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Breed Characteristics
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Irish Water Spaniel
| Other Names | Whiptail, Shannon Spaniel, Rat Tail Spaniel, Bog Dog |
| Nicknames | IWS |
| Country of Origin | Iceland |
| Weight | 45 - 65 lbs. (20 - 30 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 20 - 23 in. (51 - 58 cm) |
| Coat | This is a breed with a coat that requires a great amount of grooming however, since the Irish Water Spaniels coat is composed of hair instead of fur it is also a great dog for allergy sufferers. Because the Irish Water Spaniel is covered in hair it needs regular trimming just as a person does. This is a breed that sheds very little hair and also has little dander to set off allergies with. The coat is made up of a long curly top coat and a warm thick undercoat that keeps the dog warm in cold conditions. The coat needs to be well maintained to keep the dog looking good and without uncomfortable matting. The Irish Water Spaniels coat consists of long curly hair on the top of the tail, neck and body. The hair on the face, back of the lower legs and most of the tail is shorter and smooth. This breed also has a top knot of longer curly hair, as well as on the ears and front of the legs. |
| Colour | The Irish Water Spaniel is a deep puce, dark brown or liver colour that is often accompanied with a purple shade. It is a very unique colouring and is one of the only dogs to have a purple shade to it's coat. The coat is a solid colour in one of the puce, liver or dark brown shades. |
| Litter Size | 4 - 12 puppies |
| Life Span | 10 - 12 years |
| Origin & History | Although the current breed stock is Irish, the origin of the breed, The Irish Water Spaniel is a native Irish breed for over 1000 years. It is believed in Irish folklore to be the descendant of the Dobhar-chú. It is probable that more than one ancient breed of spaniel has gone into its makeup. It is not known from which other breeds Irish Water Spaniels were developed. The acknowledged father of the breed, Justin McCarthy from Dublin, left no breeding records. All manner of dogs have been suggested including: the Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, generic old water dog, the now-extinct English Water Spaniel as well as the Northern and Southern Water Spaniels, but whether Irish Water Spaniels are antecedents, descendants, or mixtures of these other breeds is a matter of some speculation. What is clear is that the breed has ancient roots. The modern breed as we know it was developed in Ireland in the 1830s. |
| Personality | The Irish Water Spaniel is intelligent, devoted and spirited. Self-assured, eager and willing with a desire to please. Clever and capable of learning a great deal. A loving family dog. With enough mental and physical exercise and owners who convincingly display a natural, firm, confident and consistent leadership over the dog owners will find it to be mild-mannered and docile. Can do well with other pets if properly introduced. Can be reserved with strangers. Should be well-socialized as a puppy and does best with children who know how to be little pack leaders. The Irish Water Spaniel is a quiet dog, barking only when necessary to warn the family, making a good watchdog; some can act as a guard dog. Hardworking in both the obedience ring and on the hunt, this breed lives for a job to do. An excellent swimmer, he has considerable stamina and drive, and a very good nose. If this breed senses its owners are meek or passive it can become stubborn, mischievous, timid, nervous, suspicious, and/or even overprotective, thinking it needs to start making up its own rules, as it will not feel its owners are strong minded enough to keep the pack stable and safe. It may refuse commands from family members who have not established leadership over it. Requires an owner who understands proper human to canine communication. This breed may drool and slobber. |
Care Requirements
| Health | The Irish Water Spaniel has a few Health concerns that it's owner should be aware of and keep a keen eye out for. The most common of these would be Ear infections as this is common in many swimming dog breeds with longer ears and the Irish Water Spaniel is no exception. Ear infections often occur as a result of the water that does not drain from the ears properly and can pool inside causing an infection. Drying your Irish Water Spaniel's ears thoroughly after swims may help to prevent some Ear infections, but any sensitivity around the ears should immediately be checked by a veterinarian. Other Health Problems to be aware of with this breed is Hypothyroidism, seizures, eye Entropion which can all be inherited and you should inquire about any health concerns with the parents of your puppy before adopting or buying him or her. Because the Irish Water Spaniel is a larger breed of dog hip dysplasia is also a common health condition for the dog as it ages and can be uncomfortable for the dog, proper nutrition and health check ups can help to prevent some hip dysplasia. |
| Grooming | Because of the Irish Water Spaniels long locks of curls on much of the dog's body there is a good amount of grooming that is needed for this breed of dog. The average for grooming (with a steel dog brush) is once a week to prevent matting and keep the dog comfortable in certain warmer climates. The coat of the Irish Water Spaniel must be attended to regularly to prevent matting and tangles as well as keep the dog looking it's best. Professional trimming is needed around the feet as well as stripping of bothersome hair on other areas of the dogs body. Special attention also needs to be paid to the hair behind the Irish Water Spaniel's ears to be sure it is not matted and painful for the dog, as this is quite common in this breed of dogs. The dogs coat also needs to be professionally trimmed to keep the two thick coats (both top coat and under coat) of hair in healthy condition as well as keeping the dog comfortable to exercise as well as in warmer climates. |
| Exercise | These are hunting dogs with tremendous stamina. They need a daily long, brisk walk, jog or run. While out on the walk make sure the dog heels beside or behind the person holding the lead, never in front, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. In addition, they will greatly enjoy retrieving and swimming. |
| Other Considerations | 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. |
