Irish Terrier Irish Water Spaniel Mix

The Irish Terrier Irish Water Spaniel Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Irish Terrier and the Irish Water Spaniel. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Irish Terrier is known for being respectful, intelligent, and lively. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Irish Terrier or the Irish Water Spaniel? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Irish Terrier Irish Water Spaniel Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Irish Terrier Irish Water Spaniel Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Irish Terrier Irish Water Spaniel Mix puppies for sale.

If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.

Irish Terrier Irish Water Spaniel Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Irish Terrier History

The Irish Terrier sometimes called the Irish Red Terrier has been described as the “poor man’s sentinel, the farmer’s friend, and the gentleman’s favorite.” They are probably one of the oldest Terrier breeds, they were recognized as a breed in 1875 at a dog show in Glasgow, Scotland (you would obviously think this would be Ireland). They quickly gained popularity and were one of the most popular breeds in Great Britain. Cropping of ears was a common practice among many dog breeds, but the Irish Terrier was the start of the banning of the practice. They made their way to the United States quickly but were very useful dogs in World War 1 where they were used as messenger dogs and sentinels. They gained a lot of notoriety and accolades because of their help throughout this time.

Irish Water Spaniel History

The Irish Spaniel has a few nicknames - the Whiptail, Shannon Spaniel, Rat Tail Spaniel, and Bog Dog. They came on the scene in Ireland in the 1830s, from the kennel of a guy named Justin McCarthy. No one really knows the exact breed where they originated but it was more than likely a combination of the Barbet, Poodle type dogs as well as Portuguese Water Dogs. They were more than likely bred to work in the water due to their coat and make-up. They are a very popular dog across the pond but have never gained that much notoriety in the States.

Irish Terrier Irish Water Spaniel Mix Size and Weight

Irish Terrier
Height: 21 - 24 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 45 - 65 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 12 years

Irish Water Spaniel
Height: 16 - 18 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 24 - 27 lb.
Lifespan: 13 - 15 years

Irish Terrier Irish Water Spaniel Mix Personality

The Irish Terrier and the Irish Water Spaniel are both loyal and affectionate. They are also very charming, so watch out! This dog will require a good training regimen as they can get excited. They are very loyal to their family. One of the best things you can do for any breed is to socialize it as much as possible. Please use positive reinforcement, it goes a long way! She should be rather affectionate and love being with you, she can also be stubborn so keep that in mind.

Irish Terrier Irish Water Spaniel Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Irish Terrier mixed with the Irish Water Spaniel might be prone to joint dysplasia, muscular dystrophy, PRA, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Irish Terrier Irish Water Spaniel Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Irish Terrier Irish Water Spaniel Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Irish Terrier Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in