IRISH WATER SPANIEL — BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION Breed Description / Health Issues / Breed Standards / Grooming / Training / Additional Information Breed Description
Breed Registries:	Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) - Sporting Dogs American Kennel Club (AKC) - Sporting Group United Kennel Club (UKC) - Gun Dog Breeds The Kennel Club [U.K.] (KC) - Gundogs Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) * - Standard No. 124
Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America. * — The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the World Canine Organisation, which includes members (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 332 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
Origin:	Ireland
Height:	Males: 22 to 24 inches (56-61 cm) Females: 21 to 23 inches (53-58 cm)
Weight:	Males: 55 to 65 lbs (25-29 kgs) Females: 45 to 58 lbs (20-26 kgs)
The Irish Water Spaniel is alert, inquisitive and gentle with those he knows, as well as protective of his family and home. The breed is considered one of the rarer breeds but is still fairly well known. He is a natural retriever and a good swimmer. His coat is solid liver in colour. His neck, back and sides are covered in tight, crisp ringlets; the legs have abundant hair falling in curls or waves. Characteristic to the breed is a topknot of long, loose curls. He also has a beard that grows at the back of the throat accompanied with sideburns. His "rat tail" is covered with short curls at the base and extending a few inches. Appearing as though he has been clipped, the hair is short and smooth. He is a rugged dog with webbed toes making him a powerful swimmer. He is very intelligent, rugged, bold and eager. This is an active breed, like most of the Sporting Dogs, always a willing and energetic companion. Poole's Ide Mighty Quinn, 12 weeks old Photo courtesy of Glickmanworld.com TOP Health Issues: Surveys have been conducted by the Irish Water Spaniel Club of America to identify health problems most often encountered in the breed. Results show that Hip Dysplasia; hypothyroidism; entropion; seizures; cancer; irregular heat seasons; ear infections; and skin and coat problems were areas of concern. There has also been some reports of breed sensitivity to ivermectin, sulfa drugs, and various forms of anesthesia. If you are considering the adoption of a Irish Water Spaniel puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.) Health Resources: IWS Health Issues — From the IWSCA Health and Nutrition — Canada's Guide to Dogs growing section on several health and nutrition related issues. Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip) QuickCare Pet Insurance Programs TOP Breed Standards: CKC Breed Standard AKC Breed Standard UKC Breed Standard (Revised 1 January 2007) The Kennel Club (U.K.) Breed Standard F.C.I. Breed Standard No. 124 AKC IRISH WATER SPANIEL VIDEO 21 Min. Video Edition, Published by the AKC Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges. — Available from Dogwise.com TOP Grooming: The Irish Water Spaniel's tight double coat does shed slightly and should be thoroughly combed weekly or bi-weekly to keep the coat free of mats and promote healthy skin. In addition, scissoring is required every 6-8 weeks to shape the coat. Swimming on a regular basis helps promote the correct "ringlets" over the body. Ears, teeth and nails must also be included in the regular grooming routine. Grooming — See this section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for additional information, tips and articles on Grooming as well as listings of Groomers from across Canada. TOP Training Resources: Training — For information on training your Irish Water Spaniel, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada. Training Tools & Equipment Choose from a wide variety of items from Dogwise.com TOP Additional Information: Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your Irish Water Spaniel. (Note: Breed specific clubs can be found under the Breed Clubs secton.) Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of Canada's Guide to Dogs provides information and listings of organizations who are involved in various jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.

Select from the following links to view Irish Water Spaniel Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Shows and Events; Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and Merchandise specific to the Irish Water Spaniel breed: Clubs  /  IWS Breeders  /  Rescue Organizations  /  Books & Merchandise