Irish Water Spaniel

Irish Water Spaniel Appearance

A Dog with a “Rat Tail”

The hallmark of this dog, which can grow up to 59cm tall, is its thick, long tail at the base, which, unlike the curly fur on the rest of the body, is short and smooth – easily resembling a rat’s tail. Everywhere else, the Irish Water Spaniel is covered with luxuriant curls that protect it from cold water and always feel slightly oily.

According to breed standards, this Irish dog has brown fur, ideally a rich dark brown. Its muscular body is compact, yet elegant, and the floppy ears combined with the long snout give it a dignified appearance.

Character of a Irish Water Spaniel

Water Hunter with a Mind of Its Own

Bravery and great endurance have made the Irish Water Spaniel a popular multi-talented hunting companion, but it can do much more: It is a confident, sometimes quite headstrong dog that can become a loyal companion. Watchful and ready to defend, it protects its loved ones and is generally aloof to strangers. Its clever mind requires daily work to keep it busy.

Naturally, exercise is important – it particularly loves water activities. It retrieves its prey with a “soft mouth,” without injuring it. Like a typical hunting dog, it is very attentive and curious.

The Importance of Good Training

The base of good training is thorough imprinting and socialisation, which is crucial for a somewhat stubborn dog like the Irish Water Spaniel. Without this during its puppy years, you could end up with a shy, insecure, or aggressive dog. The Irish Water Spaniel’s stubbornness requires firm and knowledgeable guidance so it doesn’t walk all over you. If you’re not firm, your dog will quickly assert its will.

Often, it is very charming, making its owners laugh with its amusing behaviour – hence it’s sometimes called the “Clown among Spaniels.” However, in the long run, you’ll have an unruly companion. Early socialisation classes and puppy schools can be very helpful. Before your puppy arrives, find a school that aligns with your training philosophy – kind firmness and positive reinforcement are much preferred over harsh training methods.

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Health and Breed-Specific Conditions

Hip Weakness

Its original role in water hunting required a robust and resilient dog. This is true for a healthy Irish Water Spaniel, but the breed does carry some health risks, which can be minimised by choosing a responsible breeder.

For instance, a good breeder will test the ancestors of their puppies for hip dysplasia (HD), a risk that dogs of this size are generally prone to. Support your dog’s joint health with appropriate exercise and a healthy weight. Some lines may be more prone to cancer and thyroid issues.

An Irish Water Spaniel has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Irish Water Spaniel Diet

For a species-appropriate diet, the Irish Water Spaniel benefits from a natural diet – this supports its health and performance. Don’t worry, you don’t need to go duck hunting for this! Evaluate the available dog food, whether dry or wet food, based on its meat content: Meat should be listed first as your dog needs plenty of high-quality proteins. Avoid food that contains sugar or grain, as these have no place in treats either.

Opt for dental care snacks or something to chew on, like dried cattle ears or special chew bones for dogs. If you find your current dog food doesn’t meet these criteria, don’t switch suddenly. Gradually mix in the new food, increasing the amount of higher-quality food day by day.

An adult dog does well on two meals per day. Adjust the food amount according to its energy use and check its weight monthly to maintain its ideal weight. Include treats in your calculations – adjusting both means no need for diet food to keep a slim figure. Ensure your Irish Water Spaniel always has access to fresh drinking water.

Grooming, Washing & Brushing

Frequent contact with water not only delights your Irish Water Spaniel but also benefits its fur. Ensure it can swim often or give it a bath. Only use mild dog shampoo when it’s dirty, but you can wash it as needed with shampoo since some Irish Water Spaniels tend to have a stronger smell than other breeds.

Its curly fur needs trimming every two to three months. Also, it needs thorough brushing every few days to prevent tangles. After each outing, check its curls for twigs, blossoms and small branches. Its floppy ears need regular care – keep them as hair-free as possible and use an ear cleaner for dogs when dirty. See a vet if there are signs of infection.

History: Large Family

Like many of today’s water dogs, the Irish Water Spaniel traces back to medieval water-hunting assistants used for bird hunting. It is believed that similar dogs existed in its homeland of Ireland around 1,000 years ago. The exact ancestors of the Irish Water Spaniel and its relatives are speculative, though: Did the Poodle descend from the Irish Water Spaniel or vice versa? What influence did it have on the Portuguese Water Dog or other Spaniel breeds?

The details are lost in the mists of time, but many breeds used similarly are closely related. It is certain that the official breeding of the Irish Water Spaniel began in the 1830s. By 1862, the breed was introduced at a dog show and recognised by the British Kennel Club. As a versatile hunting companion, the Irish Water Spaniel quickly became popular among hunters. Today, it has a small core of enthusiasts but remains rare.

Does an Irish Water Spaniel Suit Me?

Those who live in the countryside and enjoy being outdoors in all weathers provide a suitable environment for an Irish Water Spaniel. Ideally, you should have an escape-proof garden where it can romp around. The fence should be secure, as this breed can be adept at escaping when it spots or scents potential prey.

This breed is not well-suited for novices, as its intelligence and wilfulness require training know-how. The Irish Water Spaniel can get along well with children – forming lifelong friendships. However, children should respect the dog and already understand proper behaviour around animals. This breed is better suited for families with school-age children rather than very young ones. 

Before welcoming an Irish Water Spaniel into your home, you should consider the responsibility it brings for the next 12 to 15 years. This active and sporty dog needs plenty of time for activities, grooming, and training.

Is everyone in the family on board with this commitment? The financial aspect should also be considered – beyond the purchase price and the cost of bed, bowls and other basic supplies, regular expenses are crucial: High-quality food and vet costs (which can be higher in case of illness), as well as insurance, are significant. Also, plan for holidays – will the dog come with you or who will take care of it during vacations or illness?

Where Can I Find My Irish Water Spaniel?

In most European countries, Irish Water Spaniels are rare, which means you might face waiting times and long travel to find your Irish Water Spaniel. Still, don’t compromise when choosing a breeder – a good breeder lays the foundation for a healthy dog life. A reputable breeder will belong to an organisation and be happy to discuss breeding goals and health care around the Irish Water Spaniel with you.

If the distances are too great, consider other breeds – explore other Spaniel types or think about which Spaniel traits captivate you the most. Whoever seeks a family dog for an active family might be better off with less headstrong dogs. Spaniel clubs can be a helpful resource.

Additionally, be open if seeking an adult Irish Water Spaniel, as they are rarely found outside Ireland. Check local rescue centres or contact specific Spaniel clubs which might help you find a similar dog. Don’t overlook older mixed breeds either! It’s the dog’s background and temperament that matter more than pedigree books when finding a second-hand furry friend. Sometimes, even the headstrong ones can blossom beautifully with the right owner and proper training.

Other Dog Breeds You Might Like

Fans of the Irish Water Spaniel might also be interested in these breeds:

• American Water Spaniel
• Field Spaniel
• English Springer Spaniel
• American Cocker Spaniel
• English Cocker Spaniel
• Clumber Spaniel