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| IRISH WATER SPANIEL |
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Inside this outfit of brown curly ringlets with a topknot of twisted curls hanging down over his eyes, you will find a true Irishman - full of life and with a comical nature and of great intelligence.
As such, he is for those wanting a dog which is a little bit different, he will want to become one of the family.
They enjoy human companionship and are deeply affectionate to those they know. They can be reserved with strangers.
The breed is easy to train, quick to learn and they enjoy being extended but can be easily bored so overtraining should be avoided.
History of the Breed
The Irish Water Spaniel is acknowledged to be a very old breed, but as is the case with so many Irish dogs and horses, it is impossible to separate fact from fairytale, and so the exact date of his origin cannot be established.
His ancestry, like the date of his origin, is also a mixture of fact and folklore. He is believed to be a descent of the old Portuguese Water Dogs and Spaniel root stock that came over to Ireland from the Iberian Peninsula when natives of that country conducted periodic raids on Erin's green shores. |
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The lineage can be traced back to the period, centuries ago, when the large and important Spaniel group was divided into the Land Spaniels and the Water Spaniels. The Water Spaniels included both the Irish and English varieties of water dogs.
The Irish Water Spaniel was developed in Ireland from two different strains which were existence prior to the 1850's - The Southern Country Water Spaniel and the Northern Country Water Spaniel both were distinct types in size and colour.
The Irish Water Spaniel as we know it today, more closely follows the Southern type. By 1889 dog shows were providing a special class for the Irish Water Spaniel.
Given credit for refining the breed from it's various varieties into a distinct and repeatable type was Mr. Justin Mc Carthy, a sportsman of Dublin, who established the breed as we know it today. His celebrated dog, 'Boatswain' was one of the first pure types and best known of all Irish Water Spaniels.
The Irish Water Spaniel was quickly received by both Irish and English sportsmen for its boldness and daring retrieves and its extreme hardiness in the cold North Sea waters and its superb disposition.
It has been recorded that in early times, before guns existed, the Water Spaniel was used to retrieve arrows from swamplands as well as dead water fowl. From such early abilities the breed developed into a first class duck hunter. |
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The Breed in Australia
The earliest records of Irish Water Spaniels in Australia is 1891 "Jack" (5017) was owned by S P England of Essendon, 'Wisdom"(3524) was owned by A J White of South Yarra and a bitch "Juno" (504) was owned by P Tobin of Collingwood. Their breeding and where they came from is unknown at this stage.
In the early sixties two dogs and two bitches were imported from New Zealand. In the early 70's registrations stood at 25.
The breed has slowly increased in numbers and at the present time there are approximately 150 - 200 Irish Water Spaniels in Australia.
Grooming
The coat with its crisp curls does not present the problem that might be expected. It should be thoroughly combed with a wide toothed comb at least once a week. Eyes, ears and toe nails should be checked regularly. A good swim or spray down will bring back those lovely curls.
Irish Water Spaniels, like Poodles, do not shed loose hair and are recommended for people who may suffer from allergies associated with dog hair.
Obedience
Obedience training is a great way to establish a wonderful relationship with your dog. Irish Water Spaniels are very amenable to training and has acquitted themselves very well in Obedience, Agility and Retrieving Trials through Australia.
Summary
A lovable bundle of joy that will bring many happy hours to you and your family should you decide that an Irish Water Spaniel is the dog for your family and lifestyle. |
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| Further Information |
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For Further Information :
The Irish Water Spaniel Club of Victoria Inc.
Membership details contact: Lesley Dell
Tel: (03) 5346 1437
Puppy Enquiries contact: Lana Sago
Tel: (03) 9337 8907 |
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| The Irish Water Spaniel Club of Victoria Inc. |
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| Last Update: 25/03/07 08:19 |
Views: 4682 |
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