Origin
There are several theories about the origin of the Irish Water Spaniel, the most common belief is that the Irish Water Spaniel descended from the Poodle and Irish Setter, other believe that they were developed from a Poodle and Curly Coated Retriever crossing. The Irish Water Spaniel gained popularity in early England and Ireland for having the ability to retrieve from the most frigid water and for having a soft enough mouth to retrieve and dove without causing damage. The breed became popular in the United States in the 1800's for duck hunting until the Labrador Retriever be came more popular with hunters due to its easy of care coat. The Irish Water Spaniel is now considered a rare breed, however they are becoming more popular in Australia as a family companion due to their gentle disposition.
Description
The Irish Water Spaniel is the largest of the spaniels, they have a curly- coat which is a solid brown. They have long curls that cover their body, except their face and tail which has short hair. Their curly outer coat is lined with dense undercoat, this acts as insulation even in the coldest water and weather. The top-knot of curls on the head hangs down to cover and protect the eyes. They have long ears which are also covered with curls. The Irish Water Spaniel has a rather large head with an arched skull, they have long, square, powerful muzzle, and they have a deep chest that is narrow to assist with movement when swimming and wading through water. Their have webbed feet assist in swimming. The Irish Water Spaniel is the largest of the spaniels, they have a curly- coat which is a solid brown. They have long curls that cover their body, except their face and tail which has short hair. Their curly outer coat is lined with dense undercoat, this acts as insulation even in the coldest water and weather. The top-knot of curls on the head hangs down to cover and protect the eyes. They have long ears which are also covered with curls. The Irish Water Spaniel has a rather large head with an arched skull, they have long, square, powerful muzzle, and they have a deep chest that is narrow to assist with movement when swimming and wading through water. Their have webbed feet assist in swimming.
| Size | Large |
| Colour | The only recognised coat colour of the Irish Water Spaniel is dark liver |
| Coat Length | Long |
| Weight/Height Range | On average dogs stand at 53 - 58cms at the withers and weigh 25 - 30kgs, bitches average at 51 - 56cms from the withers and weigh 20 - 25kgs. |
| Ailments | Irish Water Spaniels can be prone to ear infections, hypo-thyroidism and eye entropion. |
Feeding & Ownership
On the whole these dogs are not big eaters when you consider the amount of exercise they require.
| Food Cost | $15 to $20 |
| Other Expenses | After the normal costs for caring for you puppy, remember that there will be the occasional requirement from trimming |
Personality
Irish Water Spaniels are lively and cheerful dog, they can be devoted and fun loving. They are generally known as quiet dogs that will bark to warn when necessary, however if they are bored or not well socialised they will bark more frequently. They are good with children and other pets if well socialised from a puppy. This breed not recommended for quiet or inexperienced owners as if they do not receive regular and consist training they can be come stubborn and mischievous. They are excellent swimmers and very active.
| Intelligence | The Irish Water Spaniel are an intelligent breed, they are quick learners and require regular and consist training. It is important that you provide mental and physical exercise, to avoid them from becoming destructive. |
| Energy | High |
| Suitability for Children | Medium |
| Tendency to Bark | Low |
| Overall Exercise Requirement | They have with tremendous stamina. They need daily exercise as such a run walk or run. They will also really enjoy a swimming and retrieving a ball. |
| Suitability as a Guard Dog | Medium |
| Ease of Transportation | Medium |
| Level of Aggression | Low Medium |
| Other Animal Compatibility | Medium |
Grooming
The coat of the Irish Terrier should be brushed as little as possible as brushing them as this will make their coat frizzy, it is recommended to wet their coat after brushing as this will resume their curls. If the coat becomes too long, it can be trimmed with scissors.
| Grooming Requirements | Once a week |
| Amount of Hair Shed | Little |
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