Irish Water Spaniel

[Mossdog 27]

I admit it! I want an Irish Water Spaniel!

 

I have seen lots of springers and labs and cockers and asked loads of questions and watched very carefully, but I just can't drop the idea of a IWS!

 

I've read through the SIWSC website and looked at a few breeders' websites, but is there anyone out there with 1st hand experience of either working one themselves or seeing one at work and can recommend any specific lines?

 

Are there any 100% working lines left, or if not, are there any 'dual purpose' show/ wprking lines that do regularly cut it as working dogs?

 

Edited July 28, 2010 by Mossdog

[HLF 0]

Try this, or do a search on this forum.

http://forums.pigeonwatch.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=51294&hl=irish+water+spaniel

[EastTyrone 2]

ive heard of people using working water spaniels and they say thuat their marking skills are 1st class are superd and even for rough shooting they are not so bad either

[marlin vs 7]

I had one year's ago,and she came from a working strain i'll never allow one inside the door again they are not called the clown of the spaniel family for nothing,she was the most useless dog I ever had I wouln't let one look at a labrador.

[gene66 4]

I went to the Confined Breed Annual Water Test/Working test at chillington, there was some excellent dogs. I've been waiting for 12mts so far to get a pup, so get your name down with a breeder.

I know there a few litters planned later this year/early next year, let me know if you want some info.

[Mossdog 27]

Thanks everyone - the weblink was really helpful

 

Once I move house I am going to have a chat with a friend who has had them for years and look at putting my name down for a pup, or rehoming a working-lines one.

 

I get the distinct impression that a Water Spaniel is a state of mind, as much as a dog if that makes sense and I definitely like to do my training in short, fun bursts with lots of laughs - but at the same time, I am pretty ruthless on myself in terms of monitoring my progress and taking my time to ensure everything is learnt properly.

 

The only drawback is that I might have to start hanging round with pickers-up and I think beaters have much more fun!

[Lab 10,979]

Thanks everyone - the weblink was really helpful

 

Once I move house I am going to have a chat with a friend who has had them for years and look at putting my name down for a pup, or rehoming a working-lines one.

 

I get the distinct impression that a Water Spaniel is a state of mind, as much as a dog if that makes sense and I definitely like to do my training in short, fun bursts with lots of laughs - but at the same time, I am pretty ruthless on myself in terms of monitoring my progress and taking my time to ensure everything is learnt properly.

 

The only drawback is that I might have to start hanging round with pickers-up and I think beaters have much more fun!

It it turns out to be useless then you wont be hanging around with anyone.......... Good luck in your quest though.