Water spaniel is one of the largest dogs in the world and at the same time one of the most oldest. These animals are hardy, bold and pretty playful. They are distinguished by high intelligence and hunting ability, so pet is often set as a reliable family or sports dog.
History of origin
Water spaniel is one of the most ancient dogs of the entire family of spaniels. During the archaeological excavations near Lake Lagur, the remains of such an animal were discovered - according to approximate estimates, they refer to the VII-VIII centuries. These animals could be found in the southern part of Ireland on the banks of the Shannon River. According to the preserved chronicles, several water spaniels were presented to the King of France Sir Robert Cecil in 1598.
In 1607, the very first description of spaniels, loving splashing in the water. The distinguishing features of such an animal became long wool in small curls and a smooth tail - it was for this unusual appearance of dogs called rats.
In the XIX century, in the countries of the old world, the dog breeds began to rapidly, during this period, most breeds were crossed. I did not escape similar fate and spaniel - it was crossed with the Irish setter, poodle and a couxerian retriever. From 1859, these animals began to take part in international competitions and exhibitions, and in 1866 representatives of the breed managed to take the first place and get worldwide recognition. However, the official standard of rock was approved only later than a century - in 1990, and in 2001 some amendments were made to it.
The maximum spread of the rat Spaniel received in Ireland, England, as well as in America. The animal is recognized as an excellent hunter for aquatic child, these dogs are hardy and strong swimmers.
Their wool is characterized by a pronounced water-repellent effect, so pets feel great in the aquatic environment.
Description
Water spaniels have a number of distinctive features that distinguish them among other breeds. This is the average largest dog's dog. A characteristic feature is curly wool. The housing is large, but at the same time not so much so that the animals seem bulky.
The temperament of water spaniel is quite balanced, they always find a common language with babies, often behave like senior nanny educators. The cheerfulness of such a pet can envy any other pets - spanidices are ready in the morning to delight their owners with optimism and friendly. These dogs are truly tied to the owner and all members of his family, trying to show joy every time they turn out next.
Water spaniels and in our time are often used to hunt waterfowl feathers, while they put the task to expel birds from the thickets of water vegetation - the hunters are taken on. However, on land, these pets will be a good help.
Thanks to the rapid and almost low-speed movements, they drive the ducks regardless of where those are in the forest or on the field.
Water spaniels Extremely inquisitive, they show great interest in the knowledge of the whole new and unknown. Keep in mind, These dogs categorically do not tolerate harsh education, Rigid dresser using whip methods. It is not allowed to raise the voice and physically affect the dog. When learning, it is worth a preference to a consistent repetition of the lesson, otherwise the dog will grow aggressive, nervous and potentially dangerous for a person.
The breed is different High activity , so the owner must provide a pet Permanent Presence of Sports Loads , everyday walks with the opportunity to run and get ridiculously. Prolonged surroundings in the aviary and in the loneliness of the urban apartment does not lead to anything good - the animal begins to wake, becomes apathetic and can even seriously get sick.
Specifications
In accordance with the breed standards, the length of spaniels in the withers usually does not exceed 46 cm, the mass of the bitches corresponds to 18 kg, and males are about 20 kg.
The head must necessarily be proportional to the body. The muzzle is elongated, its expression is very clever and intelligent. The skull has wide and strong outlines. The nose is usually allocated, it is quite wide with large nostrils of a dark brown, almost black shade. The lips are close to the teeth, the surface is rather smooth.
The eyes are slightly rounded, as a rule, widely set. Rainbow shell yellowish-brown or dark. Eyelids adjacent to the eyeballs very tight. Ears fall on the eye level of the animal.
The length of the tail is average, it curves the arc. Front paws of moderate size, well-developed and strong, straight and very strong. Musculature on the hips is developed. The wool is curly, soft, necessarily there is a guy.
Views
The most common varieties of the breed are the most common.
- Irish. This dog is a little more than all other relatives. The body weight reaches 30 kg, and growth comes up to 60 cm. A characteristic feature of such animals is a rat tail. The torso is covered with rather small curls entirely, the exception is only the muzzle and the lower sections of the limbs - the wool is smooth and rather short. When taking a dog, you can feel easy crunch of woolen cover. From the head of the dogs of this kind, a small chub hangs - he protects his eyes.
- Dutch . These spaniels are brown or black, less commonly meet with whiten spots. The dog is distinguished by an aggressive temper, because it is suitable for breeders with a solid and rigid character, able to rip the penetration of the pet.
- English. The dog of black and peg or chocolate-pegs, the torso covers wool with curls, in the dark area it is longer.
Recommendations for choosing a puppy
If you intend to purchase water spaniel, then it is best to contact foreign nurseries. The fact is that in Russia and the CIS countries the number of nurseries can be counted on the fingers, and ads on the proposal of such puppies pop up infrequently - not a single specialized breed nursery is not officially registered.
You can find a good puppy by contacting American and English clubs either in FCI. In the US, the puppy price begins from $ 900, and in England you can buy them for 1000 pounds.
There is no data in our country, since the population is extremely small.
Feeding
Feed water spaniels preferably natural high quality products. This not only contributes to the best self-witting of the dog, but still allows you to maintain the normal state of its wool. If you, by virtue of employment, you have the ability to engage in products and cooking mixes, then you can contact ready-made feeds, but required premium or super premium class.
When feeding any water spaniel, certain rules should be followed:
- It is forbidden to give pets sweets, oily and smoked food;
- It is advisable to avoid bread and other bakery products;
- Feeding must be balanced - about 70% of the diet must be meat products (veal, beef and lamb);
- Once or another a week you can add high-quality sub-products to them - liver or heart;
- From time to time you can give chicken and turkey, but it is not completely worth transfering your pet on the poultry meat;
- Once in 10 days fish is allowed, but necessarily white innocent grades;
- The remaining 30% should have to porridge, as well as vegetables and fruits;
- Mounkers must add crushed greens or germinated grains of cereals;
- Once a week is allowed to include eggs and low-fat curds.
Puppies up to six months fed 4-5 times a day. Upon reaching 6 months of age, the amount of feedings are gradually adjusted to 2, and the volume of the proposed portion, on the contrary, increase.
Keep in mind that Spaniels are high dogs with a powerful breast, so they can be difficult to eat from a bowl located on the floor. It is advisable to use the stand, the height of which corresponds to the height of the sternum.
After half an hour after feeding, a bowl must be removed even if the proposed feed is not rejected.
It is very important that the animal always has access to clean drinking water.
Care
Water spaniel is preferable to contain in a private house with a large loft. Pet is allowed in the aviary, in this version of the booth should be insulated. But in any case, the animal should have the opportunity most of the day to walk freely in the yard.
It should be noted that To life in the apartment, water spaniels can be quite easily adapted, but in this case the owners must provide them with constant physical activity - 2-3 one-time walk For at least an hour, it is desirable for a specially equipped for dog sites. The dog should be able to come down and at least once a week to swim. Welcome Active games imitating hunting, issuing tasks for finding objects and contacts with other dogs.
Very important properly care for wool The grooming is rather simple, but it must certainly be frequent. The advantage of the rock lies in the weak severity of the seasonal molting, nevertheless, wool needs regular combat. If you do not pay sufficient attention to this procedure, the dog curls will begin to fall and close access to the skin to check it for the appearance of parasites - ticks and fleas.
Wool is combed at least 2 times a week. First use a brush with a medium-sided bristle, which collects accumulated dirt, and then a comb with small teeth is coming into the course - dead hair is excreted and hair follicles are massaged.
In the warmth of the year should regularly allow the dog to swim in the reservoir - This contributes to the formation of curled curls. In the cold time, the dog needs to be bathed under the shower, special shampoos for dogs are suitable for this, and the air conditioner is not desirable, as it leads to curls.
Every two or three months it is desirable to cut your pet, it is best to contact the services of professionals.
Training and upbringing
Water spaniel is an intelligent and very intelligent dog, which in good hands perfectly gives care of dresser and upbringing. An animal of this breed needs early and comprehensive socialization, it is needed soft, but at the same time a confident approach. You should not lower the pet any desire to obey him, but at the same time gross physical impacts and screams only lead to the fact that the animal closes in itself and no longer wants to continue learning.
It should be borne in mind that Irish spaniel manifests itself in a variety of sports, as a rule, they are involved in the competitions in Ajiliti.
Only the owner should be engaged in raising a dog, who will achieve respect for the dog with confident actions. The standard moisture, reusable repetition of the same lesson does not lead to good results - the dog begins to miss and simply refuses to execute the data to her.
Experienced checologists recommend to give preference to games with a stimulating approach - only in this case can be achieved fast and good results.
Life expectancy and health
In general, water spaniels live 10-14 years. They have a good immunity from nature, these dogs differed endurance and excellent health. Quite quickly adapt to the most unfavorable life situations and therefore rarely sick.
However, there are also typical pathology for this breed, which may occur in lines with a certain periodicity, are attributed to them:
- hyperthyroidism;
- Displays of hip joints;
- Current time;
- tumor processes;
- epilepsy;
- ear pathology;
- Skin diseases.
About how to care for spaniel, you can learn more.