Irish Water Spaniel

also known as Rat Tail Spaniel, Shannon Spaniel, Bog Dog, Whiptail

Pros History


The Irish Water Spaniel, also known as the "Whipper-in" is a breed of dog that has a long and fascinating history. This breed is considered one of the oldest spaniel breeds in the world, and it's considered to be one of the most unique among the spaniel breeds.

The origins of the Irish Water Spaniel can be traced back to the early 19th century in Ireland, where the breed was created by crossing various spaniel breeds, such as the English Water Spaniel, with Irish setters and retrievers. The result was a dog that is well-suited for hunting in the water and on land, making it a versatile and valuable companion for hunters.

The breed was first officially recognized by the Kennel Club in England in 1873 and by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1884.

The Irish Water Spaniel is known for its unique appearance, which includes a curly, liver-colored coat, a distinctive "rat tail" and a hairless face. The breed's coat is thick, and it's waterproof, which makes it an excellent swimmer. The breed's body is athletic and muscular, which makes them good for hunting, retrieving and swimming.

The breed's name "Irish Water Spaniel" is reflective of its origin and its natural abilities in the water. The Irish Water Spaniel is an excellent swimmer and retriever, making it an ideal companion for hunters who need a dog that can work in all types of terrain, including water.

Breed Information


Type

Is Irish Water Spaniel a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Irish Water Spaniels originally used for?

water retrieving

Lifespan

How Long Do Irish Water Spaniels Live? What is average life expectancy for an Irish Water Spaniel? How long can Irish Water Spaniels live?

10-12 years

The average Irish Water Spaniel lifespan is somewhere between 10-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Irish Water Spaniel Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Irish Water Spaniel?

What is the average height of an Irish Water Spaniel? How big is an Purebred Irish Water Spaniel height? Irish Water Spaniel dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 22-24 inches (55.9 - 61 cm) 19.5 inches (49.5 cm) 21.0 inches (53.3 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm)
Female 21-23 inches (53.3 - 58.4 cm) 18.5 inches (47 cm) 20.0 inches (50.8 cm) 22.0 inches (55.9 cm)
What is the average weight of an Irish Water Spaniel? How much should Irish Water Spaniels weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 55-68 pounds (25 - 31 kg) 42.5 pounds (19 kg) 52.5 pounds (24 kg) 61.5 pounds (28 kg)
Female 45-58 pounds (20 - 26 kg) 25.0 pounds (11 kg) 42.5 pounds (19 kg) 51.5 pounds (23 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Irish Water Spaniels get fat easily?

The Irish Water Spaniel is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Irish Water Spaniels Hypoallergenic?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Irish Water Spaniels are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What is an Irish Water Spaniel personality? What are Irish Water Spaniel dogs best known for?

Active
Clownish
Intelligent
Alert
Inquisitive
Quick

Shedding Level

Are Irish Water Spaniels heavy shedders? How Much Does an Irish Water Spaniel Shed?

Irish Water Spaniel will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of an Irish Water Spaniel dog?

Irish Water Spaniels are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Irish Water Spaniel is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Irish Water Spaniels come from?

Ireland

Ancestry

What are Irish Water Spaniels descended from?

poodle, portuguese water dog, barbet

Date of Birth

When were Irish Water Spaniels first bred? How old is the Irish Water Spaniel breed?

1800s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is an Irish Water Spaniel?

Sporting (AKC:1884)
Gun Dogs (UKC)

Irish Water Spaniel Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Irish Water Spaniel eyes?

Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Irish Water Spaniel nose be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Irish Water Spaniel coat be naturally?

Brown

Coat Length

How long is an Irish Water Spaniels coat?

The coat of an Irish Water Spaniel is longer than that of the typical dog.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Irish Water Spaniel Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of an Irish Water Spaniel?

Curly

Litter Size

How many puppies can an Irish Water Spaniel have in a litter? How many puppies can an Irish Water Spaniel have in her first litter?

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

An Irish Water Spaniel can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

The adaptability of Irish Water Spaniel dogs is a well-known trait, they are known for being able to adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.

Irish Water Spaniel Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Irish Water Spaniels have a lot of health problems?

The Irish Water Spaniel breed is commonly healthy with low vet costs, regular check-ups may not be as necessary but it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning an Irish Water Spaniel?

Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Irish Water Spaniels?

Otitis Externa
Entropion
Eye Problems
Hypothyroidism

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Irish Water Spaniel breed?

Eye
Hip
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Irish Water Spaniel Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Irish Water Spaniels have a lot of energy?

Irish Water Spaniels are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Irish Water Spaniels need socialization? How social are Irish Water Spaniels?

Irish Water Spaniels have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Irish Water Spaniels get?

The Irish Water Spaniel needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should an Irish Water Spaniel have? Do Irish Water Spaniels sleep a lot?

Irish Water Spaniels are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does an Irish Water Spaniel drool a lot?

The Irish Water Spaniel is a dog that is known for its low drooling tendency. If you dislike drool marks on your clothing, the Irish Water Spaniel could be a suitable choice for you.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Irish Water Spaniels tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do Irish Water Spaniels exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Irish Water Spaniel dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs

Mouthiness

Are Irish Water Spaniels mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of an Irish Water Spaniel running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Irish Water Spaniel dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Irish Water Spaniels enjoy doing? How do I keep my Irish Water Spaniel busy?

Walking, Swimming, Hunting, Running

Activity Level

What is the energy level of an Irish Water Spaniel? How much energy does an Irish Water Spaniel have?

High

Irish Water Spaniels are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should an Irish Water Spaniel walk each week? How many miles should an Irish Water Spaniel walk every week?

15 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Irish Water Spaniel, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much an Irish Water Spaniel should exercise a day? How much activity does an Irish Water Spaniel need?

90 minutes

In general most Irish Water Spaniels usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for an Irish Water Spaniel?

The Irish Water Spaniel is a breed of dog that requires a significant amount of grooming. They will also require regular trims, and a professional groomer's help is often necessary to keep their coat in good condition. They may also need regular baths to maintain their coat and skin.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Irish Water Spaniels?

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does an Irish Water Spaniel eat?

2.5 cups

For an average 55-68 pound (25 - 31 kg) Irish Water Spaniel feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does an Irish Water Spaniel Cost Daily?

$2.50 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of an Irish Water Spaniel is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does an Irish Water Spaniel Cost Per Month?

$74 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of an Irish Water Spaniel is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Irish Water Spaniel Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is an Irish Water Spaniel?

The Irish Water Spaniel breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is an Irish Water Spaniel dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Irish Water Spaniel dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Irish Water Spaniel do well in apartments? Are Irish Water Spaniels good indoor dogs?

It's not recommended to keep the Irish Water Spaniel in an apartment, but this breed make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Irish Water Spaniels living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Are Irish Water Spaniels good with kids? Are Irish Water Spaniels good around children?

A Irish Water Spaniels typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Irish Water Spaniels good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Irish Water Spaniels good with cats? How friendly Irish Water Spaniels are toward cats?

Irish Water Spaniels are below average friendly toward cats. But with the right training and socialization, Irish Water Spaniels can be good with cats,

Dog Friendly

Do Irish Water Spaniel dogs get along with other dogs? Are Irish Water Spaniels OK with other dogs?

Irish Water Spaniels are below average dog friendly dogs. Irish Water Spaniel dogs may not always get along well with other dogs they have not been raised with,

Pet friendly

How do Irish Water Spaniel dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Irish Water Spaniels friendly with strangers?

Irish Water Spaniels are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Irish Water Spaniels are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Irish Water Spaniels will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Irish Water Spaniels like to play? Are Irish Water Spaniels playful?

The Irish Water Spaniel is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Irish Water Spaniel is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Irish Water Spaniel easily trained?

Irish Water Spaniel dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Size
    Irish Water Spaniel are medium-sized dogs, making them a good size for families.
  • Boat Dog
    Many Irish Water Spaniel breed find pleasure in spending time on boats.
  • Personality
    Irish Water Spaniel are energetic, friendly and make great companions.

Cons

  • Energy
    Irish Water Spaniel are high energy dogs and require regular exercise.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Irish Water Spaniels may struggle to adapt to an office environment.
  • Medical conditions
    Like other breeds, Irish Water Spaniels may have certain health concerns that they are more prone to, such as Entropion, Elbow Dysplasia, Hip Dysplasia and Hypothyroidism.
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    Irish Water Spaniel dogs may not be suitable for indoor living environments.
  • Not cat-friendly
    Irish Water Spaniels do not possess the temperament to coexist peacefully with cats.
  • Grooming
    Irish Water Spaniel require regular grooming, including trimming and clipping. They have a unique, curly coat that requires extra attention to maintain its appearance.
  • Exercise
    They are an active breed, need a lot of exercise to stay in good health.