Medium breed
Irish Water Spaniel Puppies
Energetic and loving, perfect family companions
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- Adult weight 45–65 lbs
- Height 21–24 in
- Lifespan 10–12 years
- Exercise 60 min a day
About the Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is a delightful and unique breed, known for both its history and charm. Originally developed in Ireland as a versatile water retriever, this breed has a rich heritage that dates back several centuries, making it one of the oldest spaniel breeds. With their distinctive curly coats and lively personality, they are not only a sight to behold but also make for wonderful companions. Their easygoing nature and affection level of four mean they thrive in family settings, especially in households with young children where their playful spirit can shine.
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As a medium-sized breed, the Irish Water Spaniel strikes a balance between being substantial enough to be sturdy yet nimble enough to enjoy playtime in the yard. They are friendly with both other dogs and children, scoring well in social interactions, which is a real advantage for those looking to add a dog to a lively household. Their barking tendency is moderate, meaning they will alert you when needed but are generally not excessive barkers. While they enjoy being an active part of the family, they need a moderate amount of exercise to stay happy and healthy. This breed benefits from regular outdoor activity, making walks and games of fetch a great way to burn off their energy.
Grooming an Irish Water Spaniel requires a bit of commitment, as their beautiful curly coats need weekly brushing to prevent matting and keep them looking their best. However, they are considered moderate shedders, which can make them a suitable option for families concerned about fur around the house. With a strong level of trainability, these smart and eager to please dogs respond well to positive reinforcement, making training a rewarding experience for new owners. Their intelligence and enthusiasm for learning make them a potentially great fit for families looking for a dog that can not only learn commands but also enjoy engaging activities together.
If you are considering welcoming an Irish Water Spaniel into your home in Furrylicious®, you can expect a loving and spirited companion. This breed’s combination of temperament, trainability, and family-friendly nature makes it an excellent choice for those ready to share their lives with a furry friend.
Irish Water Spaniel breed profile
Every score below is set by our team for this breed. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse.
Temperament
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Affection Very affectionate
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Playfulness Very playful
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With strangers Friendly
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Territorial Relaxed
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Prey drive Low
Family & other pets
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Young children Good
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Older children Good
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Other dogs Sociable
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Cats Needs care
Energy & exercise
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Energy High
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Mental stimulation High
Training
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Trainability Quick to learn
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Intelligence Very bright
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Stubbornness A stubborn streak
Care & upkeep
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Shedding Light
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Drooling Minimal
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Barking Moderate
Home life
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Apartment living Prefers a house
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Time alone A few hours
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Cold weather Comfortable
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Warm weather Average
A good match for
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First-time owners Manageable
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Senior owners Suitable
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Running partner Good
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Hiking Good
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Therapy work Good
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Guarding Low
Living with a Irish Water Spaniel
Temperament & Family Fit
The Irish Water Spaniel is a friendly and affectionate breed, making them a fantastic fit for families. They are known for their playful nature and their ability to bond well with young children, as well as with other dogs. While they can be a bit reserved around strangers, their loving personality shines in the comfort of their home.
Energy & Exercise
This breed is moderately energetic, enjoying regular play and exercise to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks, along with some fun activities like fetching or swimming, are essential to keep their spirits up. Though they are not the most hyperactive dogs, they thrive on interaction and mental stimulation to keep them engaged.
Care & Grooming
Grooming the Irish Water Spaniel is manageable, requiring weekly brushing to keep their curly coat looking its best and to minimize shedding. Bathing can be done every few months, but make sure to use gentle products to protect their skin. Regular check-ups with the vet will help ensure they stay healthy and free from common issues.
Training Notes
With a good level of trainability, the Irish Water Spaniel responds well to positive reinforcement methods and enjoys learning new tricks. Socialization at an early age is important to help them develop well-rounded temperaments. It helps to keep training sessions fun and engaging, so they remain eager to learn from their favorite humans.
Caring for a Irish Water Spaniel
- Grooming
- Weekly brushing
- Grooming cost
- Average
- Monthly food
- Average
- Outdoor space
- A yard is recommended
- Allergy friendly
- Often suits allergy sufferers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical size of an Irish Water Spaniel?
Irish Water Spaniels are medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 45 to 65 pounds. They have a sturdy build and a distinctive curly coat, making them both handsome and functional as water retrievers.
Are Irish Water Spaniels good with young kids?
Absolutely! Irish Water Spaniels are generally very good with young kids, as they are playful and affectionate. They love to interact and often become joyful playmates for children, making them a great family dog.
How much grooming do Irish Water Spaniels need?
These beautiful dogs require weekly grooming to keep their coats in top shape and to prevent matting. Regular grooming can also help reduce shedding, which is moderate in this breed.
Are Irish Water Spaniels apartment friendly?
Irish Water Spaniels can adapt to apartment living, but they do require regular exercise to burn off their moderate energy levels. They thrive in environments where they can have some space to play, so access to parks or outdoor areas is ideal.
How trainable are Irish Water Spaniels?
Irish Water Spaniels are quite trainable, thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please. With consistent and positive reinforcement training methods, they can learn commands and tricks fairly quickly, making them enjoyable companions for training.
