Irish Water Spaniel Breed Guide

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.

Who are Irish Water Spaniel dogs 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.

How much grooming does a Irish Water Spaniel need?

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 Spaniel bark much?

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.

Do Irish Water Spaniel bite?

Although they will engage in play-biting and nipping when they're young or teething, an Irish Water Spaniel is unlikely to bite a human as an adult dog. Usually, this will only occur if the dog is provoked or feels threatened, but this shouldn't be something to worry about.

Their kind and affectionate nature mean that such outbursts are a real rarity.

What is the temperament & personality of a Irish Water Spaniel?

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.

What is the weight & size of a Irish Water Spaniel?

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.

How much training does a Irish Water Spaniel need?

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 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.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Irish Water Spaniel?

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 a 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 should you feed a Irish Water Spaniel?

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.

What is the price of a 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.