The Irish Water Spaniel is the largest and one of the oldest spaniels. It is also a very rare breed of gun dog in the United Kingdom and the United States. Their unique curly coat enables them to work in cold weather but, requires a good deal of care and has contributed to the decline in popularity of the Irish Water Spaniel in the field.
Devoted and fun-loving, the intelligent Irish Water Spaniel makes a great pet. Good with children and a capable guard dog, these dogs are perfect for active families who can spend a bit of time on grooming.
The Appearance
Height: 20-23 inches
Weight: 45-65 pounds
Lifespan: 10-12 years.
The Irish Water Spaniel is the largest of the spaniels. The muzzle is long, square and powerful and the long ears are covered with curls. The body is sturdy in contrast to the very thin, whip-like tail. Webbed feet assist in swimming.
The most distinctive feature of the Irish Water Spaniel is its dense, curly coat that comes in a purple-brown hue. The curls cover the entire body of the dog except for the face and the long, rat-like tail. A dense undercoat helps insulate the dog even in the coldest of weather. The coat does not shed but does require a lot of grooming as it can tend to mat.
Using in the Field
The Irish Water Spaniel is an all around gun dog ideal for hunting waterfowl and upland birds. It is considered to be a flushing dog that can retrieve, but will not point. This rare dog is prized by hunters who enjoy hunting around water as they can swim in any weather, are small enough to sit in a rowboat, but large enough to assert strength in the field.
The Irish Water Spaniel is very quick to learn and it is important to keep the dog active in the field. Excellent swimmers, they have considerable stamina and drive, and a very good nose. Their clownish attitude makes them entertaining in the field.
At Home
The non-shedding, hypoallergenic coat of the Irish Water Spaniel makes these dogs an excellent choice for families. They get along very well with children and with other pets. They make very good family dogs and can be trained to guard and protect as well. The Irish Water Spaniel is a quiet dog that will bark only when necessary, but when they do it is a deep and fierce bark.
These dogs are very athletic and need a long, brisk walk or job every day. An ideal home for an Irish Water Spaniel will include a clean, safe river or lake for swimming and retrieving.
History
As the name implies, the Irish Water Spaniel hails from Ireland. No records were left by Justin McCarthy who developed the breed but it is believed that the Water Spaniel, Portuguese Water Dog and the Barbet were involved.
The Irish Water Spaniel was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878.
The Irish Water Spaniel is not an apartment dog because of her size and exercise requirements. Acreage or a properly fenced in yard are best for her. If she can get access to a place to swim occasionally, she will be a happier dog. She can be aggressive with other dogs so beware. She is good with older children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.
Approximate Adult Size
The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Irish Water Spaniel is 22 to 24 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 55 to 65 pounds. The female ranges from 21 to 23 inches to the withers and 45 to 58 pounds.
Special Health Considerations
Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Irish Water Spaniel is no exception. Be on the look out for hypothyroidism (sluggish thyroid gland which can result in weight gain), skin problems, and Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness). This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
Grooming
The Irish Water Spaniel has a double coat with the outer, weather proof coat having plenty of curl and ringlets. Professional care is generally needed to keep her coat trimmed and free of mats. She almost does not shed.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.
Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.
Life Span
The Irish Water Spaniel can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
History
The Irish Water Spaniel comes from Ireland where they retrieved ducks for hunters. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1878.
Both Geoffrey English & are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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