Irish Water Spaniel Best Breeds and Recommended Foods and Health

The Irish Water Spaniel developed on the north coast of Ireland as a water fowl retriever. Its history dates back to the 7th or 8th century. This is the tallest of the breeds called "Spaniel." The breed standards were established in 1850 after the breed gained in popularity in its native land, and local dog fanciers started promoting it. This dog is a natural retriever with a waterproof coat that makes it ideal for fetching birds brought down in extremely cold water. The Irish Water Spaniel is very territorial and protective of children given to its capable care, and yet it has a tendency to be a runner.

Irish Water Spaniel

This "running" characteristic may be to satisfy its curiosity more than to "get away from." This Irish Water Spaniel breed is very inquisitive, determined, and strong. Although the current breed stock is Irish, the origin of the breed is unknown. It is probable that more than one ancient breed of spaniel has gone into its makeup. It is not known from which other breeds Irish Water Spaniels were developed. The acknowledged father of the breed, Justin McCarthy from Dublin, left no breeding records. All manner of dogs have been suggested including: the Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, generic old water dog, the now-extinct English Water Spaniel as well as the Northern and Southern Water Spaniels, but whether Irish Water Spaniels are antecedents, descendants, or mixtures of these other breeds is a matter of some speculation.

Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniels dog are strongly built, and a bit taller and more squarish than other spaniels. There is a curly topknot upon the head and the face is smooth. The most distinguishing characteristic of these dogs is their not-too-long "rat-like" tails, which are a striking contrast to their otherwise curly coats. Dogs range in height from 22 to 24 inches (56–61 cm), and weigh 55 to 65 pounds (25–30 kg). As their name would imply these dogs love water and to this end they have evolved slightly webbed feet to aid this. Irish Water Spaniels may make good family dogs, as they are usually excellent with respectful children and with other pets.

For the Irish Water Spaniel I recommended foods high in their carbohydrates, with a blend of poultry, fresh water fish, potato, oats, and wheat. However, you should avoid feeding a special breed like this any soy, white rice, avocado, beef, or horse meat products. food supplies for this breed would have included those found in both Spain and the Northern Irish Lake Country. These included fish, waterfowl, potato, and grains of flax, rye, and oat.

Irish Water Spaniel

They can make good guard dogs if they have been trained to do so, and will protect their human families. Not usually an aggressive dog, yet the IWS may have a deep, fierce-sounding bark. Although their coats do grow to medium length, the dogs do not need regular brushing unless the owner intends to enter the showring. A once-a-month trim with scissors to remove straggly ends, a comb to remove mats, then a swim to curl up the coat again, is all that is usually required.

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