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Irish Water Spaniel

Appearance

Origin

Temperament

Training

Interesting facts

Appearance

Origin

Temperament

Training

Interesting facts

Home

Irish Water Spaniel

Appearance

Origin

Temperament

Training

Interesting facts

Appearance

Origin

Temperament

Training

Interesting facts

Irish Water Spaniel

Other names: Whiptail, Shannon Spaniel, Rat Tail Spaniel, Bog Dog

Dogs of this breed were created to be hunters, so be prepared that Irish Water Spaniels need a lot of space and even long walks outside the apartment will not replace the space in their own house. Also, be prepared that you will have to devote all your free time to pets because these are not dogs that can live by themselves.

FCI group:

Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs

FCI section:

Water Dogs

Withers height

56-61

22-24

cminch

cm inch

weight

25-30

55-66

kglbs

kg lbs

life span

12-13 years

country of origin

fur length

breed origin

size

Large

Appearance

Irish Water Spaniel breed dogs have a good appearance with a strong athletic body and nice muscular legs. The chest is wide, well defined, with a straight back. They have a large head and a massive muzzle, by the way, their fur gives the dog a large volume. Beautiful round eyes of a dark color with an interesting and intelligent look. Large, low-set ears should hang down. The tail of dogs of this breed is quite thin and long, slightly twisted at the tip. The Irish Water Spaniel's body is covered with very dense, thick, curly hair, and it is very short and smooth only on the face. There can be only one color option, dark brown with a slightly plum shade.

Eye colour

Fur colour

Ears

Eyes shape

Fur length

Fur type

Tail

Eye colour

Fur colour

Ears

Eyes shape

Fur length

Fur type

Tail

Gallery

Origin

Dogs of this breed are considered a new breed because Irish Water Spaniels were bred relatively recently in the 19th century, as you can guess from the name, they come from Ireland. Now they are actively bred in their homeland and many European countries, Canada and the USA. There are two versions as to who were the ancestors of the Irish Water Spaniel, according to the first version, they were formed by crossing French Spaniels and Hungarian shepherd dogs. Others believe that water dogs participated in the breeding. Irish Water Spaniels began to be purposefully bred in the second third of the 19th century, they were actively used in hunting, and people loved them simply as companions, which is why Irish Water Spaniels soon became widespread worldwide.

Origin countries

Ireland

Temperament

The first trait in their character, about which I want to say, is incredible intelligence and intelligence, Irish Water Spaniel can understand their owner with half a word. Also, these dogs are ideal for families with children, because they get along very well with them. Most likely, Irish Water Spaniels will treat strangers with some shyness, so you should not count on getting these dogs as guards. Representatives of this breed also do not feel well alone, so you should not leave an Irish Water Spaniel for a long time.

Behavior:

Loyal to owner

High prey drive

Activity Level:

Very active

Training

Because the representatives of this breed have a very developed intelligence, Irish Water Spaniels are quite easy to train and teach, much more than many other dogs, they have an inner independence, so from an early age you must show yourself in the eyes of the dogs as a firm and fair leader. The owner must necessarily be gradual and teach the dogs obedience and socialization at an early age. Irish Water Spaniels quickly get bored with monotonous training, so the owner should make the training varied, short, and fun, but necessarily meaningful.

Activity Level:

Very active

Interesting facts

Nowadays, dogs of this breed are actively used in various sports, the most popular of which are obedience and agility.
Irish Water Spaniels have webbed feet and love to swim.
Their fur almost does not shed.
Irish Water Spaniels require lots of activities so be prepared for daily morning runs, hot weather swimming, and daily training.

Keeping conditions

Diet preferences

Grooming

Common health issues

Diet preferences

Grooming

Common health issues

The diet of these four-legged friends must be balanced and consist mostly of protein components. It can be meat, or meat by-products, you can also sometimes give the dog bread, vegetables, fruits, greens, sea fish, and occasionally add fermented milk products to the dog's diet. On the advice of a veterinarian, enrich the diet with a vitamin-mineral complex. Do not forget to update your Irish Water Spaniel's water daily.

As for the care of an Irish Water Spaniel, it can be a little difficult, because such a lush coat needs professional care. They should be combed regularly, and when bathing, use only special shampoos for curly hair to improve its shine. Be sure to clean their ears with a special lotion several times a week, and also wipe their eyes daily. Don't forget to trim your nails several times a month and also brush your teeth with special toothpaste or treats.

Shedding:

Infrequent

Grooming intencity:

Requires lots of grooming

In general, dogs of this breed are very healthy and hardy, but there is still a list of possible diseases:

Cataract.

Entropy.

Ear infections.

Hip dysplasia.

Hypothyroidism.

Epilepsy.

Development of ear diseases. Therefore, be sure to monitor how your Irish Water Spaniel is feeling, and if you notice something unusual, be sure to contact the veterinarian.