Character & Temperament

The Irish Water Spaniel is known for his bubbly personality. When you bring an IWS into your home, you not only get a dog, but a new best friend full of energy and fun. They are extremely intelligent and have an innate curiosity that can often lead them into funny escapades. One of the most notable features of this breed is their energy. They are almost always on the move and love to play, run and of course swim. Their playful nature makes them great family dogs, especially if they live in an active household. The IWS is often referred to as the clown of the dog world. Her sense of humor and funny antics are sure to make you laugh often. Although they are often silly, they also have a serious side, especially when it comes to work. They are highly motivated and eager to complete tasks, making them great working dogs, especially in areas involving water. While they are very people-oriented, they also have an independent character. The IWS likes to do things their way and requires an owner who has understanding and patience to deal with their sometimes stubborn nature. When it comes to staying alone, the IWS, like many active dogs, can have difficulty staying alone, especially if it is not kept sufficiently occupied. It is important to provide them with mental and physical stimulation to direct their energy in the right direction. Their origins as water hunters mean that the IWS has a strong prey drive. They love retrieving things and often exhibit strong hunting behavior. So if you have small animals, it is important to socialize the IWS early on and make it clear which behaviors are acceptable. While they were not bred to be guard dogs, Irish Water Spaniels are often alert and will alert their family to strangers or unusual noises. It is important to teach them when it is appropriate to bark and when it is not.

What Awaits You

The Irish Water Spaniel is the largest of the AKC Spaniels. You can immediately recognize him by his curly, wavy fur and his pointed “rat tail”. The attentive and curious IWS, which is one of the best swimmers in the dog world, is hard-working and courageous in the field and playful and affectionate at home.

Housing & Care

The Irish Water Spaniel can live in the city, but it needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. A house with a large garden would be ideal, but regular walks and activities are also possible in the city. Small children are generally not a problem for the IWS, but as with all dogs, you should always ensure interactions are supervised. The Irish Water Spaniel is also generally friendly with cats and other pets, especially if socialized early.

Training & Education

Irish Water Spaniels are intelligent and energetic dogs that enjoy working and learning. Training should start early and it is important to keep it positive and varied as they can get bored quickly. They are ideal for dog sports such as agility, obedience and of course water sports. Because of their willingness to work, it is important to ensure that they do not become overworked or become "ball junkies." Frustration tolerance and impulse control are also important aspects of training that the Irish Water Spaniel should learn. As former hunting dogs, they have a strong retrieving and prey drive. It is advisable to offer alternative activities that allow these urges to be expressed in a controlled environment. At the same time, their natural instincts should be respected and a balance should be found between work, play and relaxation.

Nutrition & Care

When it comes to nutrition, the Irish Water Spaniel needs a balanced diet rich in proteins and fats to support its energy. Premium dry food supplemented with fresh meat or specially prepared wet food is ideal. It is also important to monitor portion sizes to prevent obesity. The Irish Water Spaniel's coat requires regular care. His curly coat has a dense undercoat and requires regular brushing to prevent matting. Once or twice a week is usually sufficient. They don't shed a lot, which can be a plus for allergy sufferers. Regarding the climate in Germany, the Irish Water Spaniel copes well, but it is important to be careful not to stay wet for too long in cold weather.