Irish Water Spaniel

Breed Description

Ancient legends and tales can tell us everything about the world. Irish folklore speaks of the Dobhar Chu, which means “water dog.” This mysterious mythical creature was a half-dog, half-fish, known for its ferocity and gluttony. In fact, it’s more of a precursor to the modern otter, but some dog breeders attempt to trace this ancient monster back as an ancestor of the Irish water spaniel. Completely different from other spaniels, the Irish water spaniel is one of the oldest breeds from the Emerald Isle. It’s impossible to name the ancestors of these dogs. The breed has taken on some characteristics of poodles, as well as water dogs from France and Portugal. The famous John Caius described similar breeds in the 16th century with the words: “dogs with long fur, suitable for hunting ducks and geese.” In his book about dogs, he noted that they resembled poodles, swam excellently, and primarily worked in marshes and lakes, retrieving game from the water. Historical records indicate the crossbreeding of spaniels with poodles at the turn of the 16th to 17th centuries. The results were remarkable hunting dogs, well-suited to water and capable of diving without harm to their health. They

Appearance

The distinguishing feature of the Irish Water Spaniel is that it looks nothing like a spaniel. In fact, it is a muscular, large dog with dense, long, curly hair. Its coat resembles that of poodles and virtually has no undercoat. The unique shade of its fur and its hypoallergenic properties are undeniable advantages of the breed. It is considered that the Irish Water Dog is one of the largest varieties among all spaniel groups.

An adult male reaches a height of 59 to 61 cm and weighs up to 31 kg. Females are slightly shorter and lighter, standing up to 55 cm and weighing around 22 to 25 kg. In appearance, the dog resembles a poodle more than a spaniel. Due to its unique tail structure, the breed has gained the informal nickname “rat tail” or “whip-spaniel.”

With a fairly solid, muscular build, the dog swims exceptionally well. Its large size does not hinder its movements; on the contrary, the animal’s remarkable running grace is captivating.

Sometimes these dogs are referred to as clowns. This nickname is associated with the unusual growth of fur on their heads and faces, as well as their ability to perform various amusing tricks for their owners.

Representatives of the breed typically live around 12 to 14 years. Of course, these are average figures, and there are many documented cases of dogs living up to 16 years.

Отличительные черты

Голова

Large head. The skull is voluminous, dome-shaped, and quite wide and long. The size of the head is in harmony with the overall proportions of the dog. There is a smooth transition to the muzzle, and the forehead is gently rounded. The curly hair growing on the head, resembling an old-fashioned wig, particularly evokes affection.

Морда

Long, powerful, and fairly broad, nearly square in shape. The bridge of the nose is extended and straight. The large nose pad is dark brown (a darker shade than the main color). The nostrils are big. The fur on the muzzle is very short and straight.

Уши

Very large, with soft cartilage. The ears are rounded at the edges, covered with long, thick, and curly fur. They are set very wide and relatively low. They are so long that they always hang freely below the dog's jaw, covering the ear canal.

Глаза

From under a cap of small curls, extraordinarily beautiful and intelligent eyes look at you. They are small, shaped somewhat like olives. Usually brown, but there are also slightly darker shades, like hazelnut, or even the color of dark amber.

Зубы

Especially strong and large teeth. The jaws are very powerful. Any bite other than a scissors bite is undesirable. This means that the upper fangs cover the lower fangs, but by no more than 1.5 - 2 mm. For a strong grip, the fangs grow at a right angle to the jaw, and the incisors are arranged in a straight line.

Корпус

Proportional body. Quite large and muscular, the ribs have a curve. This body type is referred to as barrel-shaped. Despite this characteristic, one cannot claim that the animal's body is bloated. It has a very strong, straight back, which, although short, smoothly transitions into the lower back. This area is also strong and wide.

Конечности

The skeleton of the front limbs is very strong. The legs are of medium length, completely covered with dense, small curls. A characteristic feature of the structure of the front paws is the alignment of the withers and the dog's elbows. The hind limbs are very powerful, with strong and dense bones. The low-lying hock joint provides the dog with high maneuverability. Fur grows densely between the toes, facilitating the animal's swimming.

Хвост

Из-за строения хвоста породу иногда называют “хлыст”. Дело в том, что у своего основания он более толстый и покрыт мелкими кудрями, которые ещё более увеличивают его объём. Но оставшаяся часть (порядка 2/3 общей длины) не имеет кудрей, а покрыта обычной короткой шерстью. Стандарт гласит, что хвост не поднимается выше линии спины, а его длина не должна быть больше, чем расстояние от поясницы до скакательного сустава.

Шерсть

The dog's unique structure features thick, long fur in small curls that covers almost its entire body. The exceptions are the last two-thirds of the tail and the muzzle. Besides these areas, short straight hair grows from the cheekbones down the neck to the chest, forming something like a "trimmed" section in the shape of an inverted triangle. It gives the impression that the dog is wearing a wig and an unbuttoned jumpsuit on its chest.

Окрас

The coat of the Irish Water Spaniel can come in various vibrant shades of liver or red-brown. White spots on the chest are considered defects and are prohibited by the breed standard. The same applies to faded shades. The color should be evenly distributed across the dog's body.

Character

There is much to say about the character of the Irish Water Spaniel, sometimes even contradictory facts. Its main traits include loyalty, endurance, pride, enthusiasm, friendliness, attentiveness, humor, activity, and sociability.

Although the breed was developed for hunting and property protection, today the Irish Water Spaniel is most often a family companion, and only occasionally a hunter.

Living in a city, it is very important not to leave your chocolate companion alone for too long. The breed is extremely affectionate towards its family and requires a lot of attention. The dog becomes very unhappy without its owner, which negatively affects its mental health. Therefore, it can be said that this breed is not suitable for busy people.

How does the curly dog get along with children? Very well, especially if the kids are a bit older and understand not to tug on the dog’s tail or ears. The Irish Water Spaniel is not hot-tempered, but it will set boundaries and may warn by growling or showing its teeth.

Extraordinary loyalty is also evident in how the dog tries to please its family members. Occasionally, they perform such tricks that the dogs in “wigs” have earned a reputation as clowns.

Fearless in protecting its family, the Irish Water Spaniel will always alert you to the presence of uninvited guests. It’s worth noting that the breed tends to be wary of strangers. On alert, the dog may allow a familiarization but will remain cautious even after confirming the guest’s safety.It’s also important to remember that a spaniel with a rat tail is a hunter. So during long walks, especially in parks or forests, it’s not uncommon to “lose” it for a moment. There are frequent cases where the dog returns with a catch, such as a mole or a squirrel. Your dog’s hunting instincts may also emerge when encountering stray cats or pigeons during a walk. To prevent such incidents, early socialization of the puppy is crucial.A profound love for swimming will always be in the blood of the Irish Water Spaniel. If there’s a body of water nearby, it is recommended to let the dog enjoy swimming. You can even play with your swimming hunter by tossing its toys farther from the shore. It’s an unforgettable sight to see the joyful expression on its face and the enthusiasm of the “curly cap” as it swims back to you with a toy in its mouth.

Content and Care

Considering the rich history and characteristics of Irish Water Spaniels, they thrive best in a country house. Their long fur allows them to live outside in a kennel, and they always have space for walks nearby. Just keep in mind the dog’s agility and jumping ability. A fence lower than 2 to 2.5 meters won’t be much of a barrier, and your spaniel may easily leap over it.

If you live in the city, make sure your dog gets walked 2 to 3 times a day for at least an hour each time, preferably more. It’s essential to provide the dog with vigorous physical and mental exercise. During walks, the dog should cover at least 5-10 kilometers to ensure adequate exertion for maintaining its health.

Dogs are generally peaceful with other pets. They can tolerate cats living under the same roof. However, small rodents and guinea pigs are not safe; they are in danger.

What should you feed an Irish Water Spaniel? The answer is straightforward. Avoid fatty foods and excessive calcium and phosphorus in the diet, as high levels of these elements negatively affect the dog’s kidney function. The optimal diet consists of premium or super-premium dry food, which contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Just ensure a proper feeding schedule and prevent overeating. To occasionally treat your chocolate companion, provide moderately sweet fruits or vegetables, like apples or beets.

The long, curly coat of the Shannon Spaniel requires the most care. If you don’t want to have a rastafarian-looking dog with dreadlocks instead of beautiful curls, brush the dog’s fur with a special comb with fine teeth at least 2 to 3 times a week. It’s important to train the dog to accept this grooming routine from a young age. A furminator is very effective for this purpose, as it works much better than traditional brushes.

The water spaniel is named for its love of swimming. However, frequent baths aren’t necessary. Bathing the dog 1 to 2 times a month with a special shampoo is sufficient. Just don’t apply the shampoo directly to the fur. It’s best to dilute the required amount of shampoo in a little water before washing, or apply it to your hands and then wash the dog carefully.When bathing, be careful not to get water in the dog’s ears. While the dog can retrieve game underwater, excess moisture in the ears can lead to inflammation, which is a common issue for dogs with floppy ears. It’s best to check the ears after walks and baths. If you notice any discharge, remove it with a cotton ball or a piece of cotton soaked in a special lotion. A sour smell from the ears or frequent scratching indicates the onset of an ear infection, in which case it’s important to visit the vet without delay.After forest walks, the dog often brings home various plant seeds and twigs that can get tangled in its curls. A light shower is usually enough to remove these, rather than a full bath. Yes, fleas and ticks also often come home with the dog. Flea collars help with pest co

Training and Education

It should be noted right away that the Shannon spaniel has a high level of intelligence. Sometimes it seems that the dog is not just smart, but wise. However, the natural qualities must be developed and enhanced.

To achieve the best results, training should begin when the puppy is about four weeks old. Early socialization will help raise a well-mannered dog, rather than a fearful or aggressive one. It’s important to remember that monotonous or lengthy training sessions will not yield the desired results. The dog will quickly switch its focus to what interests it, not you.

So, as you start the training sessions, it’s important to be in a good mood, to have patience, and to have treats on hand. Yes, treats are a very effective motivator for successful task repetition by the puppy. When the curly pup grows up, you can use its toys as rewards.

From the very first days, adhere to the established rules in the house and always praise and reward the puppy for correctly completing tasks. Conversely, make it clear when it is wrong. Don’t be fooled by the puppy’s charming tricks; instead, be an unequivocal leader and role model in its eyes. Then success is guaranteed. Before starting the training, you can take courses at a canine center.

Once the puppy is accustomed to its name and its place in the house, you can move on to mastering basic commands. For example, “sit,” “come,” “lie down,” “paw,” and others. In city apartments, it’s also helpful to teach the command “quiet,” as barking during daytime rest hours may disturb neighbors. Before the first outing, your dog must get used to the collar and leash. Ensure that it hears your commands at all times and under any circumstances. It’s very important that these daily 15-20 minute training sessions take place in a calm environment.

It is absolutely forbidden to punish the dog with yelling, or to use harshness or strikes.If you want to raise a hunting dog, turn to a specialized canine center where professionals can assist you. At Zooinika, the best breeders offer puppies with pedigrees.

How to Choose a Puppy

Choosing a puppy is a responsible task, but it can be quite simple if you know the basic principles of puppy care. Additionally, it is essential to study the breed standard, understand the characteristics of adult dogs, and be prepared to handle numerous unforeseen situations that will inevitably arise throughout your pet’s life.

Since the Irish Water Spaniel, or Shannon Spaniel, or Rat Tail Spaniel is a rather rare breed not only in our country but worldwide, it is best to purchase from reputable breeders rather than individuals. There you will definitely get a purebred dog rather than a mixed street variety.

Visit one or more kennels (this is advisable as it provides a point of comparison). Get to know the breeder and ask all the questions you have. Observe the mother of the puppies as well; her appearance, veterinary records, and awards are important, but how she behaves is crucial. An aggressive or poorly trained dog will likely pass on those traits to her offspring, and you will be the one facing the consequences.

If all the documentation is in order and you are satisfied with the kennel, you can make your choice. A characteristic feature of the breed is its almost completely hairless tail. Otherwise, the selection process is relatively straightforward: look for clear eyes without cloudy spots on the iris, absence of aggression towards others and fellow dogs, a wet, cold nose, and clean fur without bald patches – these are perhaps the main criteria for choosing an Irish Water Spaniel puppy. Looking for a puppy? Check out Zoonika for verified breeders with documentation.

Health and Diseases

The health of Irish water dogs is generally robust; otherwise, the breed would have simply vanished. However, there are still some predispositions. This does not mean, though, that your dog will suffer from any of them.

To reduce the risk of various injuries, it is recommended to limit physical strain on the joints during the active growth period of the puppy. For example, until the dog is 8 months old, it should be taken down in an elevator or carried down the stairs. If the puppy is growing in the countryside, you should monitor its jumping. Even jumping from the height of a couch or chair poses a risk of micro-injuries, which may negatively affect the dog in adulthood.

Waterfowl hunters often suffer from ear inflammation due to moisture not being fully removed from the ear canal. We wrote about this in the section on the care and maintenance of the Irish Water Spaniel.

Genetically, the breed is predisposed to hip joint pathology or hip dysplasia. Before purchasing, you can inquire at the kennel whether screening for this ailment has been conducted. It is a very unpleasant condition that cannot be fully treated. It can initially lead to limping and restricted movement, and in severe cases, even to a complete loss of mobility. Thinking about it? There is a huge selection of ads on the Zoonika map by city.