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Gundog Breeds

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Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is one of a number of breeds that have developed throughout the world as wildfowling dog, working as retrievers rather than spaniels.  The Irish Water Spaniel is, though, the only water spaniel developed in the British Isles who survives today.  There is a mention in an Irish work  around 1600 of "water dogs that pursue water fowl".  The earliest record of the breed is of a dog named Boatswain (Bo'sun) belonging to a Justin McCarthy of Dublin, born in 1834.  All of today's Irish Water Spaniels can trace their ancestry back to this single dog.  The Irish Water Spaniel was first shown in Birmingham in 1862.

He is an intelligent dog, with an independent streak, probably deriving this trait from the poodle which must surely form part of his heritage.  Those familiar with the breed consider him a strong character, probably not suited to a novice owner, who needs firm and consistent handling, particularly as a youngster.

He is the tallest of the spaniels at 51-58cm, weighing up to 65lbs.  His coat is highly distinctive; always a rich dark liver with a purplish tinge which is peculiar to the breed.  The tight, crisp ringlets  are naturally oily and to care for the coat correctly requires specialist advice.

The Irish Water Spaniel is a good housedog for those who have some experience of dogs; perhaps not so biddable and eager to please as many of the gun dogs, those who know him have the greatest respect and affection for his intelligence and sense of humour.

To read the Kennel Club Breed Standard for the Irish Water Spaniel click here. 

Selected Books

The time to make sure that this is the right breed for you is before you bring him home; if you and your Irish Water Spaniel are to be happy together there is plenty of research to be done.  Even if you do not intend to work him, having an appreciation of Gundog Training will help you understand why he behaves as he does. 

In addition to learning what kind of behaviour is specific to Gundogs, understanding your dog, and what his motivations are on a more general level can save a lot of confusion and misunderstandings for both you and him. Many mistakes can be avoided, and quick solutions reached if you have the basics of puppy training to guide you through all the early settling in difficulties.  It helps, too, to have some idea of basic healthcare so you can make informed judgements about whether a visit to the vet is necessary or if there is a simple remedy.  For example, many cases of upset tummies are best cured by 24 hour starvation.  The books we have chosen will be able to guide you as to whether your dog can be treated at home, or a visit to the surgery is necessary.

Irish Water Spaniel Breed Clubs

IRISH WATER SPANIEL ASSOC Mrs C Attwood 01526 322081

Irish Water Spaniel Rescue and Rehoming

Contact the Irish Water Spaniel Breed Club. They should be able to give you information about dogs requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own Spaniel, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for him.

Irish Water Spaniel Breeders

Pharises

If you are looking for a puppy contact the Breed Clubs and the Breeders listed and visit the puppyfinder website where there is a great deal of information on hereditary conditions.  If you are a Breeder and wish to advertise your puppies puppyfinder is an excellent showcase.