Irish Water Spaniel Breed Information

Other names     Whiptail

                         Shannon Spaniel

                         Rat Tail Spaniel

                         Bog Dog


Country         Ireland

Breed Group:     Sporting

Weight:     Male: 55-65; Female: 45-58 lbs

Height:     Male: 22-24; Female: 21-23 inches

Color(s):     solid liver


Life expectancy 10-12 years

Litter size     4-12

Irish Water Spaniel History

The exact origination on the rare Irish Water Spaniel is unknown, but they have existed within the Midwestern United States since the 18th century. They have most commonly been utilized as a multi-purpose farm and hunting dog. Irish Water Spaniels are thought to be derived from the Curly-Coated Retriever and Irish Water Spaniel. Other earlier Spaniels may have also contributed. They Irish Water Spaniel possesses a amount of natural talents and is an exceptional bird and scouting dog.




Irish Water Spaniel Description

The Irish Water Spaniel may be the largest on the spaniels.The coat is covered in lengthy loose curls on the entire body and shorter hair on the face and tail. The curly external coat carries a dense undercoat that insulates the canine from cold Water. There is a topknot of curls on top on the head.The tail is low-set and carried degree with the back. The entrance legs are straight. The hind quarters are as high as or slightly higher than the shoulders. The webbed feet are round spreading, covered with hair.The teeth encounter in a scissors or degree bite. The small, brown eyes are almond-shaped. The lengthy ears are founded low, hanging near to the head and covered with loose curls. The chest is deep, but narrow. The head is large using a long, square, deep muzzle, using a gradual stop. The large nose is dark liver in color.



Irish Water Spaniel Temperament

This is an energetic breed that is normally found in a real working retriever environment. They are intelligent, quick to learn, alert, and inquisitive, especially when it suits their purposes. They occasionally display humorous antics although working, earning them their "clownish" reputation. With proper socialization they might be gentle dogs with family members and children, but are normally shy around strangers if they have not experienced lots of socialization as youngsters. Irish Water Spaniels need regular exercise and need an experienced trainer however, when looked after properly, make quite loving and loyal pets. They benefit from access to Water to swim, an action they specialise in.



Irish Water Spaniel Care


A lot of maintenance is needed to make the coat free of knots along with a matted look. skilled grooming is needed for trimming the coat. people today who have allergies to canine dander may keep these dogs as they shed quite little. They need a great offer of exercise every single day whether it is walking, swimming or running. As mentioned earlier, they do adore to swim, so getting them to a pond would be the amazing treat. They have a great offer of stamina, as basically they were hunting dogs. They are prone to ear and eye infections so, maintain clear hygienic habits. Brushing on the coat is important on an everyday basis. Trimming of nails and hair around the ears and paws is important.



Irish Water Spaniel Grooming

The Irish Water Spaniel carries a luxurious coat also it does need a significant amount of grooming. The biggest concern for the coat is matting. Brushing the coat on a regular basis can prevent matting on the coat. The coat sheds a few of occasions each and every year, but this should really not supply a difficulty because the coat only sheds lightly.



Irish Water Spaniel Training

These dogs possess a great longing to please their owners, plus they are therefore able to learn a great deal. They might be quite independent and obstinate at times. It is therefore recommended to socialize them with other dogs from an earlier age onwards, and educate them up in obedience. Irish Water Spaniels respond amazing to firm and steady training techniques. These dogs are bored quickly with repetitive tasks, advertisement it is therefore good to possess short sessions, with different varieties. leadership should really also be founded within the family; otherwise these dogs will try and dominate.



Irish Water Spaniel Pictures