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Dog Articles
Past and Present: Irish Water Spaniel
Identified
more or less with the Retrievers, because they perform similar
duties, are the sporting Spaniels, which, because they are divided
into so many branches, constitute perhaps the largest dog family in
the world.
The
English ‘Kennel Club’ recognizes Irish Water Spaniels, Water
Spaniels other than Irish, Clumber Spaniels, Sussex Spaniels, Field
Spaniels, English Springers, Welsh Springers, and Cocker Spaniels.
They are all used to assist the gunner to find his game and to
retrieve it after it is shot.
The Irish
Water Spaniel is in a class by himself. You need to see him but once
to remember him forever. It is said that he was the very last dog to
be made, and that it was only by using the remnants of half a dozen
other breeds that enough material was found of which to make him.
When he
comes up to you for the first time, you'll probably laugh at him;
but don't laugh too long; there'll be tears in your eyes if you do.
For this quaint creature who looks as if he had borrowed from
friends everything he has on, including his tail, has such an honest
face, such a charming expression, and such a dignity of manner that
he'll win your sympathy and your respect before the first smile of
amusement has left your face. As a water dog, he is generally
regarded as superior to any other member of his family, though most
Spaniels take kindly to the water.
Formerly
quite a popularly known dog for sniping and ducking, the old Irish
Water Spaniel seems to have been almost entirely abandoned, and few
are now seen in this country. Perhaps the uses to which he was put
are more satisfactorily met by the Setters and Retrievers, both of
which are stronger and heavier and can equal him in work in the
water.
The type
of this breed should weigh about 50 pounds and be of a uniform liver
color. The coat is quite long and tightly curled, but by no means
woolly. It is long on the crown, but the face, front of hind legs,
and most of the tail should be clothed in short, soft, rather dull
hair, giving the appearance of having been clipped.
It is very
different in appearance from the land Spaniel of the Cocker type,
being in shape and size not greatly unlike the Poodle, but differing
much from this breed in texture of coat and in the perfectly smooth
face. In disposition it is like both the Poodle and the Spaniels
generally - kind, affectionate, playful, and bright, but showing a
strong tendency to be a little aloof with strangers. They have also
a strong trend toward obesity in age, when they become heavy,
untidy, and decrepit.
Source:
National Geographic 1919
Recommended Reading
Dog Training
Mastery - An Owners' Manual
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