Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is a distinctive and active breed distinguished by its playful disposition and curly, water-resistant coat. Often referred to as the "clown" of the spaniel breed, this dog exudes charm and personality. It is distinguished from other breeds by its unique appearance and energetic personality.

Irish Water Spaniels are excellent in water activities, even though they were originally bred for hunting. Their innate love of water and their powerful swimming abilities make them great companions for outdoor enthusiasts. They do best in settings where they can exercise their minds as well as their bodies.

They may be lively and playful, but they are also smart, devoted dogs that form strong bonds with their families. For Irish Water Spaniels to remain content and well-mannered, they need regular exercise and mental stimulation. This breed is a wonderful, loving friend for people who lead active lifestyles.

Characteristics of the Irish Water Spaniel breed

In the past, members of this dog breed were referred to as Shannon spaniels, after the Shannon River. Other common names for these dogs, related to their physical characteristics, were rat-tailed or long-tailed spaniels. These dogs are strong and resilient; they can run all day. The thick coat keeps the skin dry and shields it from harm. They are able to hunt in any kind of weather and condition.

Hunting enthusiasts, athletes, and those with active lifestyles can all benefit from this breed. These dogs compete in obedience, agility, and freestyle events, and they swim quite well. used as a lifeguard on the water occasionally. However, this spaniel is typically kept as a companion.

Parameters	Characteristics
name of the breed	Irish water spaniel
country	Ireland
breed group	retrievers, spaniels and water dogs
use	hunter, companion
duration life	10-13 years
height	males 53-61 cm, females 51-56 cm
weight	Malepols 25-30 kg, bitches 20-26 kg
aggression	Low
intelligence	smart, smart, independent
Attitude to a person	Affectionate, devoted, good -natured
care	It is difficult to care for wool, a haircut, trimming are required

Pros

Water spaniels are well-liked because of their calm, adaptable nature. They are quick learners and do not act aggressively. The dog won’t cause any issues as long as the owner adopts the proper strategy. He benefits from the following:

• has an attractive appearance;
• the best hunter for waterfowl;
• can be a guard;
• It gets along well with other pets;
• loves children;
• devoted, affectionate;
• smart, smart, easily lends itself to training;
• calm, not noisy;
• hardy, sports;
• Suitable for people with allergies, as it almost does not pour.

Cons

It is not advised to keep Irish Water Spaniel representatives in an apartment in a city. Those who are homebodies or don’t have time for pets shouldn’t own them. These are energetic dogs that require long walks and physical activity. Additionally, they have a few drawbacks:

• difficult grooming;
• can be stubborn and independent;
• become very attached to the owner, can be annoying;
• do not tolerate loneliness.

History of origin

The oldest breed of spaniels is the Irish Water Spaniel. As early as the 12th century, these dogs were known in the southern region of Ireland. It is thought by researchers that Portuguese water dogs who traveled to the island with sailors were their ancestors. They were well-liked and employed for marsh game hunting. Another theory claims that English water spaniels or barbets were the breed’s ancestors.

These water dogs were first mentioned in writing in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. However, focused breeding didn’t start until the early 1800s. Subsequently, water spaniels were acknowledged as a distinct breed, they started taking part in shows, and a standard was made. Researchers speculate that these dogs’ appearance may have been influenced by the breeding of poodles and Irish setters.

These dogs’ renown started to wane by the end of the 19th century, and retrievers took their place. However, the International Cynological Association granted it official recognition in 1900. This breed is now fairly uncommon. Although it is well-known worldwide, its main areas of popularity are its native country, the United States, and Great Britain.

Standards for the appearance of Irish water spaniels

Large, muscular dogs with strong bones make up the Irish water spaniel breed. The body is nearly square in shape and has a harmonious physique. The appearance is characterized by curly brown fur, a long tail without hair, and a thick head cap. This dog appears to be a poodle rather than a spaniel at first glance.

Head

The head is sizeable in relation to the body. The cranium has a convex dome. The stop is smooth, and the elongated, rectangular muzzle is present. The nose has a broad, open nostril, a smooth bridge, and a large lobe. The color is either dark brown or chocolate, matching the color of the coat.

The eyes are wide-set and almond-shaped. They are tiny and have a brown hue. The appearance is kind and amiable. Large, lobed ears that are low to the muzzle are present. dangle on the sides of the head, long haired and uncovered.

Body

The neck is thick and lengthy. The chest is broad and rounded. The loin is broad, and the back is short and straight. The tail is positioned low, has a thick base, and taper dramatically toward the tip. It is erect, covered in hair from the middle to the base, and entirely nude, resembling a rat. The dog uses its tail as a steering wheel when swimming.

Limbs

Straight, parallel forelimbs. oblique shoulder blades, elbows close to the chest. muscles in the back limbs. possessing robust thighs, long shins, and distinct hocks. The paws are rounded and compact. The dog can swim well because of the webs that are between its toes. The limbs have a thick layer of fur covering them.

Wool and color

The fur is medium length, soft, and thick. compacted into tightly coiled bundles. should not have long curls or be wavy. Water cannot pass through the natural lubricant covering the fur. It feels velvety and oily to the touch as a result. With the exception of the muzzle and tail, the dog’s entire body is covered in dense curls. Longer fur on the head forms voluminous bangs and a cap.

The breed representatives’ only color, according to the standard, is brown. However, there are a few variations that include chocolate, liver, sand, and chestnut. A rusty hue is acceptable. White marks shouldn’t exist.

Photos complement the description of the appearance of these dogs:

Character of these dogs

The best dog for bird hunting is the Irish Water Spaniel. He swims well and is tough. He may also develop into a pleasant friend. This dog is happy and outgoing. He develops a strong attachment to his owner and attempts to get involved in all of his affairs. Spaniels are humorous and artistic animals that enjoy playing tricks on people and being noticed. They also enjoy receiving praise from others.

These dogs are docile and affectionate with family members. They enjoy playing with kids because they love them. However, it is preferable to get a spaniel if the kids are older than six and know how to behave around dogs. After that, the animal will turn into a loyal companion and guardian. They even get along well with cats as pets.

These dogs never bite; instead, they simply walk away from things they don’t like. They are constantly prepared to defend their owners’ property and are suspicious of strangers. They can make excellent guards because they are courageous and alert.

Here are some characteristics of this spaniel:

• kind;
• docile;
• loyal;
• calm;
• smart;
• brave;
• observant;
• self-confident;
• stubborn;
• active.

Education and training

This breed’s representatives are intelligent, submissive, and quick to learn. They have good recall for commands, but you have to find the right strategy. Spaniels can be obstinate at times. They also have a tendency toward independence and self-reliance, just like other hunting dogs.

A puppy needs to be trained from the moment it enters the home. Begin by getting it used to a place and a nickname. You must become familiar with the commands "come to me," "no," "sit," and "lie down." The puppy should be able to walk beside you, stop on command, and calmly perceive the collar and leash before going outside.

This breed’s representatives require early socialization. They need to get used to strangers, dogs, and street noise even though they are calm and non-aggressive.

When training a water spaniel, you should adhere to the following guidelines:

• these dogs do not like monotony, it is undesirable to repeat the same command too often;
• training should be short, it is better to do it several times a day;
• training should be built in the form of a game, alternate tasks;
• it is necessary to be patient;
• strictness should be moderate, you cannot treat the dog rudely or use physical punishment;
• for the correct execution of the command, be sure to reward the pet with affection or a treat.

The pictures depict how water dogs behave:

A private home with a sizable yard is preferable for a water spaniel. This is a big, energetic dog that requires room to run around. It will be small and boring in a city apartment; under such circumstances, the pet’s personality may suffer. Spaniels enjoy swimming, so having a pond close to the house is ideal.

In order to maintain an adult dog, you must walk it two or three times a day. Active walks that include outdoor games should last for at least an hour. It’s a good idea to take your pet on walks, bike rides, and dog parks.

Grooming an Irish Water Spaniel is not difficult. All you have to focus on is the coat. It must be brushed two or three times every week. You will have to sort the dense curls by hand because they frequently become tangled. This breed’s non-shedding coat is another characteristic. Though they are replaced, the curls persist. As a result, trimming—pulling out dead hair—several times a year is advised.

For these dogs, additional hygienic measures are typical:

• It is recommended to bathe once every 2-3 months with a special shampoo for long hair;
• Examine the ears every week and clean them with veterinary lotion;
• Examine the eyes daily, if necessary, wipe them with tea leaves;
• Wash the paws after walks to make it easier to maintain cleanliness, cut the hair between the toes;
• Trim the claws 1-2 times a month;
• To prevent tartar formation, brush his teeth with a special toothpaste every week.

Nutrition

Natural products are recommended by breeders for feeding water spaniels. This large, energetic dog needs high-calorie, high-protein food. Offal and lean meat should be included in the diet. You can feed turkey, veal, rabbits, beef, liver, lungs, and cartilage to your pet. Give sea fish and boiled eggs once or twice a week.

Fresh vegetables, cereals, and boiling water should be combined with protein-rich foods. Giving fruits, vegetables, vegetable oil, and fermented dairy products is beneficial. Dogs are not allowed to eat sweets, pastries, smoked meats, or foods that are salty, fatty, or spicy.

If the pet’s owner decides to give it dry food, you must select holistic or ultra-premium brands. Due to their susceptibility to allergies, water spaniels shouldn’t have grains, soy, chicken, or artificial additives in their diet. Dogs with active lifestyles should be fed food specifically made for them.

A mature dog receives two meals per day. It is not advisable to switch your dog’s diet frequently or switch from natural to processed food. Combining dry food with other products is also harmful.

Health

Water Spaniel lifespans typically range from 11 to 13 years. A dog can live up to 14 or even 16 years if given the right care. However, members of the breed are susceptible to these illnesses:

• hip dysplasia;
• hypothyroidism;
• eye diseases;
• otitis;
• epilepsy;
• allergies;
• obesity;
• diabetes;
• osteosarcoma.

How to buy an Irish Water Spaniel puppy

You must locate a reputable nursery in order to purchase a water spaniel. There is a waiting list for puppies because there aren’t many of them in our nation. But the dog will undoubtedly be purebred because of the breed’s uniqueness and distinctive appearance. The most important thing is that the breeder supplies all required paperwork and veterinary certifications. Representatives of the breed are priced starting at 35,000 rubles.

It’s crucial to research animal keeping practices, get to know the mother, and see the puppies before making a purchase. They ought not to be hostile or cowardly. Healthy infants are inquisitive and lively. Their long, fluffy ears, bare tail, and head cap are already distinguishing features of the breed. The puppy shouldn’t have eye discharge, dandruff, bald patches on its coat, or signs of scratches on its skin.

The image depicts the appearance of water spaniel puppies:

The breed’s description is enhanced by the video:

Irish Water Spaniel in a video

Irish Water Spaniel in a video.

Characteristic	Description
Origin	Ireland
Size	Medium
Coat	Curly and water-resistant
Color	Brown
Temperament	Intelligent, active, and friendly
Exercise Needs	High
Training	Requires consistency and patience

The Irish Water Spaniel is a distinctive and active breed that enjoys the water and is known for being playful. They stand out from other dogs thanks to their curly coat and energetic personality, especially with families that like being outside.

This breed makes an excellent pet and devoted companion when given the right training and socialization. They are perceptive and intelligent, but because of their independence, they require a self-assured owner who can give them clear instructions.

All things considered, the Irish Water Spaniel is a great option for active people or families who can provide them with the care and exercise they require to thrive.

A distinctive and active canine breed, the Irish Water Spaniel is well-known for its curly, water-resistant coat and passion for swimming. This clever breed is ideal for active families that can offer lots of exercise and mental stimulation because of its amiable and playful nature. They are a good option for allergy sufferers because of their hypoallergenic coat, but frequent grooming is necessary. The Irish Water Spaniel is a devoted and loving dog that is best enjoyed as a companion by those who are prepared to provide for its care and exercise needs.

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