American Water Spaniel (breed history, appearance, character, choice of puppy, maintenance and care, feeding, education and training, health, price of puppies, nicknames, breed standard, video report

Spaniels are the common name for a large group of breeds.

It includes breeds such as the Cocker Spaniel, Russian Spaniel, King Charles Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, German Wachtelhund and, of course, the Irish Water Spaniel, which will be discussed in the article.

The Irish Water Spaniel is a rather rare breed of dog, distinguished by its strength and kind character.

These dogs are quite large, muscular and agile.

This breed is intended for hunting ducks, geese and other waterfowl, but is now often used as a pet.

Origin story and what it looks like in the photo

The Irish Water Spaniel breed is considered the ancestor of poodles and was known back in the 12th century. Then it was actively used exclusively for hunting purposes.

However, it acquired its modern appearance in the middle of the 19th century, thanks to British dog breeders, and in 1862 it was officially registered as a hunting dog . Ireland is considered the birthplace of the breed.

The ancestor of modern Irish water spaniels is a dog named Bosun, who was presented at exhibitions as a standard example.

Towards the end of the 19th century, the popularity of this breed began to decline, giving way to Labrador retrievers.

The Irish Water Spaniel is now considered a rarity..

Origin story

History knows several versions regarding the appearance of water spaniels. According to one theory, their ancestors were ancient water dogs brought to Irish soil from Portugal. There they were used mainly by sailors and fishermen. According to another version, the ancestors of the modern breed were English dogs with a similar purpose. At the beginning of the 12th century, water spaniels began to be actively used in Ireland as hunting dogs. In 1862, the breed was officially recognized and standardized, but from that moment on its popularity gradually began to decline. Retrievers gradually began to take the place of water spaniels, having proven their fame as skilled hunters.

Today, Irish dogs have not lost their main purpose and rightfully continue to be considered the best hunters on the water.

It is believed that poodles, which were crossed with spaniels, took part in the development of the breed, among other things. It was from them that the dogs got their luxurious curls.

Interesting Facts

Interesting facts about Irish water spaniels:

The dog's coat is waterproof, so it can swim and retrieve game from a pond in any weather conditions.
The dog calmly withstands a 15-hour hunting marathon, after which it remains cheerful and cheerful.
It is believed that the ancestors of this breed were Portuguese water dogs, brought to Ireland by sailors back in the 6th-7th centuries AD.
Relatives of the Irish Water Spaniels include the following extinct dog species: the English Water Spaniel, the Northern Water Spaniel and the Southern Water Spaniel.

Description of the breed

The body format of the Irish Water Spaniel is close to square, while the dog has strong bones and developed muscles.

The head of such a pet is set quite high, and the skull is dome-shaped. The dog's muzzle is rectangular, elongated, with a pronounced transition from the forehead to the muzzle.

The nose is large, wide, reddish-brown or chocolate in color. The Irish Water Spaniel's eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and their color is almost always brown.

The ears of such a dog are drooping, covered with thick curly hair..

The coat is a thick, small curl that protects the dog from any weather. The paws are powerful, muscular and very strong. Moreover, the hind limbs are stronger than the front ones, thanks to this it is easier for the dog to push off while running and swim.

History of appearance

Unambiguous data on the history of the breed have not been established. Ireland is considered to be the country of origin, because dogs with similar external characteristics were first seen there.

According to one legend, the ancestors of this type of dog were spaniels, brought to the country by traveling sailors from Portugal.

Learn about such types of spaniel as the Russian hunting spaniel, the English cocker spaniel, the American cocker spaniel, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, and the continental toy spaniel.

If you listen to other rumors, then the ancestors of the Irish spaniels are the extinct English spaniels.

Despite the difference of opinion, both types of dogs were waterfowl, that is, hunters of waterfowl and ducks.

Scientists are still speculating about the origin of the breed, and one way to solve this mystery is to compare the breed's temperament with the behavioral traits of extinct dog breeds.

Among the latter are the Northern and Southern Water Spaniels, the Common Poodle, the Barbet (French Water Dog) and the Mudi (Hungarian Cattle Dog).

Archaeological excavations in the area of Lake Lagore, carried out in the 60s of the 20th century by representatives of the Harvard University expedition in Ireland, indicate that the Irish water spaniel is one of the oldest dog breeds existing on Earth.

During one of the studies, scientists discovered a dome-shaped skull vault of medium size with a pronounced occipital protuberance and a soft transition from the forehead to the muzzle. In terms of its external characteristics, this element resembles the head of the mentioned breed and is dated to the 7th-8th centuries of our era.

According to information from local residents of the south of Ireland, passed down from generation to generation, in the second half of the 12th century, a dog of similar appearance could often be found along the coast of the Shannon River, for which it received one of its alternative names.

At that time, the people who tamed them began to use them for their intended purpose, that is, for hunting in a reservoir. This was facilitated by the unique quality of their type of wool - waterproofness. It is also worth mentioning one more feature of this breed.

As we all know, waterfowl, such as ducks, geese, and swans, have auxiliary physical characteristics such as webbed feet.

So, during numerous selections of this particular type of breed, professionals were able to achieve the presence of the same property in a mild form in the Irish Water Spaniel.

Character traits

The Irish Water Spaniel is distinguished by its kindness and high intelligence. With proper upbringing, the dog is perfectly trainable and will be docile and obedient. In addition, such a dog is infinitely devoted to its owner and is very attached to him.

It is also worth saying that the Irish can sometimes be stubborn and does not always respond to commands, although he understands them perfectly.

In addition, such dogs love water very much and do not miss a single body of water so as not to swim, so it is better to walk the dog outside the city.

Another feature of Irish Water Spaniels is their strength and activity. The dog just needs daily walks and exercise, otherwise it can cause serious damage to furniture and things.

With proper upbringing, a puppy can be raised into a good hunting assistant and devoted companion..

A reign of cowardice or aggression in Irish Water Spaniels is considered a deviation from the standard.

Expert opinion

Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich

Expert dog handler.

“Usually there are no problems with Irish Water Spaniel dogs. As a rule, they respond well to training and follow commands with pleasure. These dogs are so smart that constant repetition of the same commands can get boring for them and they stop obeying. To prevent this from happening, the dog needs frequent changes of activity and environment.”

Character and behavior

The typical American Water Spaniel is a balanced, active dog that will enjoy any opportunity to burn off energy. Friendly, very affectionate and smart. At the same time, she is quite tough, brave and persistent in her work. Has a pronounced hunting instinct and a passion for retrieval. She can be independent and stubborn, likes to do everything her own way. He will not miss the opportunity to become a leader both among people and among other dogs. She gets along well with the animals she grew up with. She is quite tolerant with children, but feels better in the company of older children.

The American Water Spaniel is relatively easy to train and responds better to positive training methods, but at the same time the owner must be quite demanding. A smart dog quickly identifies weaknesses and finds ways to evade commands.

The American Water Spaniel can become an excellent hunter or achieve good results in various sports, for example, agility, obedience, diving.

The American Water Spaniel is highly territorial and will defend the boundaries of its territory from strangers and animals. Treats strangers with distrust, but without aggression.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of the breed:

Excellent security and guard qualities.
High intelligence, the dog is easy to train.
Good nature. The dog is calm with children and pets.
Remarkable qualities of a hunter.
Love for water procedures. The dog tolerates bathing well and is always happy to swim in a nearby body of water.

Flaws:

Difficult coat care.
The dog requires a lot of attention and long walks, as well as physical activity.
Tendency to bone cancer.
Excessive activity. The dog is not suitable for living in an apartment.
Tendency to allergic reactions.
Stubbornness.

Breed standard

Requirements of the official breed standard:

The body of the Irish Water Spaniel should be strong, muscular, and adapted to hunting waterfowl.
The breed is distinguished by its intelligence, endurance, and efficiency.
The head is quite voluminous.
The skull is convex, dome-shaped.
The muzzle is elongated, strong with square outlines.
The nose is quite large, brown and well developed.
The eyes are small, almond-shaped, predominantly brown in color, the expression of the eyes is friendly and good-natured.
The neck is strong, high-set and quite long.
The front legs are straight, compact, the hind legs are muscular with long lower legs and low-set colonies.
The bite can be straight or scissor.
The tail is short, thick and straight.
The Irish have a thick coat with small, steep curls, and large curls or wavy hair are considered a defect.

How to properly care?

First of all, it is worth saying that this breed is not intended to be kept in a city apartment . Only a country house with a large garden plot will suit her. This is due to the fact that the animal is quite large and loves to play and run.

Another important aspect is the wool; it requires careful care. The dog must be combed 2-3 times a week, and bathed at least once a month using special shampoos for long-haired breeds.

In addition, the dog should be trimmed regularly to keep its coat neat and aesthetically pleasing.

Your pet's ears also need regular and careful care . They should be inspected daily and cleaned once a week with a cotton pad and antiseptic lotion.

If you have the slightest suspicion of inflammation of the ears, you should contact your veterinarian.

NOTE!

The dog requires daily walks of 1.5-2 hours, including physical activity.

If there is a body of water nearby, then you need to charmingly give your pet the opportunity to swim.

The spaniel's eyes are also examined daily for discharge and wiped with weak tea leaves once a week..

The dog's teeth are brushed at least once a week using a special brush that fits on your finger and a special paste for dogs.

The pet's nails are trimmed once every 2-3 weeks using a nail clipper, which can be purchased at any veterinary pharmacy or pet store.

Care and maintenance

It is not advisable to keep a dog in a city apartment. The optimal habitat for it would be a large private house. This is due to the large size of the animal, as well as its love for games and running. By and large, the dog does not require special care. The exception is the coat, which can require a lot of effort to maintain its normal condition. Hair care involves combing it, accompanied by the separation of curls, which often become tangled with each other. If the owner carries out haircuts regularly, combing 1-2 times a week is enough. Dogs also need to be trimmed to help maintain an aesthetically pleasing coat.

The thick and curly fur of animals protects them from the cold and helps them feel good in the aquatic environment.

In addition, water spaniel care includes:

Walks. The dog requires constant physical activity, including play activity. While walking, the owner should keep the dog busy with sports, running or games. It will be good to walk your pet on a bicycle. The optimal time for a walk is 1.5-2 hours. This type of spaniel is free-loving, so it is worth letting it off the leash sometimes. This should be done in parks or in nature so that the animal does not get hit by a car.
Cleaning ears and eyes. The dog should be inspected daily for dirt. If discharge is noticed, it should be removed using a clean cloth previously moistened in warm water.
Nail trimming. Nails should be trimmed no more than once a month using a nail clipper.

Also, the spaniel must sometimes be taken to natural bodies of water so that the animal can swim.

Feeding

It is best to transfer representatives of the breed to natural products. This not only contributes to the pet’s well-being, but also helps to maintain the normal condition of its coat. If the owner does not have time to prepare food, the use of dry food is acceptable, but it must be at least premium class.

Water spaniels are large dogs, so the number of their servings should be equal to not a single, but a one and a half ration. At the same time, it is important to physically load the animal so that it does not begin to gain weight.

Also, puppies of the breed need vitamin complexes taken several times a year. This is necessary to strengthen their immunity.

How long do they live? Health and major diseases

The average life expectancy of this breed is 12-15 years.

Major diseases:

Follicular dysplasia.
Entropy.
Distichiasis.
Epilepsy.
Paronychia.
Congenital hip dislocation.
Cataract.

A distinctive feature of the breed is its tendency to develop osteosarcoma (bone cancer), and this disease has neither gender nor age prerequisites..

The risk increases if the pet has suffered a closed pearl.

The second feature is a tendency to allergic reactions, as well as sensitivity to medications.

Health and life expectancy

The American Water Spaniel is not one of the breeds that is overloaded with health problems, but it is not completely free of them. Most dogs, if well cared for and fed, live healthy, long lives. Life expectancy is 10-14 years.

The list of breed-specific diseases includes:

Viral infections;
Injuries;
Hip dysplasia;
Ophthalmological diseases;
Heart problems;
Tendency to dermatological diseases;

Less common:

Umbilical and inguinal hernia;
Epilepsy;
Disease of the reproductive system;
Intervertebral disc disease;
dislocation of the kneecap.

Nutritional features - what is best to feed?

Most breeders recommend feeding Irish Water Spaniels natural food, but dry food is also acceptable.

If you prefer to feed your dog dry food, you need to choose a product that is at least premium, designed for dogs prone to allergies..

You should also choose food taking into account the age, gender, health and activity of the dog.

If you find a suitable food, then you should stick with it, since frequent changes of food can have a bad effect on your pet’s health.

As for natural products, the Irish diet must include::

Boneless meat (beef, veal, lamb) 300-400 grams per day.
Poultry (chicken, turkey).
By-products (liver, heart, lung).
Fermented milk products (yogurt, kefir, yogurt, cottage cheese).
Vegetables (stewed or raw).
Fruits (apple, melon, watermelon, raspberries, strawberries, etc.).
Boiled eggs (1-2 times a week).
Boiled sea fish without bones.
Porridge (oatmeal, buckwheat, rice).

It is also worth saying that an adult dog is fed 2 times a day without snacks or treats from the owner’s table.

Sample menu for the week

Monday:

Breakfast - boiled veal with stewed zucchini.
Dinner : oatmeal with yogurt.

Tuesday:

Breakfast - boiled chicken with stewed beets.
Dinner - rice porridge with egg.

Wednesday:

Breakfast – turkey with buckwheat porridge.
Dinner – a piece of fish with stewed cabbage.

Thursday:

Breakfast - a piece of beef with fresh carrots.
Dinner – egg with baked pumpkin.

Friday:

Breakfast – chicken with stewed cabbage.
Dinner – yogurt or cottage cheese.

Saturday:

Breakfast - scalded liver with stewed zucchini.
Dinner – baked beets with buckwheat.

Sunday:

Breakfast – Boiled turkey with carrots.
Dinner – Oatmeal with apple.

How to train correctly? What needs to be taught?

Raising an Irishman should begin from the first days of his arrival in your home. And it begins with memorizing a nickname and reacting to it.

This is followed by accustoming to the place, the diet, and the rules of behavior in the family..

If the dog is planned to be used for hunting, then it should be configured to search for prey. This is done with the help of games.

How many rules exist for training dogs of this breed?:

Irish Water Spaniels do not like frequent repetitions of commands; they quickly get bored with them and stop obeying. Therefore, try to diversify your activities and finish them as soon as your pet gets tired of them.
The earlier you start, the greater results you will achieve. You can start training from the age of one month.
For correct execution of commands, the dog must be rewarded with treats.
Under no circumstances should you use harshness or physical force on your dog. Also, you should not yell at the dog or react too emotionally to its antics.
The future hunter is taught to be patient; for this purpose, a bowl of food is placed in front of him, but he is not allowed to eat without a command.

About training and education

There is practically no need for much effort in raising an Irish Spaniel for the purpose of early socialization: the puppy very quickly gets used to the owner, establishes contact with him and adapts to a new life.

Check out the rules for training a dog at home.

But it is still worth carefully monitoring this process, and treating the puppy’s introduction to the outside world with caution and understanding. Psychological defects that a dog can develop include aggressiveness and fearfulness.

However, with the right tactics of early socialization, you will forever close the way to the manifestation of these negative characteristics of the breed. Dog training should be consistent, moderately strict, and include various types of physical training.

This procedure must be carried out from a very early age and preferably by an experienced dog breeder or dog handler.

When training an Irish Water Spaniel, there are several aspects you should pay attention to:

Although representatives of this breed are easily trained and pliable, they do not like frequent repetitions of commands, as well as a monotonous learning process;
when training, the use of brute physical force, excessive emotionality and curses is prohibited;
the earlier the training process begins (you can start as early as 1 month), the easier it will be to train a spaniel;
the tendency towards stubbornness, independence, as well as a slight desire to dominate in this breed requires the owner to use rigor, but also patience, perseverance and great willpower in the learning process;
Regular approval of the commands performed by the pet is required, as well as encouragement with various kinds of treats.

If you intend to use a dog breed for its intended purpose (water hunting), then it is necessary to teach the dog endurance.
This exercise is a complementary element of the “sit, lie, stand” complex, that is, this skill must be taught after mastering the above commands.

To carry out this procedure, fill a bowl with food and, holding the dog by the collar, give him the command to “lie down”.

Then place the vessel, still restraining the animal, and after a few seconds say the magic word “can”.

To consolidate a positive result, the interval between commands should gradually increase to 30 seconds in the final result.

Did you know? Contrary to popular belief that dogs understand us, this is not true. But these are one of the animals that respond very well to manifestations of non-verbal language (body language, facial expressions and gestures). Use these ways to communicate with your dog during training and education, and you will see amazing results.

In addition, it is important to know that any dog is considered disobedient and untrained if it is not accustomed to endurance, since this is the main lever of control over the pet, and in hunting this is even more important, otherwise there is no point at all in the mentioned process of obtaining wild food will.

Exercises aimed at developing the skill of searching for items and objects will also be useful in hunting marathons.

How to choose?

Before choosing a puppy , you need to decide what you need the dog for, how much you are willing to pay for it, and whether the conditions allow you to have an Irish water spaniel .

It is also worth thinking about whether you can pay enough attention to the dog and provide him with everything he needs.

IMPORTANT!

Before making a purchase, you need to carefully examine the baby to make sure that he is healthy and meets the breed standards.

It is also worth paying attention to the conditions in which the animals are kept in the kennel, as well as to the standing of the puppy’s parents.

To understand what gender to buy a dog, you should ask yourself: what is the purpose of the purchase?

If you need a companion, then it is better to choose a female, as they are more flexible and obedient . If the goal is exhibitions, then the best option is a male, because males look more impressive and more often take prizes.

If you plan to go hunting with your dog, then animals of both sexes are suitable for you, since both of them cope well with this task.