Irish Water Spaniel – a Ideal Dog
November 24th, 2009
The Irish Water Spaniel is an uncommon dog, that comes from Ireland that is powerfully built and taller and more square than most spaniels. Actually the fact the tallest of spaniels. Their hair consists of thick curls with a distinguishing puce / liver colour with a pronounced purple tone. Irish water spaniels are around sixty cms ( 24 inches) tall and weigh twenty five to thirty kgs (around 60 lbs). The Irish Water Spaniel’s face and throat are smooth with the head topped with a “top knot” raising as a mound between the eyes. Irish Water Spaniel’s have a curious medium sized smooth, rat like tail. Which contrasts strongly with their curly coat.
They were and are a working dog, so are very intelligent and active. Dog socialisation is important if they are to blend into family life. Irish Water Spaniel’s must have plenty of regular walks and time spent on dog training to make the most of them. Irish Water@ Spaniel’s are protective of their family and have a fierce, deep sounding bark if aggravated. They normally live for 8-12 years
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Their coat is non-shedding so many people who suffer allergic responses might not be affected by the Irish Water Spaniel. Irish Water Spaniel’s do not require daily grooming unless showing. An occasional trim to get rid of straggly ends with scissors and a comb to remove the mats. No surprise with their name that they love swimming, so an occasional swim will curl up the coat again and keep them happy.
The Irish Water Spaniel was breed in the the early nineteenth century in Ireland. The origins of the breed are unclear, experts generally thinking they may have come from the Portuguese Water Dog, Poodle and Barbet. The Irish Water Spaniel hunted as a gundog in the marshes, rivers and bogs in Ireland.
Although happy to curl up and sleep at home, regular walks and exercise are indispensible for a healthy, trouble free Irish Water Spaniel. An unexercised Irish Water Spaniel is likely to lead to a mischievous, naughty dog. A great home for them is an active one, with plenty of activities going on and space, where their minds in addition to their bodies are exercised. Dog walkers love them, as they appreciate good walks. Lots of Irish Water Spaniel lovers exercise their dogs in the shooting field, in obedience tests, in agility competitions, or in the conformation show ring.
Their intelligence results in them enjoying agility and obedience activities and combined with their great nose often results in them being trained for explosive and drug detection.
The major health issue with the breed is caused by their size and may be afflicted by hip dysplasia, if planning to breed from them, the potential mother and father should be scored for this.
The Irish Water Spaniel can be glutinous, so you need to control their food intake.
A great dog for an active family or couple who have the time and either experience of other dogs, or are prepared to invest in the training, perhaps with the help of a professional dog trainer.
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