Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel (Irish: An Spáinnéar Uisce) is a breed of dog that is the tallest of the spaniels. It is one of Ireland's nine native dog breeds, also known as a "bog-dog". As a common hunting dog, they were often kept by historic landowning classes along with minor gentry, who commonly hunted and shot game. Performing a wide range of skills, such as the combined duties of pointers, setters, retrievers, and spaniels, they were a good fit for people who were unable to keep a team of dogs. The breed thrives in a working environment. They often love to please their owners, hunting and retrieving game happily. They are characterized by their curly coat, a distinctive "rat tail", and webbed feet, being very active and intelligent. Their inquisitive nature has earned them the nickname the "clown" of the spaniel family, and they'll often find surprising methods to complete tasks. A topknot of long, loose curls grows downward from the crown of the head and often covers the eyes, with a "beard" growing at the back of the throat often being accompanied by "sideburns". The coat colour is a liver-puce to chocolate-brown hue, with a distinct "purple" undertone, not seen in many other breeds. The minimal coat shedding does not mean Irish Water Spaniels are necessarily "hypoallergenic", although people who may be allergic to dogs could potentially experience less of a reaction to them. Their coat has a natural oiliness to them. and will often do ordinary things in extraordinary ways. Some individual dogs may be very wary of strangers, if not properly socialised early in life; likewise, not every Irish Water Spaniel can be trusted to get along with cats or small pets, including smaller dogs. Early socialisation and training is a must.

History

thumb|Irish Water Spaniel circa 1915

The modern breed as we know it was developed in Ireland in the 1830s. There is a strong case that the breed's ancestors originated in Persia and arrived in Ireland from Spain. A range of breeds have been suggested, based largely on superficial traits, including the Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, generic "old water dogs", and the now-extinct English Water Spaniel, as well as the Northern and Southern Water Spaniels. However, whether or not Irish Water Spaniels are antecedents, descendants, or hybrids of these other breeds is a matter of some speculation. It is believed, in Irish folklore, to be the descendant of the mythological cryptid, the Dobhar-chú.

Suitability as a pet

Irish Water Spaniels may make good family dogs, as they are usually excellent with respectful children and with other pets. They can make good guard dogs if they have been trained to do so, giving off a deep bark, and will protect their human families. Not usually an aggressive dog, Water Spaniels are nonetheless highly alert and sensitive to their surroundings.

All Irish Water Spaniels require a grooming regimen that includes maintaining healthy ears, teeth and nails. The tight double coat of the Irish Water Spaniel sheds lightly, thus many allergy sufferers have found them to be a comfortable breed with which to live or associate. 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". The coat can be maintained by even the novice owner if a regular effort is maintained to keep it clean and free of mats. A thorough combing to the skin should take place every 1–2 weeks to promote healthy skin and to remove any objects from the coat. Scissoring will be required every 6–8 weeks to neaten and shape the coat while regular exposure to water will promote the correct "ringlets" over the body coat.

Although happy to curl up and sleep at home, regular (possibly 2-3 times, daily) walks and exercise excursions are essential for a healthy, content Water Spaniel. An unexercised Water Spaniel may become a naughty, mischievous animal. An ideal home though would be a working environment, where the dogs' minds, as well as bodies, are exercised. Many Irish Water Spaniel owners work their dogs in the shooting field, in obedience tests, in agility competitions, or in the conformation show ring.

Activities

The IWS is a versatile breed and is found in all types of canine events including:

Championship
Junior Showmanship
Companion events
Obedience trial
Rally obedience
Dog agility
Tracking trial
Fly ball
Performance and other dog sports
Hunt tests
Field trial
Upland hunting
Dock jumping
Scent work / nose work

Irish Water Spaniel Club of Ireland

The Irish Water Spaniel Club of Ireland is one of the oldest dog clubs in the world, supporting and promoting one of the most distinguished and oldest breed of dog in the world. The club is registered with the Irish Kennel Club.

Irish Water Spaniel Club of America

The IWSCA is the AKC parent club for the IWS. The club exists to preserve and protect this rare breed. The Club helps educate owners and breeders and welcomes all members who share our love of this extraordinary, versatile dog. The IWSCA's commitment to the health of the Irish Water Spaniel is reflected in its endorsement of transparency in health findings in accordance with organisations such as Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA), Canine Health Information Center (CHIC), Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) and Canine Health Foundation.

IWSCA breeders

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. Individual BEC breeders can be found on the IWSCA website.

IWS Health Foundation

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.

Health

A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 10.8 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds. Some major health concerns to watch out for in the breed include hip dysplasia and other joint problems, ear infections, alopecia, and distichiasis on occasion. Hip dysplasia affects a number of dog breeds, as it is when hip joints become mis-formed that cause pain and disability. This affects about 30% of the breed. Elbow dysplasia should also be looked out for, as it affects about 18% of the breed.

Shows

There are several dedicated shows that allow owners to proudly exhibit their dog. The UK's IWS Association hosts about 3 major events a year.

In 1979, Ch. Oak Tree's Irishtocrat, also known as Dugan, won best-in-show honors at the Westminster Kennel Club event at Madison Square Garden, becoming the dog of the year as it was the first time in the event's 103-year history that the Irish Water Spaniel had won.