Irish Water Spaniel Puppies

Irish Water Spaniels are self-assured, happy dogs with a charming sense of humor. They form strong bonds with their family, including children. They are, however, wary of strangers and do not always get along with other dogs and pets.

Irish Water Spaniels are healthy, but are often allergic to Sulfa drugs, as well as the popular deworming medication Ivermectin. Your vet will more than likely be aware of this, but it is always good practice to remind them to avoid these drugs during treatment. The breed can also be susceptible to Hip Dysplasia, allergies, and Thyroid Disease.

Irish Water Spaniels are high-energy dogs who require a lot of exercise on a regular basis. Long walks, hikes, and backyard play sessions are excellent methods for them to expend energy while also spending time with their owners.

Their double coat hardly sheds, but will need to be brushed 3-4 times per week to prevent matting. These regular brushings will also remove most of the dirt and debris from their curly coat. Their ears are covered in thick hair and hang down, so they should be cleaned regularly to remove moisture and bacteria which helps prevent infection.

The hypoallergenic coat of the Irish Water Spaniel will shed very little, and will shed about the same amount as a Standard Poodle.

Irish Water Spaniels are strong, well-balanced dogs with a poof of curls on the top of their heads and a silky "rat" tail. Their curly coats are typically a distinct liver color called puce liver that is not found in any other dog breed.

Irish Water Spaniels descend from two Spaniel breeds popular in Ireland before the early 1800s; the South Country Water Spaniel and the North Country Water Spaniel. The Irish Water Spaniel today most closely resembles the South Country Water Spaniel. The first Purebred Irish Water Spaniel was bred in the 1830s by Justin McCarthy, and their popularity quickly grew due to the disposition and reuptation of retrievers and water dogs. They made their way to America in the 1870s and quickly became one of the most popular sporting breeds in the country.