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About Irish Spaniel Dogs
Irish Water Spaniels comprise a
breed of medium- to large-sized dog. The breed
in its modern form was developed in Ireland in
the early 19th century to retrieve even large
fowl from deep water. However, its initial origin
is ancient. Its ancestry is not known for sure,
but it is thought to be somehow related to any
of a variety of spaniels and water dogs.
On average, Irish Water Spaniels
measure 22 to 24 inches in height and weigh 55
to 65 pounds, making them the largest of the spaniels.
They have sturdy, square, and rugged builds, webbed
toes, and long bodies relative to their height.
Irish Water Spaniels have double
coats that are oily and water-repellent. Their
coats are tightly curled and liver in color, with
a uniquely purple tone. Their coats are smooth,
short, and closely-fitting on their faces and
tails. Each Irish Water Spaniels also has a characteristic
topknot of looser curls beginning on their head
that may fall to cover their eyes, as well as
longer curls on the back of their throat and along
the sides of their face. Irish Water Spaniels
are very light shedders.
Irish Water Spaniels can be great
companions. Though they may be wary of strangers
and will not always get along with other pets,
they tend to be very loving towards their humans.
They are self-assured, yet docile, assuming they
are well-socialized and cared for well. Irish
Water Spaniels are also very eager to please,
and therefore tend to be willing when socialized
and taken care of properly.
Irish Water Spaniels are best raised
by owners who have experience owning and socializing
dogs. Irish Water Spaniels must be shown consistent
and strong leadership and authority, as well as
respect, by all members of the household. They
also require owners who can be actively attentive
to them, as they tend to misbehave under owners
they view as passive, and therefore bad leaders.
Irish Water Spaniels require significant
amounts of exercise, and therefore do best with
a lot of space available to them and at least
a moderately-sized yard. They tend to do better
in more rural settings given their fondness for
being outdoors. Irish Water Spaniels can be good
with children as long as the children treat them
respectfully while expressing authority. Irish
Water Spaniels may do well with other pets if
properly socialized.
Given their athleticism and stamina,
Irish Water Spaniels require daily walks, jogs,
or runs. Swimming and retrieving games such as
fetch are not necessary, but are great forms of
exercise that Irish Water Spaniels love. Irish
Water Spaniels also require routine grooming,
with regular trimming and brushing.
Irish Water Spaniels are prone to
hip dysplasia; hypothryoidism; entropion, an eyelid
affliction; and ear infections. Their life expectancy
is 10-12 years.
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