Waltham
Home | Dog and Puppy Finder | Irish Water Spaniel

Dog & Puppy Finder

About you

Your home Select the size of your home. This will affect the type of dog we advise - some need more space than others to keep them happy!

Your garden Select the size of your garden. This will affect the type of dog we advise - some need more space than others to keep them happy and healthy! Note - pedigree do not advise keeping a dog if you don't have an outside space for them to walk and play.

Your area Select the type of area you live in. Your area will affect how often you can walk your dog and should dictate the type and temprement of dog you choose

Daily Exercise Time (mins) Select how long you will be able to dedicate each day to walking your new dog or puppy. Different breeds require different amounts of exercise to keep them healthy

Owned a dog before? Tell us if you have owned a dog before. Some dogs require more knowledge and experience than others.

Will under 16s walk the dog? Tell us if you have children under 16 in the household who might walk the dog often. This will affect the size of breed and temprement we recommend, as its important children can enjoy spending time with dog safely.

About your ideal dog

Size What size would your ideal dog be? If you don't mind then tick all options

Coat Length Which coat length would your idea dog have? Remember longer hair will require more frequent grooming and may trigger allergies. If you don't mind then tick all options

Puppy Register

Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is acknowledged to be a very old breed, but as is the case with so many Irish dogs and horses, it is impossible to separate fact from folklore and the exact date of origin cannot be established. It is believed to be a descendant of the old Portuguese Water Dogs and Spaniel root stock that came to Ireland from the Iberian Peninsula. The lineage can be traced back to the period, centuries ago, when the large and important Spaniel group was divided into the Land Spaniels and the Water Spaniels.

The Water Spaniels included both the Irish and English varieties of water dogs. The Irish Water Spaniel was developed in Ireland from two different strains – the Southern County Water Spaniel and the Northern County Water Spaniel. Both were distinct types in size and colour, however today's Irish Water Spaniel more closely follows the Southern type.

OverviewCareDecision time

Overview

Average lifespan

Irish Water Spaniels can live up to 12 years of age. 

Average size

51cm to 58cm
20kg to 30kg
Irish Water Spaniel

Care requirements

Breed personality, characteristics & temperament

Beneath its livery of brown curly ringlets, with topknot of twisted curls hanging down over its eyes, you will find a true Irishman – full of life, with a comical nature and great intelligence. The Irish Water Spaniel enjoys human companionship and will want to become one of the family. 

Compatibility with other pets

Needs to grow up with the animals it might live with.

Care requirements

The coat with its crisp curls does not present the problem that might be expected, however, it should be thoroughly combed with a wide toothed comb at least once a week. Eyes, ears and toenails should be checked regularly. A good swim or spray down will bring back those lovely curls. Irish Water Spaniels do not shed loose hair and can therefore be recommended for people who may suffer from allergies. 
Although this breed is easy to train, and is very quick to learn, it can become easily bored so avoid overtraining.
Irish Water Spaniel

Decision time

Ideal owners

For families and individuals that want a dog a little bit different than the rest of the pack.

Decision time (resources provided by Kennel Club):

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

What do I need to consider when thinking of buying a puppy?

How do I find the right breeder, what should I ask them?

How do you check if the breeder is reputable?

What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy?

Where to find dogs (resources provided by the Kennel Club):

Breeders

Adoption

Shelters

Find out about important information about purchasing dogs from pet shops and traders
Irish Water Spaniel

Popular Products

Featured Health & Care Articles

Find the right dog for you

Pedigree

Copyright © Mars 2012 PEDIGREE®, Trademark of Mars Incorporated and its affiliates Site Map Terms & Conditions Privacy International Note to parents Cookie Policy
/dog-and-puppy-finder/irish-water-spaniel