• Fact 2 - Description and Definition of Irish Water Spaniels: This is large curly-coated breed used for hunting waterfowl. Also see American Water Spaniels
  • They are considered suitable as a family pet  
• Fact 3 - Origin of the breed: Irish Water Spaniels originated in Ireland
  • Spaniels originated in Spain, hence their name, but most modern breeds were developed in Great Britain and America
  • The larger breeds of spaniels are called Springers referring to the dogs ability to force its quarry to spring out of wooded areas
  • The smaller breeds of spaniels are called Cockers relating to their skill in hunting Woodcock pigeons  
• Fact 4 - Size: The height ranges from 21 to 24 inches, up to the shoulder
• Fact 5 - Alternative Names of Irish Water Spaniels and Nicknames: Waterspaniel
• Fact 6 - Coat and colors of Irish Water Spaniels: The coat normally has tight, crisp ringlets
• Fact 7 - Life of Irish Water Spaniels: the life expectancy of this breed of dog is between 10 - 12 years
• Fact 8 - The names of dog breeds are separated into different dog types which are referred to as Dog Groups. The name of the dog group for Irish Water Spaniels is the Sporting dog breed
• Fact 9 - After the first year of life, dogs are considered to be adults - they equivalent to 16 human years!
  • After 2 years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old
  • After 3 years, they are equivalent to a 30 year old
  • Every year after  add five human years to determine the equivalent age of the dog
• Fact 10 - Choosing Irish Water Spaniels as pets! The following considerations should be taken into account when choosing this particular breed of dog as a pet:
  • How much it will cost to feed and train the dog?
  • How much time will it take to groom the dog?
  • How much time will it take to exercise the dog on a daily basis?
  • Are Irish Water Spaniels suitable for children?
  • How much will it cost for vet bills, pet or dog health insurance, medication and vaccinations?
• Fact 11 - Every breed of dog is susceptible to certain health problems and illnesses. Irish Water Spaniels are prone to health problems and illnesses such as:
  • Hip Dysplasia (abnormal development of hip joints)
  • Epilepsy
  • Coat and skin problems
  • Thyroid problems
  • Seizures
• Fact 12 - Irish Water Spaniels were originally bred to help with various jobs and tasks such as:
  • - Hunting waterfowl including ducks
• Fact 13 - Breeding Irish Water Spaniels for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century
• Fact 14 - It is estimated that 85% of dogs visit a vet in a year
• Fact 15 - The average cost of owning a medium sized dog, over a 10 year period, is estimated as over $13,000! This provides a good idea of how much it costs to raise Irish Water Spaniels

For in depth information we highly recommend Dog Names and Breeds.