Dog

The Irish Water Spaniel is a scarce dog, that comes from Ireland that is strongly built and taller and squarer than most spaniels. In fact the tallest of spaniels. Their coat consists of thick curls with a distinguishing puce / liver colour with a pronounced purple shade. Irish water spaniels are about 60 cms ( 24 inches) high and weigh twenty five – thirty kgs (around 60 lbs). The Irish Water Spaniel’s face and throat are smooth with the head topped with a “top knot” raising as a mound between the eyes. Irish Water Spaniel’s have an unusual  average sized smooth, rat like tail. Which contrasts strongly with their curly coat.

They were and are a working dog, so are very intelligent and active. Dog socialisation is important if they are to blend into family life. They require lots of regular walks and time spent on dog training to really profit from them. Irish Water@ Spaniel’s are protective of their family and have a fierce, deep sounding bark if forced. They typically live for nine to eleven years
.
Their coat is non-shedding which could be great for those who have someone in their family who suffers from allergic responses might not be affected by the Irish Water Spaniel. They do not require regular daily grooming unless showing. Every so often a trim to remove straggle ends with a comb and scissors to remove the mats.   As you would expect with their name, they love swimming, so find them opportunities for a swim, their coat always looks better afterwards.

They developed in the 1830s in Ireland. The origins of the breed are unclear, experts generally thinking they may have come from the Portuguese Water Dog, Poodle and Barbet. They were used as a gundog on the bogs, marshes and rivers.

As well as liking relaxing and sleeping at home, they need regular exercise and walks for a happy life. An unexercised Irish Water Spaniel is likely to lead to a mischievous, naughty dog. A great home for them is an active one, with plenty of activities going on and space, where their minds in addition to their bodies are exercised. Dog walkers love them, as they appreciate good walks. Numerous Irish Water Spaniel lovers exercise their dogs in the hunting field, in obedience tests, in conformation show ring or agility competitions.

The Irish Water Spaniel’s intelligence leads them to enjoying agility and obedience activities and combined with their great nose often leads to them being trained for drug and explosive detection.

The major health issue with the dog is caused by their size and may be afflicted by hip dysplasia, if planning to breed from them, the potential mother and father should be scored for this.

They can be glutinous, so you must control their food intake.

The Irish Water Spaniel is a rewarding dog for an active family or couple who have the energy and either experience of other dogs, or are prepared to train them, maybe with the aid of a professional dog trainer.