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The Irish Water Spaniel presents a picture of a smart, upstanding strongly built sporting dog. Irish Water Spaniels have a wonderful temperament and a unique appearance making them an enjoyable breed. Irish Water Spaniels have a great intelligence, quick learner, fun-loving personality that have earned them the title of "clowns of the spaniel family." Irish Water Spaniels love water and will often take a flying leap into any body of water they encounter. Irish Water Spaniels excel in retrieving wildfowl. Irish Water Spaniels are the tallest of the spaniels.
Height: 20 - 23 inches
Weight: 45 - 65 lbs.
Colors: Rich, dark liver.
Coat: Dense, tight ringlets on neck, body and top part of tail; longer, curling hair on legs and topknot; face, rear of tail, and back of legs below hocks smooth.
Temperament: Irish Water Spaniels are responsive, playful, inquisitive.
With Children: Will tolerate children if no rough housing occurs.
With Pets: Dog aggressive, needs to be properly introduced.
Special Skills: Hunting dog and family pet.
Watch-dog: High
Guard-dog: Medium - Low
Care and Training: Weekly grooming for Irish Water Spaniel with a steel comb is necessary to keep their curly coat mat free. Pay special attention to behind the ears. Some stripping of unwanted hairs is necessary, as is trimming around the feet. Regular daily exercise is a necessity for Irish Water Spaniels and they should also be given the opportunity to swim as much as possible. Needs firm handling from an early age.
Learning Rate: High, Obedience - Low, Problem Solving - High
Activity: High
Living Environment: Home the Irish Water Spaniel with a fenced yard. May not be an ideal first-time buyer's dog as they need strong leadership from early on.
Health Issues: Coat and skin problems., hip dysplasia, thyroid problems and seizures.
Life Span: 10 - 12 years
Litter Size: 4 -12
Country of Origin: Ireland
History: It is believe the Irish Water Spaniel is the survivor of the Southern Irish Water Spaniel found in Southern Ireland and another Water Spaniel found in Northern Ireland who is believed to be similar to the English Water Spaniel. Bred as a water-bird retriever they were officially recognized in England in 1859.
First Registered by the AKC: 1878
AKC Group: Sporting
Class: Gundog
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 8), KC(GB), UKC
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