Irish Water Spaniel Characteristics: The agile and eager Irish Water Spaniel is a breed of medium sized dog, classified as a member of the Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1884). The Irish Water Spaniel, is characterized by its strong, upright appearance with a topknot and coat of tight curls, a long muzzle and keen, direct expression. Other characteristics include dark amber or hazel colored eyes that are medium sized and almond shaped; very long, pendulous ears; a distinctive "rat tail" and a rolling gait. The temperament of the Irish Water Spaniel can be described as Inquisitive, Active, Alert. The coat type of the Irish Water Spaniel is described as curly, double coat in brown coat color. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Irish Water Spaniel demonstrated the desired traits of a Gun Dog and is known by its nick name the "Water retriever". The origin of the Irish Water Spaniel dog breed was in Ireland where it was developed in the 1800's. Fast Facts about the Irish Water Spaniel: The following facts provide fast information about the Irish Water Spaniel breed. Size: Medium *** Breed Group: Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1884) *** Nick name: "Water retriever" *** Origin: Ireland *** Male Height: 20 - 23 inches (51 - 58 cm) *** Female Height: Slightly Less *** Male Weight: 45 - 65 pounds (20 - 30 kg) *** Female Weight: Slightly Less *** Coat Type: curly, double coat *** Coat Colors: brown coat color *** Litter Size: 4-12 puppies *** Health Problems: Coat and skin problems, Thyroid problems, Epilepsy *** Lifespan: 10-12 years *** Hypoallergenic: Yes Irish Water Spaniel Breed Group and Dog Type - Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1884): The Irish Water Spaniel is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1884). Origin of the name: The name "Irish Water Spaniel" derives from the dog's country of origin and his ability to work in the water. The word 'spaniel' originated in Spain and referred to a surname meaning "Spaniard". It was then transferred as a name for a breed of dog supposedly of Spanish origin. Other names for the Irish Water Spaniel: The Irish Water Spaniel is known by the nickname of the "Water retriever". Other names for this breed of dog include the IWS, Bogdog and Whiptail. The nickname "BogDog" is in reference to the dog's ability to work on the bogs, marshes and estuaries of Ireland. Whiptail refers to the vigorous wagging of its pointed tail that is carried straight out. Irish Water Spaniel History and Origin: The country of origin of the tireless Irish Water Spaniel breed was in Ireland during the early 1800's and one of his main attributes is a virtually waterproof coat. The Irish Water Spaniel was developed by Justin McCarthy, a dog breeder from Dublin. It is believed to have been cross bred crossing a Poodle with either a Curly Coated Retriever, an Irish Setter and a Portuguese Water Dog. One of the earliest descriptions of the Water Spaniel was in the book "House Dogs and Sporting Dogs", published in 1861 by the Englishman John Meyrick, who described the breed as "taking to the water readily in the coldest weather and swimming and diving with the greatest ease". John Merrick also took pains to state that the Water Spaniel was highly valued in the sport of duck shooting. The Irish Water Spaniel was exported to the United States during the mid 1800's as Irish immigrants fled from the ravages of the Great Potato Famine 1845 – 1852. The Irish Water Spaniel proved extremely popular due to its use in duck hunting and this successful Gun Dog (Bird Dog) was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1884. Irish Water Spaniel Modern History: The modern history of the Irish Water Spaniel moved on and the breed is now used as a faithful family pet and an energetic companion. Irish Water Spaniel Height: The Irish Water Spaniel breed is classified as a medium sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 20 - 23 inches (51 - 58 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is slightly less. Irish Water Spaniel Weight: The weight of the male in this medium sized dog is 45 - 65 pounds (20 - 30 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is slightly less than the male. Irish Water Spaniel Coat Type: The coat type is described as curly, double coat. Irish Water Spaniel Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed include a brown, dark liver colored coat. The word "liver" signifies any shade from yellow to brown. Irish Water Spaniel Grooming - HIGH Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Irish Water Spaniel are categorized as high in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The high grooming needs of the Irish Water Spaniel is considered to be high-maintenance and requires almost daily brushing and combing. Dog Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears. Irish Water Spaniel Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 4-12 puppies. Irish Water Spaniel puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Irish Water Spaniel puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Irish Water Spaniel Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Agile, Inquisitive, Active, Alert and Eager. Irish Water Spaniel Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog are moderate. The Irish Water Spaniel requires regular daily exercise consisting of about one hour every day. This medium sized dog has a distinctive, rolling gait with strides of a moderate length requiring a steady walking or jogging speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. If the dog has more energy than you do, then teach your dog to play ball in a chase and catch game. Irish Water Spaniel Diet: A fully grown Irish Water Spaniel should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Irish Water Spaniel Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Irish Water Spaniel breed include Coat and skin problems, Thyroid problems, Epilepsy . Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Irish Water Spaniel dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: Yes (Refer to Hypoallergenic Dogs). Irish Water Spaniel Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Irish Water Spaniel breed is 10-12 years. Irish Water Spaniel Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Irish Water Spaniel breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Irish Water Spaniel names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Breen *** Cacey *** Devlyn *** Gorry *** Kegan *** Tavin *** Finn *** Tyrone *** Gadhra *** Lany *** Evoy. Irish Water Spaniel Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Irish Water Spaniel names are Ailey *** Cadee *** Devent *** Eila *** Breena *** Graina *** Fallyn *** Darci *** Doon *** Elva *** Maire. Fast Facts about the Irish Water Spaniel: The following facts provide fast information about the Irish Water Spaniel breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1884) *** Size: Medium *** Country of Origin: Ireland *** History / Date: 1800's *** Male Irish Water Spaniel Height: 20 - 23 inches (51 - 58 cm) *** Male Irish Water Spaniel Weight: 45 - 65 pounds (20 - 30 kg) *** Coat Type: curly, double coat *** Litter Size: 4-12 puppies *** Irish Water Spaniel Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Irish Water Spaniel Lifespan: 10-12 years *** | 