Irish Water Spaniel
Breed Information |
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|---|---|
| Popularity |
2022: #183 2021: #165 2020: #174 2019: #170 2018: #159 2017: #164 2016: #150 2015: #144 |
| Name | Irish Water Spaniel |
| Other names | Whiptail, Shannon Spaniel, Rat Tail Spaniel, Bog Dog |
| Origin |  Ireland |
| Breed Group |
Sporting (AKC:1884) Gun Dogs (UKC) |
| Size | Medium |
| Type | Purebred |
| Life span | 10-12 years |
| Temperament |
Active Alert Clownish Inquisitive Intelligent Quick |
| Height | 20-23 inches (51-58 cm) |
| Weight | 45-65 pounds (20-30 kg) |
| Colors | Brown |
| Litter Size | 4-12 puppies |
| Puppy Prices |
Average $1500 - $2000 USD The Irish Water Spaniel was one of only nine breeds first recognized by the American Kennel Club when it was founded. Although rare in the United States today, the Irish Water Spaniel used to be a more popular hunting dog. In general. The average price of an Irish Water Spaniel is between $1,500 - $2,000 per puppy. |
Breed Characteristics |
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|---|---|
| Adaptability |
4 stars |
| Apartment Friendly |
2 stars Because he needs plenty of daily exercise and loves the outdoors, he does best in the suburbs or country. This breed does best with at least an average-sized yard. |
| Barking Tendencies |
1 stars Rare |
| Cat Friendly |
2 stars |
| Child Friendly |
5 stars Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them. |
| Dog Friendly |
2 stars |
| Exercise Needs |
5 stars These are hunting dogs with tremendous stamina. They need a daily long,brisk walk, jog or run. In addition, they will greatly enjoy retrieving and swimming. |
| Grooming |
4 stars Moderate Maintenance: The Irish Water Spaniel coat requires brushing and combing several times a week, but excessive grooming will cause the coat to fluff, which is undesirable. After brushing, the Irish Water Spaniel should be washed or allowed to swim, which will help retain its naturally curly texture. |
| Health Issues |
4 stars Hypoallergenic: YesProne to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, eye entropion and ear infections. |
| Intelligence |
1 stars Ranking: #24 Full Ranking List |
| Playfulness |
4 stars |
| Shedding Level |
1 stars Minimal Shedding: The coat sheds slightly, but it doesn’t cling to the fabric of furniture and clothing quite as much as other types of hair. |
| Stranger Friendly |
2 stars |
| Trainability |
4 stars Easy Training: The Irish Water Spaniel should be trained at a young age with a consistent approach. Obedience training is highly recommended. The Irish Water Spaniel learns quickly, but if it does not recognize its handler’s authority it will refuse to obey. |
| Watchdog Ability |
4 stars |
Irish Water Spaniel Names |
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|---|---|---|
| Rank | Boy Names | Girl Names |
| 01 | Max | Bella |
| 02 | Cooper | Lucy |
| 03 | Toby | Molly |
| 04 | Jake | Luna |
| 05 | Jax | Lulu |
| 06 | Bruno | Roxy |
| 07 | Hank | Riley |
| 08 | Zeus | Ellie |
| 09 | Riley | Coco |
| 10 | Beau | Abbie |
| 100 Cute Puppy Names › | ||
Overview |
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The Irish Water Spaniel is built like no other spaniel, being much taller and racier. The body is of medium length, the whole dog being slightly rectangular in appearance. The general appearance suggests both dash and endurance. The gait is smooth and ground-covering. The coat is one of the breed's distinctive features. The body is covered with a double coat consisting of crisp ringlets. This combination imparts water, weather and thorn resistance to the dog, enabling it to hunt in the harshest of conditions. The Irish water spaniel's expression says it all: alert, intelligent and quizzical. Like most dogs of the American Kennel Club Sporting group, the Irish Water Spaniel is essentially an active, willing and energetic companion. Because it has been bred from stock used to fetch game and return it to hand without a fuss, it has the natural instinct of wanting to please. Its keen sense of working as a team makes it a relatively easy dog to train and discipline. Because of its great intelligence and quizzical nature, it has the reputation of being the clown of the spaniel family and will do ordinary things in extraordinary ways to achieve that which is asked of it. Some individual dogs can be very wary of strangers and not every IWS can be trusted to get along with other pets. Early socialisation and training is a must. |
History |
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The exact country of origin for the breed is not clear, but the country from which the most recent foundation stock came is Ireland. Some research indicates that common ancestors include the Poodle, Barbet and Portuguese Water Dog. Recent history has the breed taking its present form in the 1830's. Its development is credited to Justin McCarthy and his "Boatswain" dog. The breed's purpose is that of a waterfowl hunter; his strong swimming ability enables him to be physically qualified for the task. He is a quality retriever in any cover and is used for a variety of game. The breed has retained type for over 150 years, and is very popular in Ireland. The Irish Water Spaniel was recognized by the AKC in 1884. |
References
- [1] ^ YouTube: Irish Water Spaniel - Top 10 Facts
- [2] ^ FCI: IRISH WATER SPANIEL Breed Standard
