Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is a breed of dog that is the largest and one of the oldest of spaniels. It is also one of the rarest. Excelling in swimming, this spaniel is well known for retrieving in very cold water.
History
Although the current breed stock is Irish, the origin of the breed is unknown. It is probable that more than one ancient breed of spaniel has gone into its makeup. It is not known from which other breeds Irish Water Spaniels were developed. The acknowledged father of the breed, Justin McCarthy from Dublin, left no breeding records. All manner of dogs have been suggested including: the Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, as well as the Northern and Southern Water Spaniels, but whether Irish Water Spaniels are antecedents, descendants, or mixtures of these other breeds is a matter of some speculation. What is clear is that the breed has ancient roots. The modern breed as we know it was developed in Ireland in the 1830s. In 1878, the Irish Water Spaniel was recognized by the American Kennel Club as a member of the sporting group.
Appearance and Size
The Irish Water Spaniel is a stout and cobby dog native to Ireland. The coat, consisting of dense curls, sheds very little. The colour is liver/puce and has a very definite purple hue unlike the colour of any other known breed. The non-shedding characteristic of the coat means that people usually allergic to dogs might have less of an allergic reaction to Irish Water Spaniels. This breed has little to no shedding. The dogs are strongly built, and a bit taller and more squarish than other spaniels. There is a curly topknot upon the head and the face is smooth. The most distinguishing characteristic of these dogs is their not-too-long "rat-like" tails, which are a striking contrast to their otherwise curly coats. Dogs range in height from 22 to 24 inches (56-61 cm), and weigh 55 to 65 pounds (25-30 kg). As their name would imply these dogs love water and to this end they have evolved slightly webbed feet to aid this.
Personality
This is an active breed that is often found in a real working retriever environment. They are intelligent, quick to learn, alert, and inquisitive, especially when it suits their purposes. They sometimes display humorous antics while working, earning them their "clownish" reputation. With proper socialization they can be gentle dogs with family and children, but are often shy around strangers if they have not had lots of socialization as youngsters. Irish Water Spaniels require regular exercise and need an experienced trainer, however, when looked after properly make extremely loving and loyal pets. They benefit from access to water to swim, an activity they specialise in.
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Videos of Irish Water Spaniels
Dogs 101: Irish Water Spaniel
For More Dogs 101 Check Out: animal.discovery.com With its big hair, the Irish Water Spaniel may look like a poodle, but has a personality that's all its own.
We Love Irish Water Spaniels
Thanks to the great Irish Water Spaniels, owners, photographers and friends who helped to make this video, including (but not limited to) Russell Dodd, Jeremy Kezer, Nele Goetz, Great Dane Photos and the remarkable Sinead Lohan for her song Eist Do Bheal. For more information on the Irish Water Spaniel and to find a reputable breeder visit the Irish Water Spaniel Club of America at www.IWSCA.org.
The Irish Water Spaniel - Chapter 1
Take a closer look at the strong Irish Water Spaniel. For future videos on the Irish Water Spaniel, subscribe to the official Dog.com YouTube channel. For dog supplies for your Irish Water Spaniel, visit www.dog.com.
The Irish Water Spaniel - Chapter 2
Here is the loyal Irish Water Spaniel. Enjoy the video and stay tuned to the official Dog.com YouTube channel for more Irish Water Spaniel videos! For dog supplies for your Irish Water Spaniel, visit www.dog.com today!
Irish Water Spaniel Atlantic Ocean
Fannie Mae Retrieving in the cold water of Cape Cod MA. She was just 10 months old at the time. Born to swim...
Master National 2009 Hall of Fame Retiring Dogs
A video of the 2009 Master National Hall of Fame and retiring dogs.
trout, dogs, beaver - just another day - Sept 22 2010
Today, September 22, 2010 we went on a drive to see the colors of fall in British Columbia and discovered much more. Music: everyday is a gift - by Marko Jovanovic - Marconiero www.myspace.com
Dog World Arden Grange Top Dogs 2011
Dog World Arden Grange Top Dogs 2011 Buy the Top Dog paper at www.dogworldshop.com A quick run through of each of this year's Top Dogs in each group. Top Ten FIRST, TOP TOY 150 POINTS Ch Pamplona Bring Me Sunshine Bichon Frisé SECOND, TOP WORKING 124 POINTS Ch/Lux Ch Supeta's Ozzy Osbourne Dobermann THIRD, TOP UTILITY 104 POINTS Ch Del Zarzoso Salvame from Afterglow Standard Poodle FOURTH, TOP HOUND 102 POINTS Ch Soletrader Peek A Boo Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen FIFTH, TOP GUNDOG 96 POINTS Sh Ch/Am Ch Wh
St. Bernard & Irish Water Spaniel Pups - Part 1
Sammy, our Irish Water Spaniel and Millie our St.Bernard when they were just pups. Obviously, they are no longer that small. They grew up as great mates. Very good swimmers too. Sammy is a rowdy and Millie is a gentle giant. This was when they could both get into one basket. Now, neither of them can get into it.
Vulnerable Breeds Parade 2008 - Irish Water Spaniel + Free $500 Dog giftcard
bit.ly Claim your FREE $500 Dog Giftcard Vulnerable Breeds Parade 2008 - Irish Water Spaniel dogs dog care free care
St. Bernard & Irish Water Spaniel Pups - Part 2
Sammy, our Irish Water Spaniel and Millie our St.Bernard when they were just pups. Obviously, they are no longer that small. They grew up as great mates. Very good swimmers too. Sammy is a rowdy and Millie is a gentle giant. This was when they could both get into one basket. Now, neither of them can get into it.
Canadian National Retrievers Championship 2010
The Canadian National Retrievers Championship 2010 are taking place in Kane Valley British Columbia. Not only are the top dogs from Canada represented but retrievers from the USA including top trainers from Colorado and Tennessee are here.
Sporting dogs - Labrador Retriever
Group classification: Sporting Country of origin: Canada (Newfoundland) Date of origin: 19th century Weight (M): 65 - 80 lb Height (M): 22 - 25" Life expectancy: 11 - 12 years Weight (F): 55 - 70 lb Height (F): 21 - 24"
