Irish Water Spaniel

The athletic and sporty Irish water spaniel’s breeding is almost entirely based on folklore and theory, but it is a lovable, quiet dog. With a hypoallergenic coat, it is in high demand, and the appeal is even greater due to its long lifespan (10-12 years), even though it comes at a high price. It isn’t quite as outgoing as other variations of water spaniels, but it is much healthier overall.

If you’re looking for an intelligent pup with natural curiosity, the even temperament of the Irish water spaniel could be a good match for you.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning an Irish Water Spaniel

Evolution and Origins

The Irish water spaniel is thought to be one of the oldest of the spaniel breeds, with evidence that they were present around the 7th century AD. Their name was used in the 1100s to refer to dogs that were found in Ireland.

They were bred to be hunting dogs and with their webbed feet and double-layered, water-repellent coats were well-suited as retrievers of waterfowl as well as excellent at hunting game on land.

The Irish water spaniel was brought to France in the 17th century when King James I of England gifted an Irish Water Spaniel to the king of France in an effort to smooth diplomatic relations between the countries.

The origin of the Irish water spaniel is uncertain, as breeder Justin McCarthy, credited for the modern-day dog’s development in the 1830s, did not keep any records. However, some believe that the breed was created through crossing the poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, and now-extinct English Water Spaniel.

Size and Weight

Built for swimming, the average height of the Irish water spaniel is anywhere from 21 to 24 inches, ensuring that it is directly between the sizes of a medium and large dog. It has a waterproof coat, and this dog is typically between 45 and 68 pounds in size. Males typically weigh more than females, with males weighing 55 to 68 lbs and females 45 to 58 lbs.

Common Health Issues

Taking care of the Irish water spaniel and its health needs is crucial to maintaining its long lifespan. The dog is typically pretty healthy, so there aren’t a lot of problems to worry about, especially if the dog is bred by a reputable person. A rescue may have less information about the genetics of the dog, though it isn’t impossible to find one.

Hip and elbow dysplasia is relatively common, which is often due to the long legs of this animal. The condition can be quite painful, so it is best to bring it to a doctor if these bones are causing your dog to limp.

Some dogs are prone to allergic reactions to medications. Even Ivermectin — which is a medication that is typically used to deworm the dog — can cause a bad reaction. Make sure to look for any side effects from the medication that could be a threat.

Thyroid disease is relatively common. This type of condition impacts the dog’s hormones, making it difficult for the metabolism to respond properly.

Temperament

The personality of the Irish water spaniel is highly curious and alert. Though other spaniels are typically more outgoing, this specific breed exhibits particularly reserved behavior when it meets strangers. Luckily, this breed doesn’t become aggressive with strangers, only alerting its owners if it feels that a threat is nearby. Since this breed is still rather independent, the Irish water spaniel also tends to test its owner’s limits.

The genetics, training, and socialization of the Irish water spaniel will be the determining factors in the dog’s overall temperament. To get the best idea of their inherited traits, see if it is possible to meet siblings from the litter or the parents. The best way to keep an even temperament is to expose the dog to different sights and sounds at a comfortable pace. If there are local “puppy schools” in your area, enrolling in them can be incredibly helpful for social skills.

Though the Irish water spaniel is relatively active, they won’t keep anyone up at night. They don’t use their voice very much, and the majority of the sounds that owners will end up hearing from this pup are only to warn the family about potential threats. That’s part of the reason that this pet is such a good watchdog. However, this desire to take care of their family is part of the reason that they struggle with anxiety.

How to Take Care of an Irish Water Spaniel

With any rescue dog, there are specific ways that you should care for them to ensure that they are happy, healthy, and thriving. The Irish water dog is relatively easy to care for, but it is still important to consider certain factors. Adopting a puppy or a full-grown dog as a pet is a big choice, but these tips should easily prepare you.

The Best Dog Food

High-quality dog food is encouraged for the Irish water spaniel. Though it doesn’t matter if the food is prepared at home (under vet recommendation), or commercially prepared. The dog’s age plays a major role. Senior dogs will need more hydration, and puppies will need more vitamins and protein. If purchasing a commercial dog food, look for the age for which the particular bag is meant.

As an adult, this spaniel needs about 1.5 to 2.5 cups each day. But the total amount should be divided into two meals.

While treats are a helpful incentive during training, feeding the dog too much can cause excess weight gain. The only nourishment that this dog should have consistent access to is a fresh bowl of water. Consider also that many Water Spaniels deal with allergies and food sensitivities. Luckily, there are plenty of limited-ingredient and allergy-control dog foods.

Maintenance and Grooming

One of the advantages of the breed is that it doesn’t shed very much. However, it still requires consistent care. With some gentle brushing and regular cleaning of the ears and nails, care can be done on a weekly basis. The breed is known for its hypoallergenic coat, but you’ll need to trim it every two months to keep it neat. If you aren’t taking care of this coat yourself, take this pup to an experienced groomer.

Training

As long as the Irish water spaniel gets enough exercise during the day, it will be easy to train. They are eager to make their owner happy, and they like to work hard to show their intelligence. The sessions should be fun and engaging, and they will respond to positive reinforcement throughout the training.

This dog is loving and obedient, and some have been trained as therapy or assistance dogs.

Exercise

With all of the high energy of the Irish water spaniel, it definitely needs to have an outlet for its active nature. It doesn’t take much activity to make them happy, and they are extremely easy to train if they get the exercise that they require. Whether you take this pup on a long walk, a jog next to a bicycle, or chase a ball around at the park, all of these efforts will meet the mental and physical demands they have.

One of the favorite activities of the Irish water spaniel is to swim. They are particularly strong swimmers, and they love to get plenty of time in the water as it is needed.

Puppies

Grooming efforts need to start when the dog is still in their puppy stage, even though it won’t need a lot of upkeep. Starting early allows you to establish this time as a positive experience.

Irish Water Spaniel and Children

To get the best chances of positive interactions with children, the Irish water spaniel should be raised with them around. Early exposure is the best, but all children should have your supervision around the dog while they are learning to interact with each other. Children should not be allowed to roughly play with this breed by pulling their ears or tails, and your dog should not be allowed to bite.

Just like with children, any animals should be introduced to the Irish water spaniel early as well. They are natural hunters, and they may see small animals as a type of prey.

Dogs Similar to the Irish Water Spaniel

If the Irish water spaniel is difficult to find, or you want a different breed that suits your lifestyle, there are many other species available. Consider the Australian labradoodle, English setter, or the Epagneul Pont Audemer.

• Australian Labradoodle: The Australian Labradoodle is hypoallergenic as well, offering a much more social personality.
• English Setter: The English Setter dates back centuries as a cross between the Spanish pointer, the water spaniel, and the springer spaniel.
• Epagneul Pont Audemer: The Epagneul Pont Audemer looks a lot like the Irish water spaniel, offering a gentle and affectionate temperament.

Famous Irish Water Spaniels

The Irish water spaniel has been featured in a few television shows, including a UK-based series in the 1980s called “The Irish R.M.” A few celebrities have even called these dogs their companions, including Justin McCarthy (who allegedly created the breed).

As easy to train as these dogs are, their introverted personality may be the reason that more of them have not been included in movies and television shows.