Labrador Retriever Dogs Blog

My dog loves water! when he sees water…. he gets crazy!

this is my lab puppy discovering what water is…not that funny…but pretty cute!

2 dogs jumping and running around having fun with the hose and sprinkler.

My dog, Tessy being brave attacking a glass water spray! I think she thought it was a snake!

The Irish Water Spaniel is not an apartment dog because of her size and exercise requirements. Acreage or a properly fenced in yard are best for her. If she can get access to a place to swim occasionally, she will be a happier dog. She can be aggressive with other dogs so beware. She is good with older children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Irish Water Spaniel is 22 to 24 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 55 to 65 pounds. The female ranges from 21 to 23 inches to the withers and 45 to 58 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Irish Water Spaniel is no exception. Be on the look out for hypothyroidism (sluggish thyroid gland which can result in weight gain), skin problems, and Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness). This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Irish Water Spaniel has a double coat with the outer, weather proof coat having plenty of curl and ringlets. Professional care is generally needed to keep her coat trimmed and free of mats. She almost does not shed.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.

*Life Span. The Irish Water Spaniel can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Irish Water Spaniel comes from Ireland where they retrieved ducks for hunters. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1878.

Some Registries:

*Irish Water Spaniel

*UKC United Kennel Club

*NKC National Kennel Club

*CKC Continental Kennel Club

*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

*AKC American Kennel Club

*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 4 to 12 Irish Water Spaniel puppies

Category: Sporting, Gundog

Terms To Describe: Smart, upstanding, strong, smart, bold, eager, alert, inquisitive

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Good watch dog.

Shed almost no hair.

They like to swim.

Very easy to train.

Wants to please.

Not a barker.

Can be a clown

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

May need an experienced handler.

Poor guard dog.

Can be very stubborn.

Can be a one person dog.

She may slobber.

Hard to keep out of water.

*Other Names Known By: Rat-tail Spaniel, Shannon Spaniel

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

The Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent, hard working dog that was bred to help fishermen. They generally get along well with other dogs but should be socialized when young for other pets. If at all possible, they need plenty of exercise and if there can be water involved, you have a happy dog. They are said to love children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

Approximate Adult Size

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Portuguese Water Dog is 16 to 22 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 35 to 55 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Portuguese Water Dog is no exception. Be on the lookout for skin conditions, Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness) and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (inherited disease of the retina that can cause vision loss and blindness). This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

Grooming

The Portuguese Water Dog has a profuse, heavy coat of either curly or wavy hair. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

Life Span

The Portuguese Water Dog can live between 10 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

History

The Portuguese Water Dog comes from Portugal where they were used to herd fish for fishermen. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1983.

The Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent, hard working dog that was bred to help fishermen. They generally get along well with other dogs but should be socialized when young for other pets. If at all possible, they need plenty of exercise and if there can be water involved, you have a happy dog. They are said to love children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Portuguese Water Dog is 16 to 22 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 35 to 55 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Portuguese Water Dog is no exception. Be on the lookout for skin conditions, Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness) and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (inherited disease of the retina that can cause vision loss and blindness). This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Portuguese Water Dog has a profuse, heavy coat of either curly or wavy hair. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

*Life Span. The Portuguese Water Dog can live between 10 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Portuguese Water Dog comes from Portugal where they were used to herd fish for fishermen. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1983.

Some Registries:

*Portuguese Water Dog Club of America

*UKC United Kennel Club

*NKC National Kennel Club

*CKC Continental Kennel Club

*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

*AKC American Kennel Club

*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 4 to 8 Portuguese Water Dog puppies

Category: Sporting Group, Gundog

Terms To Describe: Obedient, spirit, robust, good swimmer, alert guard, companion, loyal, brave, intelligent,

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Makes a good watch dog.

Makes a good guard dog.

Little to no shed.

Slow growing coat.

Fast learners.

Love the water.

*Other Names Known By: Cao de Agua, Sea Dog, Diving Dog, Portuguese Fishing Dog

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Learn how to hunt with retrievers for duck hunting in thisfree video. Expert: Charlie Labarda Bio: Charlie Labarda is and expert in Trout fishing in Lakes and ponds in Northern Arizona. He always catches the most fish and is going to share with you some of the secrets he uses. Filmmaker: Caleb Labarda

Meet My “Puppy” “Liddle Remington Of High Over” He’s a Pure-Breed Black Labrador Retriever and as you can see, he lives up to his name.Diving Is Just One of The cool things he can do. I will Have more Videos of Him in The Future! Peace, Jake “Wish You Were Here” RIP RKB_(Roger Keith Barrett)_”Syd” “Shine On, YOU Crazy Diamond”