Irish Water Spaniel
Sporting Group
Height at Shoulders
Females 21-23 in, Males 22-24 in
Weight
Females 45-58 lbs, Males 55-68 lbs
Life Expectancy
12-13 yrs
History
The Irish Water Spaniel originated in Dublin, Ireland 1,000 or more years ago to hunt waterfowl. Unfortunately, the man who developed the breed, Justin McCarthy, kept no breeding records so the ancestry of the Irish Water Spaniel is a bit of a mystery. It is widely acknowledged that the Irish Water Spaniel is one of the oldest of the spaniel breeds.
Breed Characteristics
While not all Swedish Vallhunds share the exact same personality and temperament, there are certain generalizations that can be made about the breed. In addition to genetics, a dog’s environment, training, socialization, and many other factors all contribute to their personality and behavior.
Intelligence
Affection Towards Family
Friendliness Towards Strangers
Friendliness Towards Other Dogs
Exercise Needs
★★★★☆
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★☆
★★★★★
Energy Level
Sensitivity
Noise Level
Prey Drive
Shedding
★★★★★
★★★★☆
★★☆☆☆
★★★★★
★☆☆☆☆
Intelligence
★★★★☆
Affection Towards Family
★★★★★
Friendliness Towards Strangers
★★★★★
Friendliness Towards Other Dogs
★★★★☆
Exercise Needs
★★★★★
Energy Level
★★★★★
Sensitivity
★★★★☆
Noise Level
★★☆☆☆
Prey Drive
★★★★★
Shedding
★☆☆☆☆
Common Traits
Known for being goofy and clownish
Great at swimming- have a double, water-repellent coat, webbed feet, and a hairless tail that acts like a rudder
Affectionate and family-oriented, but tend to bond especially close with one person
Intelligent and eager to please but also very independent- sometimes headstrong and mischievous