BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
Poole's Ide Mighty Quinn, 10 weeks old
Photo courtesy of Glickmanworld.com |
Breed Registries:
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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 FCI is the World Canine Organization, which includes 84 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 339 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The "owner" countries of the breeds write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. 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)
Breed Profile:
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.
Photo courtesy of Glickmanworld.com
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.)
Additional Health Resources:
- IWS Health Issues — From the IWSCA
- Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
- Labgenvet — Laboratory of Veterinary Genetics is a Canadian diagnostic laboratory that offers a comprehensive service of DNA tests for veterinary genetic diseases.
Breed Standards
- CKC Breed Standard
- AKC Breed Standard
- UKC Breed Standard
- The Kennel Club (U.K.) Breed Standard
- F.C.I. Breed Standard No. 124
Grooming Information
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 should also be included in the grooming routine.
- Grooming — This section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training Resources
- Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Additional Information
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
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Select from the following links to view Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and other Merchandise specific to the breed: |
