Dog Breeds :: Irish Water Spaniel

Owning
Irish Spaniels coats are naturally water-shedding. The Irish Water Spaniel can't always control his exuberance and zest for life. The Irish Water Spaniel is happy in the country or the city and is always ready to play. The Irish Water Spaniel is a breed that generally does well with people with allergies. The American Kennel Club does not recommend or endorse any specific breed, nor does it claim that this breed will not affect people with allergies.

Temperament
Very alert and inquisitive, the Irish Water Spaniel is often reserved with strangers. However, aggressive behavior or excessive shyness should be penalized. A stable temperament is essential in a hunting dog.

Did you know?
Irish Water Spaniels in the late 1100s were known as Shannon Spaniels, Rat-Tail Spaniels or Whip-Tail Spaniels. There were 4 Irish Water Spaniels entered in the first Westminster Kennel Club show in 1877. The Irish Water Spaniel is often called the clown of the spaniel family, possibly due to the peak of curly hair between the eyes.

AKC Recommends
The American Kennel Club recommends that anyone interested in a breed should take the time to thoroughly learn about that breed, talk to responsible and knowledgeable breeders and seek out the resources of the AKC national club formed by individuals devoted to preserving and protecting their breed for future generations. The AKC offers links to the official national Club of this breed on each breed's information page on AKC's web site.