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Irish Water Spaniel

Irish Water Spaniel

Ireland, early 19th century โ€” waterfowl hunter and retriever

Weight

20-30 kg

Height

51-58 cm shoulder height

Lifespan

12-13 years

The Irish Water Spaniel is an enthusiastic, somewhat strong-willed dog with a powerful drive toward water and movement. He's loyal to his family but more reserved toward strangers than many other spaniels. His distinctive curly coat and rat tail make him unmistakable โ€” and so do his wet, muddy homecomings.

Character & traits

Energy
4
Affection
4
Playfulness
4
Watchfulness
3
With children
4
With other dogs
4
With strangers
3
Trainability
4
For beginners
3
Shedding
1
Drooling
1

Practical

Exercise per day
1 to 2 hours
Max alone
4 hours
Garden needed
No
Apartment
Less suitable
Insurance
โ‚ฌ40โ€“60/mo
Food
โ‚ฌ45โ€“65/mo

Frequently asked questions

Is the Irish Water Spaniel suitable for beginners?+
Manageable, but not the easiest for beginners. The Irish Water Spaniel benefits from consistent training and clear boundaries โ€” achievable with the right guidance.
How much exercise does a Irish Water Spaniel need?+
The Irish Water Spaniel needs 1 to 2 hours of exercise per day. This breed needs an active owner with time for extended outings.
Is the Irish Water Spaniel good with children?+
Yes, the Irish Water Spaniel is great with children โ€” patient, playful, and forgiving. A solid family dog.

Want to know if the Irish Water Spaniel really suits you?

Answer 23 questions and see your personal breed match.

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Related articles:

What Irish Water Spaniel owners typically need

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Food

All-round dog food

Balanced nutrition for medium-sized dogs with average energy needs.

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Accessories

Sturdy harness

High-energy dogs pull more. A good harness gives you control without pressure on the throat.

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Grooming

Nail clipper

Not much coat to brush, but nails keep growing. Clip them every 2-3 weeks.

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Recommended for Irish Water Spaniel

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Affordable training supplies for dogs โ€” leashes, collars and more

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Petsexclusive.nl

Premium food and supplies for dogs โ€” nearly 10,000 products

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๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Insurance

A basic policy for the Irish Water Spaniel typically runs โ‚ฌ40โ€“โ‚ฌ60/month in the Netherlands โ€” US rates vary but are usually comparable. The exact amount depends on the dog's age and the insurer.

Is pet insurance worth it for this breed? โ†’