What should I feed the puppy and do you have a diet sheet? They were bred to be hunting dogs, so they are quiet and gentle and very trainable.". The Saluki dog is descended from royalty. But as loving as they are with their families, Nichols says socialization is essential to ensure that these dogs feel comfortable around strangers. Considered sacred by the Aztecs, the Xoloitzcuintli is a loyal family-friendly dog. Its no wonder they have a reputation for being a class clown. And when you find your new pup, tell us a bit more about them to get a discount off one of our puppy ranges and regular personalised puppy advice. Before you bring home an Irish water spaniel, know you'll need to devote time to grooming. As their name suggests, they love swimming or any activity involving water. They may not be reproduced without the written consent of the Association Secretary. Breeders should provide a diet sheet covering present and future diet. Although happy to curl up and sleep at home, regular walks and exercise are essential for a healthy, contented water spaniel. From there, you can teach your dog more entertaining commands like bring me my purse or go get the toy to fun tricks like play dead and shake. Let's find out how they stack up. The Southern Irish Spaniel, also called McCarthys Breed, is credited with being the eventual major forebear of todays dogs. Can I return the puppy if it has any health problems? It is important that on change of ownership the details to be updated to your name and address. And while there's no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog, the Irish water spaniel's curls can be a great choice for people who sniffle and sneeze around dogs. Long walks, hikes, and backyard play sessions are great ways for them to burn energy and spend time with their family members. The Irish Spaniel earned many nicknames over the years, including Shannon Spaniels, Rat Tail Spaniels, Whiptail Spaniels, and Bog Dogs. It's incredibly fulfilling to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or rescue organisation. An hour of free-running or strenuous playing a day is necessary to satisfy these needs. However, this breed does need regular haircuts, ideally from professional groomers. By 1875, according to the IWSCA, the Irish water spaniel was the third most popular sporting dog in the country. What is agreed upon is that several similar spaniels existed in Ireland: the Northern Irish, Southern Irish, and Tweed Spaniels. By registering you consent for Nestl Purina Petcare UK&I and its Affiliates to process your personal data. Irish Water Spaniels have a signature topknot of soft, loose curls, bodies covered in short ringlets or waves and silky smooth faces and tails. However, they will attack any toy with abandon during a rousing game of fetch. And thanks to their temperature-regulating double coats that are perfect for swimming in cold water, Irish Water Spaniels arent too sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. Obedience work can also be helpful in providing the mental challenges this dog enjoys. The Irish Water Spaniel goes at everything in life with gusto and enthusiasm. "They are super even-tempered. [4] The club exists to preserve and protect this rare breed. The Weimaraner is a high-energy dog that can't stop and won't stop. Irish Water Spaniels are relatively quiet, but they can become great watch dogs if they're properly socialized from a young age. You cant give in and let this pup have their way if you want a well-behaved dog. The sporting dog is the same size as a standard poodle and both have long, loose curls. As puppies they can be sensitive and slow to mature,and socare must be taken not to overwhelm them. (Its in their name, after all.) Practicing basic obedience and teaching Irish water spaniels new tricksor training them to navigate an agility courseprovides essential mental stimulation. Browse our list of 500 male dog names for inspiration for your new puppy or dog. ", "They are super even-tempered," she says. The Irish Water Spaniels are confident, cheerful dogs with an endearing sense of humor. In the 1100s, mention is made of dogs called Shannon Spaniels, Rat-Tail Spaniels, Whip-Tail Spaniels, or Irish Water Spaniels. Most of the breeders in the IWSCA belong to the Breeders Education Committee (BEC) The BEC exists to inform and educate IWSCA breeders on issues of health, genetics and breeding practices designed to promote the ongoing health and welfare of the Irish Water Spaniel. To this end the BEC breeders have agreed to a rigorous set of recommended breeding practices such as: open information exchange, health testing in accordance with the Irish Water Spaniel CHIC protocol, collaboration with the IWSCA Health and Genetics Committee, participation in breed-specific health studies, promotion of responsible pet ownership, and responsibility for any puppy they have bred for the life of that dog. Raising a healthy and happy Irish Water Spaniel dog means spending time on daily exercise, grooming and trainingall of which is an excellent way to spend your time building your bond with your pup. Because the breed originated to retrieve and swim, fetching tennis balls from the water will make Irish Water Spaniels very happy pups. Advice should be given by the breeder to ensure a young puppy is not given too much exercise which could result in joint damage. The IWSA hold a register of dogs currently available to stud - See HERE. When it comes to exercise, remember that Irish water spaniels were bred for hunting and enjoy long walks through the woods and a splash in the lake. As a guideline, treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog's calories. Despite its enchantingly clownish appearance and adept water-retrieving ability, the Irish Water Spaniel is now only rarely seen in the show ring or found as the family pet. Irish Water Spaniel puppy prices start at around $1,500. At first glance, you might mistake the Irish water spaniel for a poodle mix. Irish Water Spaniel dogs typically thrive on a diet of high-quality commercial dog food. "Without proper socialization, Irish water spaniels can become super insecure, needy, and anxiety-ridden. Before and After getting Your Puppy by Ian Dunbar. The Irish Water Spaniel has a distinctive topknot of long, loose curls and a body covered with dense, tighter curls. Irish Water Spaniels exercise needs cant be overstated. Since April 2016 all puppies/dogs are required to be microchipped. You'll receive your first expert tips on getting a puppy within the next day, so keep a look out in your inbox! It is believed in Irish folklore to be the descendant of the Dobhar-ch. Keep reading to discover the benefits of dogs! Thanks to this breeds playful nature, high intelligence and eagerness to please, raising an Irish Water Spaniel with kids in the home can be a win-win for allthe tots get a playmate, and the pup gets a willing friend or two for daily games of fetch. This is a good time to trim their nails, too. Finish up with a slicker brush and give some love to the topknot and ears. Its all part of the fun.). It's these qualitiesplus their adorable appearances and retrieval skillsthat helped the Irish water spaniel gain popularity outside of Ireland and the United Kingdom. If youd like to adopt a pup, contact the Irish Water Spaniel Club of America or keep an eye out for the breed at your local shelter. Today, the Irish Water Spaniel breed is still considered relatively rare. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. The actor Geena Davis owns an Irish Water Spaniel, and it is via her dog that she met her husband. These high-energy pups thrive on playtime and are usually kid-friendly. Irish Water Spaniels are high-energy dogs that need a lot of daily exercise. Whether the breed was at one time found in different varieties or whether several similar breeds were its forebears is a matter of conjecture. Theyre generally mild-mannered and quiet. Advice and articles tailored to your pet's needs. The Irish Water Spaniel can suffer from: Start taking your Irish Water Spaniel puppy on walks and let them safely meet new people and other dogs. To hold their interest, keep training sessions fun and short. Is the puppy insured? To get the latest on pet adoption and pet care, sign up to hear from us. The acknowledged father of the breed, Justin McCarthy from Dublin, left no breeding records. The Club helps educate owners and breeders and welcomes all members who share our love of this extraordinary, versatile dog. Try our Dog Breed Selector Quiz and find out which dog breeds better match your preferences and lifestyle. [5], Learn how and when to remove this template message, Dogs that do not shed Retrieved September 7, 2008, American Kennel Club; Irish Water Spaniel, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Irish_Water_Spaniel&oldid=1093388726, Articles needing additional references from May 2007, All articles needing additional references, Articles with unsourced statements from April 2007, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 16 June 2022, at 08:33. Expert input provided by veterinarian Dr. Cori Wigfall, DVM, BVM and veterinary spokesperson of SpiritDog Training, as well as certified dog trainer Kate LaSala, CTC, CBCC-KA, PCBC-A, CSAT, owner of Rescued By Training. Like most dogs, this breed loses its coat periodically; however, the hairs tend to become trapped in the other hairs rather than fall off on their own. Aloof and standoffish with strangers, they are even-tempered and confident once mature and make friends with relative ease. King James I of England gifted one of the dogs to the King of France in the 17th century in the hope of improving diplomatic relations between the countries. Some common names for Irish Water Spaniels include Duchess, Holly, Chloe, Charlie, Oscar, Jack, Paddy, Maggie, Murphy, Teddy, Lady, Pepper, Shamrock, Rudy, Lucky, Kerry, Guinness, Rory, Shandy and Madra (which is Gaelic for dog). A check onwhether the Sire and Dam have been Health Tested might be informative: 2022. The curly coat needs brushing and combing two to three times a week, plus scissoring every few months. True to their name, Irish Water Spaniels dream of a home near a body of water like a river, lake or beach would be ideal for this breed. Our commitments to pets, pet lovers and the planet, 53-58cmfor males and51-56cmfor females, Barks and alerts to visitors/anything unusual, May need additional supervision to live with children. Expect them to find something else entirely different to fetch than what you threw, or to make a lot of stops on the way back to you. Irish Water Spaniels dont bark a lot. Get the dog moms and dads in your life something unique this year. The coat comes in a rich liver with a purplish tinge. The IWSA recommend that the bitch should be at least two years of age and under seven at the time of mating. These dogs are great around kids, are usually friendly with other people and make excellent family pets. But these humorous dogs are just as skilled at retrieving game as they are making their humans smile. These attributes were rated by several pet experts, including a dog trainer, veterinarian and behaviorist. If you enjoy a good laugh and a good splash, youll get along swimmingly with this fun-loving breed. All Irish water spaniels are liver-colored, and their small, almond-shaped eyes are dark to match their brown coat. The Irish Water Spaniel is really a versatile gundog able to retrieve flush and hunt. You can find a list of reputable breeders on the American Kennel Club website. If yes, when and what vaccination was given? Other dogs-in-law will be welcome friends, but smaller cats or other animals may stir up the breeds sporting traits unless theyve had proper training and socialization since puppyhood. The dogs grew in popularity in the U.S. during the 1870s. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them. Irish Water Spaniels have a life expectancy of 12 to 13 years, but they can experience a number of health issues. Irish Water Spaniels' coats range from medium to dark reddish brown (liver) colors, sometimes with a little purplish hue. The texture of the hair prevents the coat from becoming tightly woven into fabric and upholstery and any stray hairs are easily removed as they will gather together to form "dust bunnies". They also make great running companions and excel in dog sports such as agility, obedience, and dock diving. "They were bred to be hunting dogs so they are quiet and gentle and very trainable.". They are excellent at collecting waterand mudso its important to dry them off well after walks and check the coat, particularly paws and ears for debris and matting. The organization recognized the breed in 1884 after the club was founded. Irish Water Spaniels are not aggressive by nature and very rarely bite unprovoked. They are the largest of the Spaniel group. You may need to find a groomer to trim your dog if you cannot do it yourself. Remember that dogs are individuals, and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will fit the mold. 300+ Cute Cat Names for Every Kind of Kitty. July 26, 2020 The most distinguishing characteristic of these dogs is the smooth "rat tail", completely free of long coat except at the base where it is covered for 23inches with curls. Irish water spaniels are a rare breed with A+ personalities. Although they carry the word spaniel in their name, the origins of the Irish Water Spaniel include retrieving dogs such as thePoodle,Portuguese Water Dogand Barbet, and their function was retrieving from water, flushing and hunting. Dont forget to transfer the puppys ownership to your own. breeders can be found on the IWSCA website. The body is of medium length, the whole dog being slightly rectangular in appearance. The coat, consisting of dense curls, sheds very little. Though the exact origin of the Irish Water Spaniel is unknown, the breed may share a common lineage with the Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, and Barbet. "These dogs are not that common," says Pam Nichols, DVM, president of the American Animal Hospital Association. "Their coat is similar to a poodle coat, but it's easier to brush out," she says. Irish Water Spaniels get fairly big; theyre considered large dogs by the AKC. Irish Water Spaniel dont shed much. Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. There may be some Poodle and Portuguese Water Dog in the lineage, and legend tells of a dog native to Ireland who may be part of the breeds modern incarnation. Insurance for dogs, cats, and other household animals can run as low as $20 a month, but that cost can add up over time. All dogs have their own unique personality! Maintaining good dental hygiene is essential for the overall long-term health of Irish Water Spaniels. View our Privacy Policy. A tousled topknot and liver-colored curls give them an endearing look. While you're waiting for the big day you may need to distract yourself, so luckily there are a few things you need to sort our before you welcome your new arrival. These dog training tips will help you get started. These are the top Irish Water Spaniel names as chosen by Chewy's pet parents! The breed entered the show ring in both Britain and America by the late 1800s. In addition to professional dental cleanings, establish a regular at-home dental care routine that includes teeth brushing and dental chews or treats. Thanks to their easygoing natures, Irish water spaniels will fit into most families and living situations. Early exposure to plenty of other dogs and people ensures this breed will live up to their friendly tendencies and help them be more comfortable in new situations, people and other dogs. In addition to professional grooming to keep their long, curly coats neat, Nichols suggests brushing Irish water spaniels once or twice per week to prevent tangles. The Irish water spaniel is a diplomat. A thorough combing to the skin should take place every 12 weeks to promote healthy skin and to remove any objects from the coat. All material produced or reproduced on this website is the copyright of the IWSA and or the individual owners of the materials. Similar: First-time pet parent suitability. The club is registered with the Irish Kennel Club. They have large, liver-colored (reddish brown) noses. Is the puppy microchipped? Minimal shedding means they only need to be brushed once every week or two. Some individual dogs can be very wary of strangers and not every IWS can be trusted to get along with other pets. The Irish Water Spaniel is one of the oldest and most distinctive spaniels. The Irish Water Spaniel is a sturdy, cobby dog native to Ireland. The Irish Water Spaniel's expression is alert, intelligent, and quizzical. Along with giving her a chance to get her paws moving, dog sports also provide valuable opportunities for training. A good breeder will give you all the information you need to cope with your puppy and will always be willing to give you advice. Daily Paws is part of the Meredith National Digital Network. Irish Water Spaniels gained popularity in Britain for their ability to retrieve game from icy waters. With their poofy topknots and boisterous personalities, Irish Water Spaniels are often considered the clowns of the spaniel family. So, check and clean your dog's ears routinely to prevent infections. If you notice your pups gaining extra weight, chat with your vet. It is advised that all dogs are hip scored and elbow scored prior to mating and also are eye tested by a specialist through the BVA/KC scheme. And be sure to take treats into account when tracking their daily calorie intake. The body is covered with a double coat consisting of crisp ringlets. Ready to see what dogs fit you best? What should I feed the puppy and do you have a diet sheet? Bonus: Irish water spaniels aren't very vocal dogs and will only bark to alertso as long as you let her stretch her legs every day, she can be an ideal dog for apartment living. Irish Water Spaniels can be sensitive and easily over-faced so be prepared for it to take a number of years before your dog is a steady and reliable adult. As with all breeds, always use positive reinforcement when training an Irish water spaniel. The Irish Water Spaniel tends to be reserved with strangers, is sometimes timid, but is generally good with children. Note: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Because of their minimal shedding, they may be a good choice for allergy sufferers. The puppies should be seen at the breeders home interacting with their dam. The tight double coat of the IWS sheds slightly, however many allergy sufferers have found them to be a comfortable pet with which to live. For more information, see the Health and Breeding section on thisKennel Club website page. If not combed out, they will form mats and cords, so this breed does require attention to grooming. The breed is intelligent, easy to train, and has a laid-back temperament that makes Irish water spaniels ideal family dogs. Also consider enrolling in puppy preschool where they learn how to play nicely with other puppies and meet new people all in one location. It is not known from which other breeds Irish Water Spaniels were developed. Irish Water Spaniels were originally bred to be companion hunting dogs who fetch and return game, but the exact origin of the breed is a bit murky. What the breeder should ask you A clown at heart, it can be independent, and needs to be trained with patience, firmness, and a sense of humor. As retrievers, these dogs are skilled at fetch, which gives them a chance to speed around the backyard. Highly intelligent, funny and playful, Irish Water Spaniels are sporting dogs at heart, bred to retrieve fowl during hunting, and love exercise that incorporates games. But today it's much rarer. Advertising a litter or a planned litter is free to members of the IWSA. But their independent nature can spell frustration for first-time pet parents, which is why theyre usually recommended for someone who has experience with dogs. Get weekly, pawsonalised puppy advice delivered straight to your inbox. Theyll even make a game out of training and often change the rules to amuse themselves. Gundogs who were bred to retrieve fowl, Irish Water Spaniels love the water. Boatswain, his beloved pup, became the first official Irish Water Spaniel purebred. Countryside walking and taking in the delights of whatever pond, stream or river they happen across, the Irish Water Spaniel is energetic and knows how to have fun and so needs an owner with exactly the same attitude to life and leisure time! Receive unrivalled access to our expert team of in-house vets, behaviourists, and advisors who are here to help - just call, email or chat with us online. He got in touch with her to let her know her dog had bitten him when he visited a mutual friends home where the dog was staying at the time. Is the added expense worth the trouble to insure your beloved pet? | Credit: Nykonchuk Oleksii / Shutterstock. Irish water spaniels are sweet and gentle pups, but can be shy at first. Do not over-face the young Irish Water Spaniel with too much work or difficult tasks, but work to build a strong bond of trust and co-operation first and youll be rewarded for your patience later with a rock-solid companion who can take part in a variety of activities, from walks that end in the pub to high levels of competition. Long ears make Irish Water Spaniels more susceptible to ear infections. With their curly brown locks, Irish water spaniels are often confused for poodles. The breed is known for being good with small children and will happily tag along for walks and play games in the backyard until they're ready to curl up in a dog bed for a long nap. "They are pretty laid-back and will exercise as much as you want them to," Nichols says. Pet parents should be prepared to spend time on this breeds coiffed coat, as well as on training a clever pup. The coat is one of the breeds distinctive features. Great news! These sweet, laid-back dogs have low-shedding coats, big brains, and affectionate natures, making them wonderful companions. The IWS Health Foundation's aim is to serve the worldwide Irish Water Spaniel community by providing a forum for internet-based collection and circulation of information, research and educational materials relating to the health and life expectancy of the breed, and for anyone with an interest to promote research for the long-term benefit of the breed. Although Irish water spaniels only need occasional baths, the breed does require regular nail trims and routine dental care to stay healthy. The Irish Water Spanielis a dog who needs two or more hours ofdogexercise, out and about, exploring the countryside andcovering distance in whatever the weather happens to be doing(as the breedhas a water-proof, weather-proof coat0. by The most common Irish Water Spaniel mixes are: The high-energy Irish Water Spaniel will love being by your side for rigorous hikes or fun and games. Their original name was the Irish Water Dog and the first documented example of the breed was a dog called Boatswain who belonged to a Dubliner, Justin McCarthy. Looking for information about Gordon Setters? Like most dogs of the American Kennel Club Sporting group, the Irish Water Spaniel is essentially an active, willing and energetic companion. The Irish Water Spanielis a sensitive yet clever breed. Irish water spaniels are also far less popular than poodles, which can make them hard to find. "Most people don't have a clue what an Irish water spaniel is; if they see them, they'll call it an Irish doodle.". The tallest and possibly the most striking looking of all the spaniels, the Irish Water Spaniel has an unusual luxuriant curly coat that comes in a rich dark liver shade with almost a hint of purple to it. All Irish Water Spaniels require a grooming regimen that includes maintaining healthy ears, teeth and nails. After combing, use a spray to wet the coat to encourage the curls to reform. A smart, compact dog, they are strong, tall and athletic. Your water-loving pup will make bathtime a breeze. Highly intelligent and independent, be prepared for a companion wholl keep you on your toes. Is the puppy Kennel Club registered? How much exercise should the puppy be given? Puppies should be wormed regularly and information given as to what wormer was used and when the next doses are due. ", Irish water spaniels are not just adorableNichols calls them "cute, sweet dogs" that are "gentle and kind. In the mid 1800s, the appearance of the prolific sire Boatswain so influenced the breed that he is often credited as being the progenitor of the modern Irish Water Spaniel. What grooming does the puppy require? Back in 1875, the Irish Water Spaniel was one of the most popular sporting dogs in Britain and the United States. Training an Irish Water Spaniel puppy can be fun. You will receive communications from Purina UK&I and can update your communication preferences or unsubscribe at any time. Start socializing your dog while in puppyhood to help bring out their friendly tendencies. One of their most adorable features is a cowlick on their foreheads, Nichols says: "It's called a Leprechaun kiss.