The Irish Water Spaniel breed (also known as the Shannon Spaniel or Rat Tail Spaniel) is a hunting breed that looks like a liver-colored poodle. Yet despite the Irish Water Spaniel dog breed's regal appearance, this animal tends to be more clown than toy, known as the "clown" of the spaniel family for the tendency to playfulness. But despite Irish Spaniels' playful nature, they tend to be very hard-working dogs who need a great deal of outdoor physical activity.
The Irish Water Spaniel's Behavior
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Source: Wikipedia.
Recommended for: pet for active people; hunting; not recommended for apartment settings
The Irish Water Spaniel dog breed was developed to hunt rabbits and otters, and is said to have an excellent sense of small. In general, Irish Water Spaniels are considered intelligent. As a hunting breed, Irish Water Spaniel dogs need plenty of outdoor activity.
Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.
The Irish Water Spaniel's Physical Characteristics
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Here are some of the characteristics of the Irish Water Spaniel breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.
- Size: Males: 22-24 inches, 55-65 pounds; Females: 21-23 inches, 45-58 pounds
- Coat: double coat consisting of dense, tight ringlets on neck, back, sides, and rear; longer hair beneath ribs; heavy curls or waves on the legs; very short, smooth fur on the throat, form a V-shaped patch.
- Color: solid liver-colored.
- Eyes: medium-sized, slightly almond-shaped, hazel, with tight eyelids
- Ears: long with big lobes, low-set
- Skull: large
- Nose: large, liver-colored
- Tail: low-set and carried at about back level
The Irish Water Spaniel’s Origins and History
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Source: Wikipedia.
Country/Region of Origin: Ireland
Original purpose: hunting birds (gundog)
Name: also known as Shannon Spaniel or Rat Tail Spaniel
Historical notes: The Irish Water Spaniel breed's ultimate origins are uncertain, though the modern breed was developed in Ireland in the 1830s. It is thought that multiple, ancient spaniel breeds were mixed to get the Irish Water Spaniel dog breed. Possibly, Irish Water Spaniels share a common ancestry with Poodles, Portugues Water Dogs, and Barbets.