Irish Water Spaniel
USD $800-$1000 Price Avg.
Gun Dog
Group
Purebred
Breed Type
Medium
Size
10-12 years
Lifespan
Breed Information
| Group | Gun Dog |
|---|---|
| Popularity/Rank | 164 |
| Origin | Ireland |
| Other Names | Bog Dog, Rat Tail Spaniel, Shannon Spaniel, Whiptail |
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Price (Avg.) |
USD $800-$1000
How much does a Irish Water Spaniel cost? According to a rough estimate, you will spend between $800 to $1000 on your Irish Water Spaniel if you purchase it from a reputable breeder. If you select a dog with exceptional bloodlines, the price may be higher. The price might even be higher if the dog has already been trained. You'll usually pay less if you get a Irish Water Spaniel from a shelter. |
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 45-65 pounds (20-30 kg) |
| Height | 20-23 inches (51-58 cm) |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
| Recognized by |
AKC, FCI
The American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed. And FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section. |
| Purpose | water retrieving |
| Date of Origin | 1800s |
| Ancestry | Barbet, Poodle, Portuguese water dog |
Appearance & Maintenance
| Coat | Curly, Dense, Tight |
|---|---|
| Coat Colors | Brown |
| Grooming Level | |
| Shedding Level | |
| Eye Color Possibilities | Amber, Brown |
| Nose Color Possibilities | Black, Brown |
| Coat Color Possibilities | Brown |
| Coat Length | Large |
| Coat Density | Dense |
| Coat Texture | Curly |
| Recommended Brushes | Slicker brush, pin brush, comb, mat rake, shedding blade, undercoat rake. |
| Brushing Frequency | 2-3 times per week |
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Active, Alert, Clown-like, Clownish, Inquisitive, Intelligent, Quick, Speedy, Vigilant |
|---|---|
| Intelligent | |
| Trainability | |
| Playfulness | |
| Sensitivity Level | |
| Affection Level | |
| Social Interaction Required | |
| Barking | |
| Watchdog Ability | |
| Territorial | |
| Biting Force | Low |
| Mouthiness | |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam | |
| Prey Drive | |
| Adaptability | |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone | |
| Fighting Dog | Not really |
Good & Friendly with
| Apartment Life Friendly | |
|---|---|
| Stranger Friendly | |
| Kid-Friendly | |
| Cat Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| Office Friendly | No |
| Senior Citizens Friendly | |
| Pet Friendly | |
| Friendly with First Time Owners | No |
| Service Dog | Not really |
| Therapy Dog | Not really |
| Detection, Sniffer or Security Dog | Not really |
| Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) | Not really |
| Boat Dog | Yes |
| Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog | Not really |
Health Elements
| Health Issues | |
|---|---|
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
| Energy Level | |
| Exercise Required | |
| Sleeping Required | |
| Weight Gain Potential | |
| Weather & Climate | Prefers average to cold weather conditions |
| Stinkiness | Medium |
| Drooling tendency | |
| Activity Level | High |
| Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week | 15 miles |
| Minutes of Activity Per Day | 90 minutes |
Food & Costing
| Avg. Daily Food | 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
|---|---|
| Cups Per Day | 2.5 cups |
| Daily Cost | $1.75 - $2.25 |
| Monthly Cost | $52.50 - $67.50 |
Reproducibility
| Gestation Duration | 60-64 days |
|---|---|
| How often can the Irish Water Spaniel have a litter? | Once a year. |
| Litter Size | 4-12 puppies (Once a year.) |
Description
The Irish Water Spaniel is a medium-sized breed of dog that originated in Ireland. It is a strong, active, and intelligent breed that is known for its distinctive curly coat. The Irish Water Spaniel has a long history as a working dog and is still used today for hunting and retrieving game.
Appearance: The Irish Water Spaniel has an unmistakable appearance with its long, curly coat and distinctive topknot of hair on the head. The coat can be either solid liver or liver and white in color. The ears are long and hang down close to the cheeks, while the tail is docked to about half its original length.
Lifespan, Size, Weight & Colors: The average lifespan of an Irish Water Spaniel is between 10-12 years. They typically weigh between 40-60 pounds (18-27 kg) and stand at around 20-24 inches (51-61 cm) tall at the shoulder. As mentioned above, they come in two colors – solid liver or liver & white – with some having tan markings on their legs or face as well.
Personality: Irish Water Spaniels are known for being loyal companions who are eager to please their owners. They have an independent streak but also enjoy spending time with their families and playing games such as fetch or tug of war. They are intelligent dogs who can learn quickly if given proper training and socialization from an early age.
Friendliness: Irish Water Spaniels get along well with other dogs but may be wary of strangers until they get to know them better over time. They tend to be friendly towards children but should always be supervised when interacting with them due to their size and strength which could lead to accidental injury if not handled properly by adults present at all times during playtime activities involving children . As far as other animals go, they may chase cats if not trained properly so it’s best to keep them away from small animals such as rodents or birds unless you’re sure they won’t harm them in any way .
Temperament: This breed has a lively temperament that makes them great companions for active families who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or swimming . They need plenty of exercise every day in order to stay healthy both physically and mentally so it’s important that owners provide this type of stimulation regularly . Additionally , they do best when given consistent training from an early age so that they understand what behaviors are expected from them .
Health: Generally speaking , the health of this breed is good although there have been reports of hip dysplasia , eye problems , ear infections , skin allergies , epilepsy , bloat (gastric torsion), hypothyroidism , Von Willebrand's disease (a bleeding disorder), luxating patellas (dislocated kneecaps) among others . It’s important for potential owners to research these conditions before getting one so that they can make sure their pup stays healthy throughout its life .
Adaptability Level & Benefits : This breed does well living indoors provided it gets enough exercise each day . It adapts easily enough into most family situations provided it gets enough attention from its owners which makes it a great choice for those looking for a loyal companion pet . Additionally , because this breed was originally bred as working dogs they tend to excel at tasks such as agility courses which makes them great competitors in canine sports competitions too !
History
The Irish Water Spaniel is a breed of dog that is native to Ireland. The breed is also known as the Shannon Spaniel, after the River Shannon in Ireland. The Irish Water Spaniel is a descendant of the extinct English Water Spaniel and was recognized as a distinct breed in 1887.
The Irish Water Spaniel is a large breed of dog, with males reaching up to 24 inches (61 cm) in height and females up to 22 inches (56 cm). The coat is typically a dark brown or liver color, with a curly texture. The breed is known for its webbed feet, which make it an excellent swimmer.
The Irish Water Spaniel was once a popular breed of dog, but its popularity declined in the early 20th century. This was due to several factors, including the rise of other breeds of dogs such as the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever. In addition, many of the original bloodlines of the Irish Water Spaniel were lost during World War I and World War II. As a result, the breed became nearly extinct by the 1950s.
However, there was a small group of dedicated breeders who kept the Irish Water Spaniel alive during this time. In particular, Mrs. Edith Blake-Knox worked tirelessly to promote the breed and preserve its unique characteristics. Thanks to her efforts, and those of other dedicated breeders, the Irish Water Spaniel slowly began to regain popularity in the latter half of the 20th century. Today, it is once again considered a popular breed of dog both in Ireland and around the world.
