Irish Water Spaniel Dog Breed Information:
Whether they’re splashing after ducks or showing off in the agility ring, canines of the Irish Water Spaniel dog breed do everything with a sense of fun. Created in Ireland as a water retriever, they’re rare these days but make excellent companions for active and experienced dog owners, especially if they live near a body of water. Although dogs of this breed have high intelligence and learn easily, they also have a stubborn side that can prove troublesome for novice dog parents.
Irish Water Spaniel Dog Group: Sporting Dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel Height: 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder.
Irish Water Spaniel Weight: 45 to 65 pounds.
Irish Water Spaniel Life Span: 10 to 12 years.
More About This Dog Breed:
This is a breed that is probably not suitable for the first time dog owner because he can be headstrong, and an independent thinker. Irish Water Spaniels have lots of energy and need daily exercise. Not every Irish Water Spaniel can be trusted to get along with smaller pets.
Irish Water Spaniel History:
The exact origin of this breed as many others is debated among fanciers and shrouded in the mists of Ireland. The Irish Water Spaniel appeared in Ireland in the 1830s, mainly from the kennel of Justin McCarthy. His dog "Boatswain," whelped in 1834, is credited with being the sire of the modern breed.
Irish Water Spaniel Size:
The Irish Water Spaniel is the tallest member of the spaniel family. Males are 22 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 65 pounds; females are 21 to 23 inches tall and weigh 45 to 60 pounds.
Irish Water Spaniel Personality:
The Irish Water Spaniel is alert and inquisitive. Unlike many spaniels, however, he may be reserved toward strangers, although he should never be shy or aggressive. Irish Water Spaniels are highly trainable, but they're independent thinkers and will do their best to get their own way whenever possible.
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Irish Water Spaniel Health:
Irish Water Spaniels are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Irish Water Spaniels will get any or all of these diseases:
Cataracts.
Hip Dysplasia.
Follicular Dysplasia.
Hypothyroidism.
Allergies.
Entropion.
Paronychia.
Distichiasis.
Megaesophagus.
Epilepsy.
Vaccination Sensitivity.
Drug Sensitivity.
Irish Water Spaniel Care:
A hunting breed with a great deal of energy and stamina, the Irish Water Spaniel needs a yard to romp in and isn't suited to apartment life. Irish Water Spaniels work well with people, but they can be independent, with a mind of their own. Train them with kind but firm consistency, using positive reinforcements that include food rewards and praise. Give him at least an hour a day of running, long walks or hikes, or vigorous play such as retrieving a ball in the yard.
Irish Water Spaniel Feeding:
Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Irish Water Spaniel Coat Color And Grooming:
The Irish Water Spaniel has a double coat a top coat and an under coat with tight, crisp ringlets that cover the back, back, sides, and rear. Beneath the ribs the hair is longer, and curls and waves of hair cover the legs. Irish Water Spaniels shed little to no hair, but they must be brushed two or three times a week to keep the coat from tangling or matting, as well as to keep it clean and healthy.
Irish Water Spaniel with Children And Other Pets:
Irish Water Spaniels do best with children if they are raised with them. Early socialization exposure to a variety of peoples, places, sights, sounds, and situations also helps. Irish Water Spaniels can get along well with other pets in the family if introduced to them at a young age.