Spaniels body is of medium build and rectangular in appearance. The double-coat of the Irish Water Spaniel is covered with lavish, tight curls, which are solid liver in color. Irish Water Spaniels exhibit many physical features relevant to being able to resist the harshest of weather conditions, whilst hunting. The Irish Water Spaniel also has a gait that covers the ground and is smooth and flowing.
  

• Exercise Requirements: The Irish Water Spaniel requires an generous amount of daily exercise. They enjoy activities such as swimming, retrieving, hunting, and a long, long walks.

• Grooming: Irish Water Spaniels are high maintenance and require extensive grooming. To prevent knots and matting they must be brushed daily. Regular professional clipping of the Irish Water Spaniels coat is an absolute must. Bathing should not be done regularly as it strips the Spaniels coat of natural oils.

• Hereditary Disorders: Irish Water Spaniels are prone to the following hereditary disorders - Von Willebrand’s disease. Hypothyroidism, Malocclusion, Hypotrichosis, Hip Dysplasia, Cataract, Persistent pupillary membrane, Progressive Retinal Atrophy. Click here for more information on Irish Water Spaniel Disorders

• Height: Male: 22–24 inches (56–61 cm), Female: 21–23 inches (53–58 cm)

• Hypoallergenic: Yes

• Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

• Living Area Requirements: This breed is definitely not suitable for apartment life. Their love of the outdoors makes them better suited for the country-life or suburbs. They do best with a large yard.

• Temperament: Clownish, Active, Intelligent, Alert, Quick, Inquisitive.
  • The Irish Water Spaniel is an active, energetic, and eager companion. They are sturdily built and have rugged endurance. A true sporting dog, they are bold, alert, and inquisitive. Irish Water Spaniels are often referred to as the clown in the Spaniel family.
  • Irish Water Spaniels are highly intelligent, confident, and devoted. They demand attention and are a “entire family” dog. This is a breed that truly enjoys their human family. They are best suited for families with older, considerate children. If socialization is introduced early in the Irish Water Spaniels life, they will get along well with other pets. They are generally quiet dogs and bark only when warranted. The Irish Water Spaniel is protective, reserved, and cautious with strangers, but they are not known to be aggressive. This breed displays a delightful vitality and zest for life.

   

• Weight:Male: 24.9–29.5 kg, Female: 20.4–26.3 kg