Irish Water Spaniel
Description
The Irish Water Spaniel presents a picture of a smart, upstanding strongly built sporting dog. Irish Water Spaniel has a wonderful temperament and unique appearance making him an enjoyable breed. A great intelligence, quick learner, fun-loving personality has earned Irish Water Spaniel the title of “clown of the spaniel family.” The Irish Water Spaniel loves water and will often take a flying leap into any body of water he encounters. The tallest of the spaniels, they excel in retrieving wildfowl.
Size of Male: Height: 22-24 inches Weight: 55-65 pounds
Size of Female: Height: 21-23 inches Weight: 45-58 pounds
Temperament
The Irish Water Spaniel is intelligent, easy to train, and possesses a desire to please. Irish Water Spaniel is eager, bold and confident. Irish Water Spaniel is stubborn and independent, but capable of learning a great deal. Many are loving family dogs, but many are also one person dogs. They can have a mind of their own, but generally is easy-going and gentle. A fine working dog in the field and obedience ring. The Irish Water Spaniels are devoted, but mischievous and fun-loving. Some are also good guard dogs. Generally, it does well with other pets if properly introduced, but tends to be fairly dog-aggressive. Reserved and protective with strangers. Should be well-socialized as a puppy and does best with older considerate children. The Irish Water Spaniel is a quiet dog, barking only when necessary to warn the family. An excellent swimmer, he has considerable stamina and drive, and a very good nose. This breed may drool and slobber. Some are timid, nervous, or suspicious, and some are prone to snapping when startled or annoyed. He can refuse commands from family members who have not established leadership over him.
Living Conditions
Because Irish Water Spaniel needs plenty of daily exercise and loves the outdoors, he does best in the suburbs or country. Irish Water Spaniel does best with at least an average-sized yard. It is good however, it you live in an apartment with your dog to bring it out for socialization since young and for exercise daily.
Upkeep
Irish Water Spaniel, which is active, athletic and inquisitive, needs lots of mental and physical exertion to keep it from becoming frustrated or bored. An hour of free running or strenuous playing a day is necessary to satisfy Irish Water Spaniel’s needs. Obedience work can also be helpful in giving Irish Water Spaniel the mental challenges it enjoys. The curly coat needs brushing and combing two to three times a week, plus scissoring every few months. Like all dogs, it loses its coat periodically; however, the hairs tend to become trapped in the other hairs rather than fall off. If not combed out, they will form mats and cords, which can be really painful for them if to be combed through. So do make sure you comb them regularly.
Health
Major concerns: hip dysplasia, seizures, megaesophagus
Minor concerns: distichiasis
Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years