Irish Water Spaniel
Description
The Irish Water Spaniel is one of the oldest and most
distinctive spaniels. Dogs resembling them are depicted in manuscripts
from 1,000 years ago. Continued references to this dog can be found
from 1600 on. Around that time, the King of France is said to have been
presented with one of them. Whether the breed was at one time
found in different varieties or whether several similar breeds were its
forebears is a matter of conjecture. What is agreed upon is that several
similar spaniels existed in Ireland. The breed entered the show ring in
both Britain and America by the late 1800s. In 1875, it was the
third-most popular sporting dog. Despite its enchantingly clownish
appearance and adept water-retrieving ability, the Irish Water Spaniel
lost popularity and is only rarely seen in the show ring or found as the
family pet.
Temperament
The
Irish Water Spaniel is intelligent, easy to train, and possesses a
desire to please. They are known to be eager, bold and confident, but at
the same time stubborn and independent. They are however capable of
learning a great deal and becoming loving family dogs or one person
dogs. Usually easy-going and gentle they can have a mind of their own
being mischievous and fun-loving but devoted. Some make good guard dogs
and generally do well with other pets if properly introduced. They can
be reserved and protective with strangers and should be well-socialized
as a puppy and do best with older considerate children. A quiet dog, barking only when necessary to warn the family
but is prone to the occasional drool and slobber. Being an excellent
swimmer, they have considerable stamina and drive, and a very good nose.
Appearance
Height: 51-58cm
(20-23in)
Weight:
55-65lbs
(25-30 kg
The largest of the spaniels, the
Irish Water Spaniel has a
solid brown, crisp-textured dense curly coat. Both
the face and tail have short hair as contrasted with the long curls of
the body. It has a rather large head with an arched skull. The curly
outer coat is lined with a dense undercoat, which helps insulate the dog
in even the coldest water. A top-knot of curls on the head hangs down to
cover and protect the eyes. The muzzle is long, square and powerful. The
long ears are covered with curls. The chest is deep, but rather narrow
for free movement when swimming. The hind quarters are as high as or
slightly higher than the shoulders. The front legs are straight and well
boned. Webbed feet assist in swimming.
Grooming
A lot of care in grooming is needed, as the coat can tend
to mat. Skilled trimming of the coat is necessary. The coat is usually
good for allergy sufferers since it has little dandruff. These dogs shed
little to no hair.
If you don't have the
time to bath or groom your dog, your local dog grooming
parlour provides these services.
Life Expectancy
10-12 Years
Health Concerns
Prone to hypo-thyroidism and eye entropion. Be sure the
parents are checked for thyroid problems. Avoid timid puppies. They may
drool and have ear infections.
Suitability
The
Irish Water Spaniel
loves being inside.
Not considered a townhouse dog
because of their size they are easily able to be housetrained to become
very well mannered and will especially love lazing around.
They are not recommended for families with toddlers, very small children
or inactive people and can be kept in a backyard but will require at
least 30 minutes per day of exercise. They also enjoy swimming and will
take to obedience and agility training if introduced to it early.
Irish Water Spaniel -
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