Irish Water Spaniel for Sale



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About Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is a strong dog breed from Ireland. They have been around for centuries and have been popular dogs since then. The modern version of this dog was developed in the 1830s, but their parent breeds are not known as the original breeder did not leave records. Experts believe they descend from the poodle, Portuguese water dog, Barbet, and other breeds. Today, you can find them all over the world. They are also known by their other names, such as the rat-tail spaniel or the Shannon spaniel.

Physical Appearance

Role

Hunting, retrieving waterfowl

Size

Medium to large

Body

Thin and short tail

Chiseled head with a topknot

Flat back slightly curving towards the tail

Litter size

1 to 14 puppies

Height

21 to 24 inches

Weight

55 to 65 pounds

Coat

Curly and dense double coat

Color

Liver

Lifespan

10 to 12 years

The Irish Water Spaniel’s Temperament

Before seeking an Irish water spaniel dog for sale, you need to understand its personality. These dogs are:

  1. Intelligent - they easily take instruction and training
  2. Alert - these dogs are always aware of their surroundings
  3. Funny - they are described as the clown of the spaniel world due to their assumed antics
  4. Energetic - they are eager to play or engage in other physical activities
  5. Affectionate - these dogs will enjoy spending time with their owner once they bond
  6. Upbeat - these dogs are cheerful and will rarely get annoyed
  7. Eager to please - these dogs have a strong desire to please their owners

Its close relatives, such as the Poodle, may share similar traits.

How To Care For An Irish Water Spaniel

1. Diet and Proper Feeding 

You can either feed your Irish water spaniel commercial food or cook meals. However, it should align with their age, weight, and physical movement. Here are some foods you may give your pet:

  • Meat, e.g. beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, pork, etc.
  • Quality dog food
  • Bones
  • Eggs
  • Vegetables, e.g. peas, cucumbers, spinach, broccoli, carrots, celery, etc.
  • Fruits, e.g. bananas, apples, mango, pineapple, blueberries, peaches, cranberries, etc.
  • Water
  • Supplements

2. Physical Exercise

As a sporting dog, this breed requires a lot of exercise. Normally, an hour or more of exercise per day will keep them fit. They also enjoy games such as chasing balls and swimming and can also play with other dogs to keep fit. 

Since they are eager to please, you can get them into training. This prevents them from boredom as it keeps them mentally stimulated. They prefer positive reinforcement and will not react positively to harsh words and treatment so you need to pick up training tips before seeking out Irish water spaniel dogs for sale. They also enjoy sports like agility, flyball, rally, and dock diving, so if you can invest in these sports. Please note that exercise is essential to keeping a dog happy and healthy, so you need to plan accordingly before you seek an Irish water spaniel dog for sale.

3. Grooming and Hygiene

Hygiene is very important for pets. For your dog’s everyday care, you will need to brush its curly coat. This should begin early on to ensure that your dog has positive associations with the process. A pin or bristle brush can help with this. You should also trim their ears, clip their nails, and brush their teeth. Every few months, you may bathe them or trim their fur. If you are unable to do this, consider hiring a professional groomer to help.

The Barbet, which is a related breed, may have similar needs. Aside from tips on where to find Irish water spaniels for sale, we also offer tips on how to care for other breeds.

4. Common Allergies

Just like humans, dogs can react negatively when exposed to certain substances. Symptoms may include vomiting, itching, and diarrhea. These substances include chocolate, xylitol, onions, chives, garlic, soy, gluten, milk, and much more. Dogs can also react negatively to certain plants like daffodils and chemicals around the home, so keep them away from any substances that trigger these reactions. In some cases, dogs have even died from exposure, so anyone seeking Irish water spaniel dogs for sale should remove these items from their home. Sometimes, your pet may be reacting due to vitamin deficiencies, so a healthy diet may solve some of these allergies.

5. Potential Health Problems

The Irish Water Spaniel is at risk of diseases like:

  • Cataracts
  • Epilepsy
  • Hair loss
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Seizures
  • Entropion
  • Paronychia
  • Distichiasis
  • Megaesophagus
  • Drug sensitivity

To enhance your pup’s health, your vet may advise you to get them tests for their hips, elbows, and thyroid, as well as an ophthalmologist evaluation. They also need vaccines for diseases like rabies, parvovirus, distemper, and leptospirosis. However, the Irish water spaniel is sensitive to vaccines, and you need to check on them afterward since they are at risk of death.

Where To Find Irish Water Spaniels For Sale

It is not hard to see why these dogs are a good choice for dog lovers, but some people may wonder where to find one. Everyone knows that ads on social media may not be genuine, and you may not live in an area with many breeders. Your search may lead you to our site, which hosts several ads for those seeking Irish water spaniel puppies for sale near me or a single Irish water spaniel puppy for sale. Simply register and connect with the dog breeder or owner of your choice. 

We also have ads for other breeds, such as the Portuguese water dog.

Irish Water Spaniel Pros and Cons

Pros 

  • Easy to train
  • Loyal
  • Funny
  • Affectionate
  • Only barks when necessary
  • Likes water

Cons

  • Not suitable for apartments
  • High grooming needs
  • Not good for novice owners

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the price of an Irish water spaniel puppy and an adult?

The price of an Irish water spaniel is $300 to $1500, but an adult can go for $700 to $2500.

2. How do you remove mats from an Irish water spaniel’s coat?

You may use a slicker brush, trimming shears, and a mat separator to detangle their coat.

3. How many meals a day should your dog eat?

A full-grown dog should eat at least two meals per day, while a puppy may eat three or four times a day. However, this may depend on their vet’s recommendation.

4. What are the best times to feed a dog?

You can feed your dog in the morning and evening on a consistent schedule.

5. How do you know if your dog is underfed or obese?

If your dog is underfed, it will have a bony and exaggerated waist or visible ribs. However, an obese dog will have excess fat on their chest and stomach.

6. How do you solve obesity in a dog?

To cure obesity in dogs, check their diet and limit access to fatty and processed foods. You should also provide them with more exercise and mental stimulation.

In A Nutshell

In short, the Irish water spaniel is a fluffy curly-haired dog breed from Ireland. They have been around for centuries and are avid swimmers. These dogs have a curly coat that rarely sheds but requires regular grooming. While this breed is relatively healthy, they are still prone to certain diseases. Overall, they are very funny, affectionate, and lovable, so any dog owner would be proud to have an Irish water spaniel puppy for sale. These dogs can be sourced from our site, which hosts ads from breeders and owners who offer Irish water spaniel puppies for sale near me. Just sign up today and get started on your search.