Drake at 2 years old and Scout at 9 weeks old (Scout's first day at home)
About the IWS
Irish Water Spaniels belong to the Sporting Dog group. Although not a very popular breed, it is a breed with great history. They have been bred for a job that requires them to have the stamina to tirelessly retrieve waterfowl in all sorts of weather. They are energetic dogs that need to have some form of outlet. While we pride ourselves in breeding dogs that are willing to do anything at any time, we also pride ourselves in breeding dogs that make loving family companions. However, all Irish Water Spaniels require a fair amount of exercise. If you're looking for a couch potato or a dog that is happy just hanging out in the back yard, this is not the breed for you. An hour or so, every day, of any fast paced activity should be sufficient to keep your dog happy and well conditioned. Good daily activities include a brisk walk, retrieving, swimming, hiking, etc. They also love to do whatever activity their family members are involved in. However, the best activity for an Irish Water Spaniel is any activity that uses their mind and makes them think. Obedience, hunting, agility, tracking, or problem solving games will challenge an Irish Water Spaniel and keep them very happy. We recommend that anyone who purchases an Irish Water Spaniel enroll in a basic obedience class and teach the dog a reliable sit, stay, down and come. You should also teach your dog to walk on a leash without pulling. They can be very strong and it is not fun being dragged around by them. It is critical that you teach the basics to have a happy and well-mannered family member. All Irish Water Spaniels require a lot of socialization as a puppy and young adult. IWS will go through a couple of fear periods including one from about the age of 8 -15 months. It is critical during this stage that they receive positive experiences to develop into a well adjusted adult. Your breeder should be able to give you specific information on how best to socialization your IWS.
Irish Water Spaniels are a heavily coated breed and as such require regular grooming. They should be thoroughly brushed at least once a week with a brush or comb. They should be bathed and trimmed every 4-6 weeks in order to keep the coat in good condition. A good breeder will provide instructions as to how best care for your dog's coat. Whether a pet trim or show coat, maintenance is important.
We hope you will find the information in this website helpful and informative in assisting you in your decision on whether an Irish Water Spaniel is the right dog for you. We encourage you to learn more about the Irish Water Spaniel and we always welcome people to meet them. Please explore the pages on Scout, Clark, Drake, and the Puppy pages to learn more about our Irish Water Spaniels and please contact us if you have any questions.
Why or Why Not an Irish Water Spaniel
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Maybe you have fallen in love with their unique looks. However, there are many other dogs that look quite similar. Never get a breed just because of the looks. You may love the looks but not the upkeep, the temperament or nature.
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They are very intelligent, learn very quickly, and can be a lot of fun to train. Sometimes, however, they are too smart for their own good and they may learn things you didn't intend to teach them. Be careful what you train your puppy. While it may be cute when they are a 15 pound little pup, it may not be so cute as a 60+ pound adult.
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This is a dog that has a long history of being bred for a job. They were bred to hunt in the Irish terrain in all kinds of conditions that included cold and mud. This is a job that required determination and strength and an ability to ignore pain and hardship. Many dogs have been known to work though significant pain so it is your job as the owner to monitor their health at all times.
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They have energy, drive and enthusiasm. They are not happy just going in a backyard or being couch potatoes. While many can settle down in the house, they need exercise and training to make this happen. You don't need to compete in formal events with them but they do need an outlet for their energy. Walks, retrieving, obedience, agility, tracking or whatever, they need something to do.
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They love to work. Their first love is hunting and retrieving. Many Irish Water Spaniels are willing to jump in water and retrieve in the middle of February in Maryland. Burr!! They are athletic dogs that love agility and obedience. They need to understand what is expected of them, however, they cannot tolerate harsh training. If you are too soft, they will walk all over you. The breeder should be able to help you with training advice.
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Some people believe that the Irish Water Spaniel is hypoallergenic and better for people with allergies. There is no scientific data to prove this so if this is a concern, you should meet an Irish Water Spaniel. However, do not get one just for this reason.
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Some Irish Water Spaniels are outgoing while others are more reserved and selective with strangers. Their priority is to their family, not strangers, and they just want to be involved in whatever their people are doing. They should not be shy, scared or aggressive. They can make great family pets.
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The IWS requires a lot of socialization, not only in the first couple of months but the first couple of years. You will find some helpful information about socialization under the "General Information" section under the "Socialization" tab.
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If you want an intelligent, driven dog an IWS may be for you. If you want a breed that is relatively healthy, you may want an IWS. If you want a dog that can do almost any performance event or activity, you may want to consider an IWS. If you want a dog that you can build a great relationship with, you may want to consider an IWS.