Variety:
Irish Water Spaniel
Country of origin:
Ireland
Destination:
Domestic dog, bird dog
Colours:
Bright Chocolate Colour
Character:
Tenacious, courageous, very hardy, tireless, persistent, lively, gentle and loyal house dog, a great companion with a sense of humour
Height:
51-58,5 cm
Weight:
20-30 kg
Longevity:
11-14 years
Other names:
Irish Water Spaniel
Hypoallergenic:
Yes, it doesn’t bark (there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs), but a hypoallergenic breed may have milder allergy symptoms, or no allergy at all. Read more about allergies in dogs here)
Litter size:
The Irish Water Spaniel – is a very courageous, tenacious and proud dog, with surprising stamina and high intelligence. Irish Water Spaniels are lively and playful pets that are very attached to their owners. Breeders of this dog breed say that the Irish Water Spaniel has a great sense of humour and is always up to mischief, thus amusing its owners. The breed is friendly with children and adults, but is quite reserved with strangers. The Irish Water Spaniel can be called an all-rounder – its applications are truly wide-ranging, and its stubbornness and willingness to work allow it to achieve the very best results.
History of the breed
„Spaniel“ would mean „originally from Spain“, but the origins of the Irish Water Spaniel are not entirely clear. They are thought to have originated in the Middle East. The ancestors of the Irish Water Spaniel are believed to be the Persian dogs that came to the Emerald Isle (so called because of its greenery in Ireland) via Spain. The first water dogs used in the pursuit of birds were mentioned in the 1600s. The breed was highly valued for its ability to bring in prey: its dense coat allows the Irish Water Spaniel to soak in water for long periods of time, making it particularly suited to duck-hunting. The Irish Water Spaniel enjoys this kind of work very much – the breed is happy to jump into the water and try to please its owner. The Irish Water Spaniel is a relatively rare breed of dog – interestingly enough, it is more popular outside of Ireland than it is in its native country. The Irish Water Spaniel is a real rarity in Lithuania.
Irish Water Spaniel: appearance
The Irish Water Spaniel – is a medium-sized dog weighing between 20 and 30 kilograms. Males are 53-58,5 cm tall at the withers and females 51-56 cm. They are strong dogs with a sturdy build and a cylindrical body. The skull is high and domed. The ears are very long, low set and held close to the cheeks. The tail is of medium length, covered with wavy hair 8-10 cm long. Eyes medium sized, dark, penetrating gaze. The coat of the Irish Water Spaniel is dense, short and wavy. One of the distinguishing features of this breed is its bright chocolate-coloured coat, which has a glossy sheen and looks as if it has been greased. The Irish Water Spaniel’s coat is waterproof and non-shedding, so this breed may be suitable for allergy sufferers (if allergic to fur).
Irish Water Spaniel: character
The Irish Water Spaniel is obedient and affectionate.These dogs are easy to train, but should be trained from a young age.The Irish Water Spaniel does not show aggression towards people or animals, so it can be an excellent companion and family member.The breed can be kept in an apartment or in a house. Such a pet will be happy if it has the opportunity to swim in bodies of water – water is definitely the breed’s element. The Irish Water Spaniel needs a fair amount of physical activity –