Irish Water Spaniel Dog Breed Information

Group

Sporting

Weight

25-28 kg

Height

56-58 cm

Lifespan

10-12 years

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About the Irish Water Spaniel

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

With its distinctive, curly coat and smooth rat tail, the Irish Water Spaniel is a dog that stands out from the crowd. They’re energetic and powerful but also very affectionate and are as good companions as they are as working dogs.

They’ll keep you active, and they love an adventure, but once they’re back home, they’ll give you boundless love and devotion.

This guide will get you up to date with all you need to know about this majestic breed, as well as provide you with tips to keep your pooch happy and healthy.

What is the history & origin of the Irish Water Spaniel?

The Irish Water Spaniel has a long history, with the breed first becoming known in Ireland in the 1830s. They were developed by a breeder named Justin McCarthy and became popular for use in dog sports, and as hunting dogs, due to their hardy nature.

In fact, at the first Westminster Kennel Club show in 1877, there were four Irish Water Spaniels taking part in the competition.

They were first recorded in the United States in the 1870s, but their popularity has never reached the same heights globally as it has in their native Ireland, and they are still classified as a rare breed by the American Kennel Club.

Nevertheless, they remain a firm favourite amongst sportsmen, hunters, and families alike.

What is an Irish Water Spaniel breed?

The Irish Water Spaniel was bred from two breeds that were around prior to the 1850s, the North Country Water Spaniel and the South Country Water Spaniel. At this time, spaniel breeds were still divided into land and water varieties.

As their name suggests, Irish Water Spaniels love the water, and they have distinctive, webbed feet that make them great swimmers.

They’re renowned for their intelligence and are loyal companions, but they do require a lot of vigorous exercises and mental stimulation. If you’re looking for a dog that’ll help keep you fit, then this dog could be the right match for you!

Who is an Irish Water Spaniel best for?

Irish Water Spaniels make a great pet for an active family that is up for lots of walks and fun outdoor activities. They show complete devotion to their owners and have a lot of love to give, but they do also have a mischievous streak.

If you’re the kind of family that loves hiking, cycling, and long walks at the beach, the Water Spaniel will make a great, fun-loving addition.

For families with young children or toddlers, early socialisation is key. If this is done properly, then your pooch’s sweet nature will shine through, and they should have no problems being around your little ones.

Irish Water Spaniel Grooming & Shedding

The Irish Water Spaniel has a crisply curled, double coat and a recognisable, v-shaped patch on its throat. Their coat doesn’t shed much, but it needs to be brushed two or three times a week to prevent it from becoming matted or tangled.

Due to their floppy ears, they are also prone to ear infections, so you should clean them regularly with a cotton ball that has been dipped in some cleaning solution.

You should start grooming your Irish Water Spaniel from a very early age, as this will help them to become used to it and to react positively to the experience, which will make life much easier for you!

Do Irish Water Spaniels bark a lot?

As the Irish Water Spaniel is inquisitive and alert, they make good guard dogs and will bark to alert their owners to any suspected intruders. However, they have been bred not to bark excessively or unnecessarily, and with proper training, they should not exhibit this behaviour.

If they are barking a lot, it could be a sign they’re not getting enough exercise and are bored. So, as long as your pooch is using up all its natural energy, this shouldn’t manifest itself in barking.

What is the average weight & height of an Irish Water Spaniel dog?

The Irish Water Spaniel is a medium-sized dog.

Males typically grow to around 58cm and females to around 56cm.

Males weigh between 25kg-28kg and females between 20kg-26kg.

Are Irish Water Spaniels easy to train?

Usually cooperative and willing to please, training this breed can be a fairly easy task. They respond well to positive reinforcement and reward-based training, and they love being given a job to do.

Due to their intelligence, obedience training should be a breeze, as long as you keep the sessions fun and engaging.

It’s always best to socialise with them as early as possible by exposing them to new places, people, and other dogs. This will help curb any negative reactions they might have to strangers and will get them used to any young children that live in the household.

How do Irish Water Spaniels behave? A look at their temperament and personality

As with most other dogs from the Spaniel family, the Irish Water Spaniel is inquisitive, alert, and energetic. Although, unlike other Spaniels, they can at times be reserved around strangers, they form close bonds with their owners and are very loyal.

Though they’re fairly easy to train, they can at times be willful and headstrong, so you’ll need to be willing to show discipline when necessary. They were bred to be powerful, working dogs, and this certainly shows. However, they’re also affectionate and playful and make a wonderful family companion.

Does the Irish Water Spaniel have any common health issues?

Irish Water Spaniels are usually healthy dogs, but the breed is susceptible to certain health problems.

Hip Dysplasia – a genetic condition where the thighbone isn’t properly fitted into the hip joint. This can cause pain and looseness in the joint and often results in limping.
Hypothyroidism – this is where the hormone produced from the thyroid gland is deficient, and it can cause infertility, lethargy, obesity and low energy levels.
Cataracts – a condition that means the dog has difficulty seeing. The eyes develop a cloudy appearance, and it usually occurs in old age.

What is the lifespan of an Irish Water Spaniel?

The average life expectancy of the Irish Water Spaniel is between 10-12 years, which actually puts them at the low end of the scale for lifespans within the Spaniel family.

But with regular health checks, a good diet, and lots of daily exercise, they can certainly exceed this.

How much does an Irish Water Spaniel need to be fed?

One of the most important factors in maintaining your dog’s health is its diet. The Irish Water Spaniel will need 1.5 to 2.5 cups of dry food a day, and this should be split over two meals.

The amount of food they need depends on their age, size and activity level. So, it’s always worth asking your vet if you’re giving them the right quantity. You should also make sure that the food is high quality with lots of nutrients, and low in fat.

How much can you expect to pay for an Irish Water Spaniel in Australia?

As the breed is rare, there is usually a waiting list for these dogs, and the price usually starts at around $500. It’s worth the wait to be sure you’re getting your puppy from a reputable breeder, which should ensure you are buying a healthy dog that will have a long life.

For details of breeders in your area with a good reputation, contact your local or national breed club.

Irish Water Spaniel FAQs

Is an Irish Water Spaniel ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Due to their activity needs and headstrong nature, these dogs may not be the best option for a first-time owner. They tend to be independent thinkers who are quite willful, especially the young males, and this can be testing for someone with no previous training experience.

If you do decide on this breed for your first dog, it may be best to enrol them in puppy training classes to ease some of the burdens on yourself.

Do Irish Water Spaniels suffer from separation anxiety?

This breed is known to be quite prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. This can lead to unwanted behaviours like chewing and excessive barking. So, it’s best if they’re in a household where someone will usually be around.

Are Irish Water Spaniels hypoallergenic dogs?

As Irish Water Spaniels shed very little, they are considered to be hypoallergenic dogs. However, there is still a low risk that they can cause a reaction in allergy sufferers.

Will an Irish Water Spaniel need professional grooming?

Most owners will be able to handle the grooming themselves, as they only need to be brushed a couple of times a week. But, their coat does require trimming every few months, and this will probably mean a trip to a professional groomer.

It’s important that you stay on top of their grooming to prevent their coat from becoming knotted and matted. If you don’t, you’ll end up with one shaggy dog!