Irish Water Spaniel

Irish Water Spaniel

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The Irish Water Spaniel is breed of dog that is the largest and one of the oldest of spaniels. It is also one of the rarest. Known as the “clown” of the spaniel family, the Irish Water Spaniel is the largest and one of the oldest breeds of spaniels. 

Irish Water Spaniels make good family dogs, as they are usually excellent with children and with other pets. They can make good guard dogs if they have been trained to do so, and will protect their human families. Not usually an aggressive dog, yet the IWS has a deep, fierce-sounding bark.

Although their coats do grow to medium length, the dogs do not need daily brushing unless the owner intends to enter the showring. A once-a-month trim with scissors to remove straggly ends, a comb to remove mats, then a swim to curl up the coat again, is all that is usually required.

Although happy to curl up and sleep at home, regular walks and exercise are essential for a healthy, contented water spaniel. An ideal home though would be a working environment, where the dogs’ minds as well as bodies are exercised. Many IWS owners work their dogs in the shooting field, in obedience tests, or in agility competitions. A favourite pastime is swimming, so the ideal owner would be someone who could give their dog access to a clean, safe river, or other body of water.

Appearance: The Irish Water Spaniel is a stout and coby dog Native to Ireland. The coat consisting of dense curls, sheds very little. The colour is liver/puce and has a very definite purple hue unlike the colour of any other known breed. Their coat is also unusual in that it is comprised of hair, not fur (hence the tendency not to shed). 

This characteristic means that people usually allergic to dogs might have less of an allergic reaction to Irish Water Spaniels (see hypoallergenic), and also means that the dogs must have regular haircuts, as humans. The dogs are strongly built, and a bit taller and more squarish than other spaniels. 

There is a curly topknot upon the head and the face is smooth. The most distinguishing characteristic of these dogs is their long “rat-like” tails, which are a striking contrast to their otherwise curly coats. Dogs range in height from 22 to 24 inches (56-61 cm), and weigh 55 to 65 pounds (25-30 kg). As their name would imply these dogs love water and to this end they have evolved slightly webbed feet to aid this.

Temperament: This is an active breed that is usually found in a real working retriever environment. They are intelligent, quick to learn, alert, and inquisitive. They sometimes display humorous antics while working, earning them their “clownish” reputation. 

With proper socialization they can be gentle dogs with family and children, but are often shy around strangers. Irish Water Spaniels require lots of exercise and need an experienced trainer, and therefore are probably not the best choice for a casual dog owner. They also require access to water to swim, an activity they specialise in.

History: Although the current breed stock are Irish, the ultimate origin of the breed is unknown. It is possible that more than one ancient breed of spaniel has gone into its makeup. 

Irish Water Spaniels share a common lineage with the Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, and Barbet, but whether they are antecedents, descendants, or mixtures of these other breeds is a matter of some speculation. What is clear is that the breed has ancient roots. The modern breed as we know it was developed in Ireland in the 1830s.

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