What is the origin of the Irish Water Spaniel
The exact origin of the breed is not known. The only thing that is certain is that there were dogs in Ireland 1000 years ago that resembled today's water spaniel. These dogs were used for hunting birds and water fowl. It is certain that the dogs are closely related to the Irish Setter and the Large Poodle. Whether the Water Spaniel descended from the Poodle or vice versa is still unclear. Nothing is known about his influence on other Spaniels or the Portuguese Water Dog either.
In 1834, the breed began to be looked after from a breeding point of view. In 1862 an Irish Water Spaniel was presented at a show for the first time. In the same year, the British Kennel Club officially recognized the breed.
Today this Irish dog breed is recognized by the FCI. It is listed in group 8, section 3 with the standard number 124.
There are not many dogs of this breed in the world, they are largely unknown.
What are the breed characteristics
The animals are typical hunting dogs that love water. Ideally, they are used to hunt water fowl, which they enthusiastically retrieve from the wet water. Today, many Water Spaniels live as family or companion dogs. This works as long as his human enjoys exercise together and long forays through nature in wind and weather. Dog experience is an advantage. The energetic four-legged friends need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Search games, dummy training or one of the many dog sports, your pelt nose will enthusiastically participate.
Getting a Water Spaniel used to other animals living in the household, such as cats, rabbits, etc., takes patience. He is reserved towards strangers.
He is ready to defend his human, house and yard.