The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Dogs enjoy playing, hunting and walking on the leash with their owners. These dogs are calm and always alert and are able to adjust to any conditions around them.

The Origin of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Dogs

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Dogs originated in Yarmouth County, which is located in the Southern most part of Nova Scotia. It is suggested by Historians that these dogs could have descended from the Red European Decoy Dogs that were crossed with Farm Collies and several breed of Retrievers, Setters and Spaniels. Other people also believed that the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Dogs were created from the Tolling American Indian Dogs.

During the early part of the 17^th century, the Europeans used the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Dogs to toll (which means to lure or act as a decoy). These dogs would walk the shoreline, playing with sticks or doing anything that would attract ducks and lure them to within the hunting area. A well trained dog would continue to walk the shoreline looking aloof and ignoring the ducks until they were shot down by the hunter, then it would go and retrieve them.

Before this breed of dogs was officially named “Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever”, they were called “Yarmouth Toller” or “Little River Duck Dog”. In the year 1915, The Canadian Kennel Club officially recognized the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. At that time there were fifteen of these dogs registered.

In the early part of the 1960s, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was brought to the United States of America.  Even though these dogs were becoming more popular, it was not until the year 1984 that the Duck Tolling Retriever Club of the USA was formed and devoted their time to this breed.

The Duck Tolling Retriever Club of the USA was formed to promote a competition for this specific breed of dogs. To be able to compete, these dogs were required to show basic retrieving and tolling skills. In 2001, this club formed a part of the American Kennel Club’s miscellaneous class. Then in 2003, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Dogs were officially accepted into the Sporting Group.

Taking Care of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Dogs

Any dog that belongs to the Sporting Group is known to be very energetic requiring a lot of exercise. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is one of these dogs that need to run a lot every day and spend a lot of time in the water.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are considered to be one of the most playful, affectionate and friendly dogs towards people and other pets. However, these dogs can be very wary of strange people. Even though they need to spend a lot of time outside, they should not be allowed to live outside. They should always be allowed to sleep inside the house at night with the family.

Health Issues of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Dogs

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are very healthy dogs and do not have any major health problems. Some minor health issues include PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) and CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia).

It is suggested by veterinarians that all of these dogs get checked for potential hip and eye problems.

A Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Dog that is well taken care of can live between eleven and thirteen years.

Families all over the country love and enjoy the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Dogs. They are very good house pets and get along fairly well with strange people and other animals. These dogs are very devoted to their families and are always willing to please them. If they are inside the house or outside, they always tend to look funny while playing and romping with the family.

The Origin of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Dogs

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Dogs originated in France. Unlike most breeds, these dogs were carefully bred and their creation is well documented.

It was around the middle of the 1800s that the Cherville Griffon Dog was produced marking the beginning of this breed. These dogs were later crossed with the Pointer and the Setter. A man from Holland by the name of Edward Korthals further developed and refined this breed that is now being referred to in many countries as the “Korthals Griffon”.

In 1984 Edward Korthals started to refine this breed by supposedly crossing twenty other dogs using Spaniels, Setters, Water Spaniels, Griffons, French Pointers and German Pointers. As Edward Korthals travelled throughout France, he helped to increase the popularity of the Wirehaired Pointer Griffon Dogs all over the country.

In 1888 England presented the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Dogs for the first time in the show ring. During that period they were known as the Russian Setter. After this, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Dogs became extremely popular.

During World War II their popularity decreased. However, after the war, because of their reputation of being very good hunting companions, the Wirehaired Pointer Griffon Dogs were brought back. However, they have not become as popular as they were before the war.

Taking Care of the Wirehaired Pointer Griffon Dogs

If you want to own a Wirehaired Pointer Griffon Dog, you must have an active lifestyle and a large area outdoors where they can run and play freely. They require a lot of action every day by playing in the open field, jogging or just having fun with the family. They also love to swim.

The Wirehaired Pointer Griffon Dogs can tolerate both warm and cool temperatures and can live outside. These dogs may be allowed to be outside in an open area during the day but should be allowed to sleep inside the house with the family at night.

They need to be thoroughly brushed at least two times a week because of their thick coat.

Health issues of the Wirehaired Pointer Griffon Dogs

The Wirehaired Pointer Griffons are very healthy dogs and have no major health problems. Some minor health problems include otitis externa, CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia), ectropion and entropion.

It is recommended by veterinarians that these dogs be checked for potential hip and eye problem.

A  healthy Wirehaired Pointer Griffon Dog can live between twelve and thirteen years but can live up to fourteen years.

The Welsh Springer Spaniels are naturally independent dogs. They are very devoted to their families and are very good house pets. These dogs are very sensitive and reserved around strange people which make them very good watchdogs.

The Origin of the Welsh Springer Spaniel Dogs

The Laws of Wales made mention of the Welsh Springer Spaniel Dogs way back in the 1300s. But even now some people still dispute whether this breed has any connection with the Welsh Springer of today.

It is not certain whether the Welsh Springer Spaniels are descendants of the English Springer or whether they are a mixture of the English Springer and the Clumber Spaniels. Land Spaniels were used in Wales long before the Welsh Springer gained popularity. Apparently the Land Spaniels did not belong to a specific group of dogs.

Because the English Spaniels and the Welsh Spaniels looked so much alike, they participated in dog shows next to one another. The only difference between these two dogs was their color. The Welsh Spaniels became so popular that in 1906 the American Kennel Club recognized these dogs.

Taking Care of the Welsh Springer Spaniel Dogs

The Welsh Springer Spaniels are energetic dogs that are used to doing several tasks. They have a keen sense of smell and can flush and retrieve game on land as well as in water. When outside, they need a big open area where they can run and play each day to burn out some of their energy.

As much as the Welsh Springer Spaniel Dogs need to be outdoors to roam and hunt most of the day, they prefer to be inside the house at night sleeping with the family.

Because these dogs have a long and lustrous coat, they need to be brushed at least twice a week.

Health Issues for the Welsh Springer Spaniel Dogs

The Welsh Springer Spaniel Dogs are very healthy and the only major health concern for them is CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia). Some minor health issues connected to these dogs include epilepsy, otitis externa and glaucoma. What is rarely seen in these dogs is cataract.

It is recommended by veterinarians that the Welsh Springer Spaniels get checked for potential hip and eye problems. These dogs, once they are well taken care of, can live between thirteen and fifteen years

The Weimaraners are considered one of the best dogs to train, to protect their family and to use as watchdogs. These dogs are very reserved with strangers and with other animals. The Weimaraners are known to play rough, so small children need to be supervised when these dogs are around.

The Origin of the Weimaraner Dogs

The Weimaraner Dogs originated in Germany, a country that is well known for its natural forests and wildlife. Hunters needed an all around hunting dog that could hunt small animals as well as bears and deer.

The Weimer Pointer came from the Court of Weimer and was the first of these dogs to be bred through their breeding efforts. Early pointers such as the Red Schweisshund and the Bloodhound are ancestors of the Weimer Pointer.

The Weimaraner Dogs have a very distinctive gray colored coat. Although it is not exactly certain where this trait originated, we do know that from early in the breed’s development it has been a part of their physical appearance.

The German Weimaraner Club, which was a very selective club, took full control of overseeing this breed. Only members of this club could own one of these dogs, and it was almost impossible to become a member.

It was not until sometime in 1929 that someone from the United States was allowed to become a member of the club. Two of these dogs were taken to the United States. This was the first time that any of these dogs were taken out of Germany. Their popularity spread throughout the United States and by 1943 they were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Caring for the Weimaraner Dogs

The Weimaraner dogs are extremely energetic and boisterous. Because these dogs are so full of energy, they need a lot of vigorous exercise every day. These dogs really love to run and hunt, so city living is not an ideal condition for them.

These dogs have short coats, so they do not need a lot of grooming. They do need to be brushed occasionally to remove dead hairs. Weimaraner dogs do not do well in very cold or hot temperatures. They should be allowed to sleep indoors with the family at night.

Health Issues with the Weimaraner Dogs

Gastric Torsion is the only major health problems connected to these dogs. Other minor health issues could include hemophilia A, distichiasis, spinal dysraphism, entropion, hypertrophic osteodystrophy and VWD.

It is recommended by veterinarians that these dogs be tested for possible hip, eye and blood problems. If these dogs are properly cared for they may live for between ten to thirteen years.

The Weimaraner Breed of Dogs belongs to the Sporting Group and is perhaps the most courageous dogs of this group. Weimaraner dogs are a bit difficult to control. These dogs are so full of energy that they can spend a whole day outdoors running, playing and hunting. Inside the house, if left unattended for too long, they may become destructive.

The Weimaraners are considered one of the best dogs to train, to protect their family and to use as watchdogs. These dogs are very reserved with strangers and with other animals. The Weimaraners are known to play rough, so small children need to be supervised when these dogs are around.

The Origin of the Weimaraner Dogs

The Weimaraner Dogs originated in Germany, a country that is well known for its natural forests and wildlife. Hunters needed an all around hunting dog that could hunt small animals as well as bears and deer.

The Weimer Pointer came from the Court of Weimer and was the first of these dogs to be bred through their breeding efforts. Early pointers such as the Red Schweisshund and the Bloodhound are ancestors of the Weimer Pointer.

The Weimaraner Dogs have a very distinctive gray colored coat. Although it is not exactly certain where this trait originated, we do know that from early in the breed’s development it has been a part of their physical appearance.

The German Weimaraner Club, which was a very selective club, took full control of overseeing this breed. Only members of this club could own one of these dogs, and it was almost impossible to become a member.

It was not until sometime in 1929 that someone from the United States was allowed to become a member of the club. Two of these dogs were taken to the United States. This was the first time that any of these dogs were taken out of Germany. Their popularity spread throughout the United States and by 1943 they were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Caring for the Weimaraner Dogs

The Weimaraner dogs are extremely energetic and boisterous. Because these dogs are so full of energy, they need a lot of vigorous exercise every day. These dogs really love to run and hunt, so city living is not an ideal condition for them.

These dogs have short coats, so they do not need a lot of grooming. They do need to be brushed occasionally to remove dead hairs. Weimaraner dogs do not do well in very cold or hot temperatures. They should be allowed to sleep indoors with the family at night.

Health Issues with the Weimaraner Dogs

Gastric Torsion is the only major health problems connected to these dogs. Other minor health issues could include hemophilia A, distichiasis, spinal dysraphism, entropion, hypertrophic osteodystrophy and VWD. It is recommended by veterinarians that these dogs be tested for possible hip, eye and blood problems. If these dogs are properly cared for they may live for between ten to thirteen years.

The Vizsla Dogs are always ready to sniff out birds. These dogs need to be running and playing all the time, but if left unattended for a long time, they will get upset and become destructive. The Vizslas have different personalities, some are shy while others are very anxious, but many of them are quite stubborn.

The Origin of the Vizsla Breed of Dogs

During the Middle Ages, writings on Falconry described dogs that looked like the Vizsla. It is believed that this breed came from groups of dogs that the Magyars had collected. The Magyars were people who travelled across Europe, over 1000 years ago. They eventually landed in Hungary and settled there.

The local hunters of Hungary wanted a dog that could run fast, point and retrieve prey, and trail mammals over rough terrain. They also wanted a dog that they could work closely with. They needed this type of dogs because the plains of Hungary had game in abundance. The Vizsla Dogs gained popularity during the 18^th century but during the 19^th century their numbers declined.

Dog enthusiasts, who wanted to revive this breed, took great care in breeding the Vizsla Dogs. During World War II, Russia occupied Hungary. Fleeing Hungarians took their dogs with them and as a result these dogs were seen in countries all over the world.

As soon as the Vizsla Dogs arrived in the United States of America, they became very popular with American dog lovers. The Vizsla Dogs with their great hunting skills and very handsome looks did not go unnoticed.  So, in 1960, the American Kennel Club officially recognized this breed.

Taking Care of the Vizsla Breed of Dogs

The Vizsla Dogs were specifically bred to work closely with their owners. Because these dogs are so energetic and can run almost all day, they will not be satisfied with only a few brisk walks on the leash. They require a large open field where they can run freely during the day. They are not comfortable living in a small apartment.

Because the Vizsla Dogs’ coat is very short, they do not require much brushing. It is quite enough to brush them once every two weeks to remove dead hair. When the weather is warm, the Vizslas can live outdoors. However, they prefer to sleep inside the house at night with the family, especially during the cold weather.

Health Issues of the Vizsla Breed of Dogs

There is only one major health issue with the Vizsla Dogs and that is epilepsy. Some minor health issues are lymphosarcoma and CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia). What is rare in these dogs are hypothyroidism, dwarfism, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), tricuspid valve dysplasia and persistent right aortic arch.

It is recommended by veterinarians that they be checked for potential hip and thyroid problems. A healthy Vizsla Dog can live between ten and fourteen years.

The Sussex Spaniels make a lot of noise when hunting. For this reason, these dogs are not as popular with hunters as other Spaniels or other members of the Sporting Group. The Sussex Spaniels love attention and if not given the proper attention, they will bark and howl.

Origin of the Sussex Spaniel Dogs

The Sussex Spaniel was first mentioned in 1820 in an article that was written under a sporting editorial referred to as “The Spaniels of Sussex”. In 1795, this name was adopted from Sussex, England which is known to be the home of the first largest kennel.

Eventually, the Sussex Spaniel Breed became very popular among several of the estates in Sussex County. During the early 1900s, these dogs were used for hunting trails and were very good at hunting, but they were slow workers. They have a very good sense of smell but they become noisy once they pick up a scent. This served the hunters very well but it affected the dogs score in field trials.

The Sussex Spaniel Dogs were not popular with American hunters because the Americans wanted a dog that could move much faster. The Sussex Spaniel was one of the earliest breed of dogs that was used for dog show competitions and they were also one of the first breeds to be recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, during the 20^th century, these dogs were almost extinct.

In 1954, to help expand the breed’s gene pool, the Sussex Spaniel was crossed with a Cumber Spaniel. The Sussex Spaniel gene pool remains very low because it is one of the rarest members of the American Kennel Club.

Caring for the Sussex Spaniel Dogs

The Sussex Spaniels require a lot of exercise every day. Because these dogs move slowly, a few laps around the yard or several brisk walks on the leash every day would be quite adequate exercise for them.

The Sussex Spaniels can live outdoors playing in the yard all day, but at night they should be allowed to sleep inside the house. These dogs are very affectionate towards people and other pets and love to interact with the family. They should be brushed thoroughly several times a week.

Health Issues for the Sussex Spaniel Dogs

Major health issues that are common among the Sussex Spaniel Dogs are intervertebral disk disease and CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia). Some minor concerns include heart murmurs, otitis externa and enlarged heart.

A healthy Sussex Spaniel can live between eleven and thirteen years.

Origin of the Spinone Italiano Dogs

The origin of the Spinone Italiano Dogs is still not known, even today. Some dog enthusiasts believe that the Spinone Italiano Breed came from the Celtic Wirehaired Stock. Others believe that these dogs came from Greece during the Roman Empires’ reign.

However, it is believed that the Spinone Italiano is one of the earliest breed of dogs that was used for pointing. Evidence shows that the Wirehaired Dogs were used since 500 B.C. Italian artwork from the fifteenth century shows dogs that closely resemble the Spinone Italiano.

There is no documentation available that describes the exact bloodline and development of the Spinone Italiano Breed. However, the breed of today can be traced back to Italy’s Piedmont region. These dogs were well known for their hunting skills with unyielding force through thorny brush retrieving small prey. They were also used in World War II to track down German Patrols.

When the war ended, the Spinone Italiano Dogs were no longer popular. Their numbers also decreased very fast and the few dogs that were left were crossed with other breeds. These dogs were almost extinct but with the help of enthusiastic breeders who wanted to remake the breed, the Spinone Italiano Dogs were brought back to life in the 1950’s. Their effort was successful and today the Spinone Italiano Dogs are one of the top breeds in Italy. In the year 2000, the American Kennel Club recognized this breed.

 Caring for the Spinone Italiano Dogs

Just like any other sporting dog, the Spinone Italiano Dogs require vigorous exercise every day to keep them healthy. This can be done either by hunting out in the fields or taking a long walk on the leash several times a day.

These dogs can live outside, if necessary, in both cold and hot temperatures. However, they are happier to be with the family sleeping inside the house. The Spinone Italiano Dogs are very affectionate and are considered one of the friendliest breed of dogs towards strangers and other pets.

Health issues of the Spinone Italiano Dogs

The only major health problem with this breed of dogs is CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia). Some minor health issues include otitis externa, ectropion, cerebellar ataxia and gastric torsion. Allergies and elbow dysplasia are rare issues with this breed. It is recommended by veterinarians that these dogs be checked for potential hip and eye problems.  If well taken care of, a healthy Spinone Italiano Dog can live between twelve to fourteen years.

The Pointer Dog has an instinct for hunting birds all the time, so it always needs a lot of exercise every day both outside and inside the house. Because this dog has a natural instinct for hunting, it can be easily distracted by things that happen around it every day. The Pointer is a very kind and gentle dog and also very active so do not be fooled by the high amount of energy that this gentle dog displays.

The origin of the Pointer Breed

It was during the 17^th century that the Pointer dogs were first used for hunting. At that time these dogs were not used to point birds but were used to point hares. Once they pointed out the hares, the hunters would send off Greyhound Dogs to chase them.

Wing-shooting became a very popular sport in the 18^th century. It was during these wing-hunting expeditions that the Pointer dog displayed its talent to locate birds. Hunters with a well trained Pointer dog would send out his dog to locate the prey. Once the prey was located the dog would remain very still in order to have the hunter make a good shot.

It is well known that the genetic makeup of the early Pointer dogs have many different blood types. Some of these blood types include those from the Bloodhounds, Foxhounds, Greyhounds and older Setting Spaniels.

Modern day Pointers are a result of a mixture of the older Spanish Pointers and the Italian Pointers. Soon, the most popular use of these dogs became sport hunting which was done on large areas of land. One of the most effective strategies was for the hunter to use two Pointer dogs to find a bird. In this way the hunter was able to cross-check the dogs points.

Care and Attention for the Pointer Dog

If you want to own a Pointer Dog, you need to know that this wonderful pet requires a lot of exercise every day. This dog, more than other dogs, needs to run and play every single day.

You should not own a Pointer Dog if you live in a small apartment and have limited outdoor activities.  The Pointer should have a home with a lot of open space to allow it to hunt outdoors. The Pointer dogs are happiest if they are allowed to roam in the woods looking for small prey.

These dogs do not like to remain in the house all day. If these dogs are not active even for a day they can  become destructive. It is important that these dogs have a large open area outdoors, to play during the day, but they should be allowed to sleep indoors with the family during the night.

Health Issues for the Pointer Dog

The major health problem connected with these dogs is entropion.  Minor problems may include hypothyroidism and CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia). Although very rare, Pointer dogs may show signs of deafness and cataracts. It is important that you have your Pointer dog tested by a veterinarian for any eye, hip or thyroid problem. Pointer Dogs may live between twelve to fourteen years, with some living up to fifteen years.

Quick Stats for the Labrador Retriever Dog Breed

• Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 22 – 24 inches (56 – 61 cm) ; bitches: 21 – 23 inches (53 – 58 cm)
• Weight: dogs: 60 – 75 pounds (27 – 34 kg)  ; bitches: 55 – 70 pounds (25 – 32 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
• AKC Group: Sporting Group – AKC recognized in 1917
• Shedding: average shedder
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); moderately active indoors; best with average sized yard (minimum)

Personality of the Labrador Retriever Dog Breed

The most popular dog breed in the United States for 19 years in a row, the lovable Labrador Retriever is the family dog par excellence. Great for families and gentle with children, Labs also make devoted dogs for single people and couples. Their affectionate natures, intelligence and willingness to please make them good at everything they do.

The Labrador Retriever is found in black, chocolate and yellow. Labs excel at many kinds of work, including being guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, assistance dogs, narcotics dogs, and working with police departments. The Lab continues to work in the field as a retriever and hunter. He is perhaps unrivaled as a water dog and is enthusiastic in agility, obedience and rally. If you want a dog that can do it all, the Labrador Retriever may be the dog for you.

History of the Labrador Retriever Dog Breed

Ironically, this most popular of all dogs in America (and Great Britain) hails from Canada. Originally from Newfoundland, the St. John Water Dog, as he was then known, first became known for helping fishermen with their nets and catches. Small water dogs were crossed with Newfoundlands to produce these St. John Water Dogs — named after the St. John Waterway.

Great swimmers, these water dogs could withstand cold temperatures in the water. It was only later that the dogs were bred with sporting dogs, such as Setters, Spaniels and other Retrievers to produce the Labrador Retriever that we know today. Once dedicated to retrieving, the Lab took to it like a duck to water, if you’ll excuse the pun. Labs were superb at retrieving water fowl, thanks to their previous heritage as fishermen’s dogs.

Early in the 19th century the Earl of Malmesbury supposedly imported one of the small water dogs from Newfoundland. By 1830 the small water dogs were already being admired. They were black and no bigger than a Pointer.

It was only later that the Earl of Malmesbury admitted he had always referred to the dogs as “Labradors.” Unfortunately, this early version of the Labrador — the St. John’s Water dog — died out in Newfoundland due to a high tax on dogs and an English quarantine law which virtually stopped the importation of the dogs into England. The Labs that remained were interbred with other Retrievers and sporting dogs. Fortunately Lab characteristics remained and fanciers of Labrador Retrievers were able to create a breed standard to stop the interbreeding and preserve the dogs.

Today’s Labrador Retrievers date back to dogs from 1878. The Kennel Club in Britain recognized the Labrador Retriever as a breed in 1903. Labrador Retrievers came to the United States from Britain around 1917. British dogs continued to come into the U.S. in great numbers during the 1920s and ‘30s, forming the basis for the breed in the U.S.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a member of the Sporting Group.

The Labrador Retriever Dog Breed Care and Grooming

These dogs must be fairly active on a daily basis.  Labrador retrievers must have daily exercise in the form of running and swimming.  Retrieving, however, is at the top of the list of fun games that Labs really enjoy, especially through water such as the beach or even a large outdoor swimming pool.

These dogs can either live indoors where it’s warm and cozy, or remain outdoors during all types of weather. Be sure to adhere to common sense safety rules when keeping your lab outside during the hot humid months, or the chilling winter temperatures. However, like most dogs, a Labrador Retriever would prefer to be inside with its family and stable temperatures.

Health Problems of the Labrador Retriever Dog Breed

The average life expectancy of the Labrador Retriever Dog Breed is about ten to twelve years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• elbow dysplasia
• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
• OCD (Osteochondritis Dissecans)
• patellar luxation
• obesity

These other issues can occur:

• diabetes
• tricuspid valve dysplasia
• over-exercise (leading to collapse)
• distichiasis
• muscular dystrophy

Image via Wikipedia

Quick Stats for the Irish Water Spaniel Dog Breed

• Height (at the shoulders): 20 – 23 inches (51 – 58 cm)
• Weight: 45 – 65 pounds (20 – 30 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
• AKC Group: Sporting Group – AKC recognized in 1884
• Shedding: sheds little to no hair
• Living Conditions: best with average sized yard (minimum)

Personality of the Irish Water Spaniel Dog Breed

The Irish Water Spaniel is an enthusiastic and vigorous member of the sporting group. These dogs absolutely love to run for hours at a time, swim, play, and hunt. The Irish Water Spaniel also has a funny side, and tends to clown around when having a good time.

Along with these wonderful characteristics, this breed has a high rating in terms of training ability and makes an excellent watchdog.

A bit stubborn and quite independent, the Irish Water Spaniel tends to be reserved around strange people and other pets, but is generally good around children.

History of the Irish Water Spaniel Dog Breed

One of the most distinctive members of the spaniel group, not to mention one of the oldest, the Irish Water Spaniel is reported to have been depicted in various manuscripts from as long as 1,000 years ago.

During the 1100s, there is mention of these dogs by various names, including Rat Tail Spaniels, Shannon Spaniels, and Whip Tail Spaniels. The name Irish Water Spaniel has been found to be the reference to the breed from approximately 1600 and on. Sometime during that period researches documented that an Irish Water Spaniel was given as a gift to the King of France.

Now we do not exactly know whether or not the breed existed in different varieties at this time or if there were just similar breeds that resembled one another. However, what we do know is that in Ireland there were various similar spaniels in existence. They were the Tweed Spaniels, Southern Irish Spaniels, and the Northern Irish Spaniels.

The one type of spaniel listed above that is said to be mostly responsible to the influence of today’s Irish Water Spaniel is the Southern Irish Spaniel, which is also known as McCarthy’s Breed. The breed was part of the show ring by the late 1800s, in both the United States and Britain, and by 1875 it was considered the most popular dog of the time. Today, the Irish Water Spaniel is rarely found as a common pet or in the show ring.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1884 as a member of the Sporting Group.

The Irish Water Spaniel Dog Breed Care and Grooming

Sporting dogs need plenty of daily exercise and the Irish Water Spaniel must have mental exercise to match. Plan on giving your Water Spaniel at least one hour of daily stimulation each day.

They are inquisitive and sensitive to your needs which makes them easy to train. And a well-trained spaniel makes a great watch dog.

Like all dogs, the Irish Water Spaniel will lose its coat ever so often, but because of its curly coat the hairs do not fall off; instead they become trapped in the other hairs. This means regular brushing so that the dog’s coat does not form cords and mats.

Health Problems of the Irish Water Spaniel Dog Breed

The average life expectancy of the Irish Water Spaniel Dog breed is about ten to twelve years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• otitis externa
• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)

Minor health issues include:

• distichiasis

These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:

• nail-bed disease
• seizures
• megaesophagus

Veterinarians recommend having the Irish Water Spaniel Dog Breed tested specifically for hip problems.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia