Irish Water Spaniel vs German Longhaired Pointer - Breed Comparison

The Irish Water Spaniel is one of the larger spaniel types and also one of the oldest.

He is sometimes referred to as the Southern Irish Water Spaniel. Hailing from Ireland, the precise origins of the dog aren't altogether sure. It is believed that the dog came from other dogs from Persia and there are references to these water dogs from as early as 1600.

The modern breed was developed in Ireland in the 1830s. The breed's purpose is that of a hunter of waterfowl and he swims strongly.

The Irish Water Spaniel was recognized by the AKC in 1884. In 1890 the Irish Water Spaniel Club was formed.

Looking at the German Longhaired Pointer you may think that you’re looking at a type of Setter dog or even a large Spaniel. These pointing dogs, hailing from Germany, are gun dogs or working dogs, having always been used to track game.

They were developed at the end of the 19th century, as breeders were specifically looking for a dog that was faster than the wiry- and short hair German pointers. Crossing English Setters and Pointers gave breeders this German Longhaired Pointer and the dog was shown for the first time in Germany in 1879.

Known as the GLP or Deutsch-Langhaar, the dog has the bloodlines of water dogs and scenthounds, and way back In 1897, Baron von Schorlemer wrote the first standard for the German Longhaired.

A peculiar feature of this dog is its hairless tail which is partly covered in curls which the rest is all but hairless, giving him the nickname of Rat Tail or Whip Tail.

Looking much like a Poodle with his tight oily curls, the Irish Water Spaniel is a medium to large sized purebred dog, a robust, compact built dog with a skull which is shaped like a dome.

The muzzle is longish, the eyes dark brown and intelligent looking and the ears are long and floppy.

His hair is thick and curly and it sheds very little so that the dog is regarded as being hypoallergenic. The medium length coat is a dark brown, liver color with fairly tight curls that may even tend to cover the eyes.

It is interesting to note that he has webbed feet, which is useful for when the dog swims.He stands at roughly 51cm to 61cm and weighs between 25 to 30kg.

Temperament:

Temperament in any dog is affected by socialization and the way the human owner raises the dog. The Irish Water Spaniel is a water loving dog, being active and energetic.

He is an intelligent dog and easy to train and socialize. When trained he becomes such an obedient dog. He has also got a light-hearted side to him and is actually known to be quite amusing and clownish, providing plenty of laughs for you.

They make good family dogs, getting on well with children in the home as well as with other pets. They're also able to make good guard dogs, taking the protective roles seriously. He isn't an aggressive dog but he has a warning bark that can be a good warning to intruders.

Athletic and lean, the German Longhaired Pointer is a medium to large sized dog standing at 60 – 70 cm in height and weighing 25 to 32kg.

With his webbed feet, he can move with great speed. It is why the dog isn’t suited well to life in the city really, as he has always been a dog used to working and running over large areas. He will appreciate being with an active owner.

The beautiful double coat is medium length, slightly wavy and with feathering around the legs, chest and tail. The tail itself is carried stretched outwards or kept low. It is rich brown to coppery color, while some white can sometimes be found on the chest and paws. The attractive dog has brown eyes, a black nose and ears which are long and floppy.

Temperament:

Intelligent, gentle and amicable the German Longhaired Pointer is an affectionate, loyal dog who is also social, getting on well with other pets in the home as well as with children.

Being the loyal dog that he is, it makes him susceptible to separation anxiety so he should never be put into the backyard and left day after day on his own.

Your active Irish Water Spaniel just loves water so you can count him in whenever you go swimming. That is one characteristic of the Irish Water Spaniel – he just loves to be involved in all the action you're busy with.

He makes an ideal family pet for an active family, and he will be a loyal and devoted pet who will provide a lot of fun to your family with his mischievous side.

He is confident, independent and strong willed so first time dog owners should bear this in mind. He is essentially just a fun loving, busy dog and if you make sure to exercise him well and make sure he is a participating member of your family, he'll be your most loving and devoted friend.

German Longhaired Pointers are calm, friendly dogs who want to please their owners. They’re really intelligent too so training and socialization won’t be difficult with this bright dog.

Once trained, he makes an excellent, loyal and loving family pet. With a firm, kind, consistent type of owner, the German Longhaired Pointer is guaranteed to make you a wonderful pet.

A generally healthy breed, the Irish Water Spaniel, just like with most other dogs, can fall prey to some of the more common dog ailments of which hip dysplasia is one.

Bone and joint problems like this can lead to lameness even in young dogs.

Eye diseases are also a problem, and cataracts can form in the eye, particularly when the dog is older and create a cloudy look to the eye. It's not painful for the dog.

Hypothyroidism, a treatable hormonal disorder is another disease worth being aware of.

You’ll find that with an excellent diet and lots of love and care your German Longhaired Pointer can easily push 12 to 14 years of age.

If you’re a novice dog owner, talking with your vet will give you a good idea of how to feed your dog to ensure longevity.

No matter how vibrant and energetic your pet is, there may well come a day when he is lethargic, he just wants to lie, he doesn't want to eat and he doesn’t jump up to greet you. Then it’s time for concern and to get your 4-legged friend to the vet.

There are several health problems associated with dogs that are worth researching – hip dysplasia, skin allergies, progressive retinal atrophy, allergies and cataracts.

Grooming:

Your Irish Water Spaniel requires quite a bit of grooming that will involve his coat, his nails, his teeth and his ears. The double coat doesn't shed much so it can be easily maintained by brushing the coat twice a week.

It can help your water spaniel to look good by sending him in to a doggy grooming parlor to have his curls neatened. This is a dog that loves water and swimming, and you will need to check the inside of his ears for dampness, wax build-up and debris. This can all combine to cause nasty ear infections.

Exercise:

The dog is energetic and will need to be exercised. Take him for walks, play ball games with him and allow him to go on hikes with you or to go swimming. He loves being involved in all your activities as he is a social, active dog.

Diet:

Highly energetic, it will be important to feed your Irish Water Spaniel with food that enhances his energy levels. There are some good quality commercially manufactured dog foods on the market. Choose one that caters for active, athletic dogs such as the Irish Water Spaniel.

Dry kibble is more recommended to prevent canine tooth decay. Mix in some home cooked foods from time to time such as cooked chicken, rice, pasta and vegetables and try to include some raw meat every now and then as well. Make sure he has constant access to fresh, cool water.

Diet:

German Longhaired Pointers have the same kind of nutritional needs as all other active working or sporting dog breeds. He needs high quality food, and if you feed him a commercially manufactured food, make sure its the best and that it has minerals and vitamins for active, large breeds. Most of the dog food companies have breed-specific formulas for size, age and activity levels of dogs.

Always ensure an ongoing supply of cool, fresh water is available to him.

Grooming:

The coat of the German Longhair can become matted and he will require brushing at least twice a week to keep the hair free of loose hairs as well as burrs that could lead to the coat becoming untidy and tangled. The ears will also have to be watched as thick matting can occur. Also check the inside of his ears to avoid dirt and wax build up which can lead to ear infections.

General grooming will also be reqired such as checking the length of the nails if they aren’t naturally worn down. Don’t neglect his teeth and brush 2 or 3x a week with canine toothpaste and toothbrush.

Exercise:

Your German Longhaired isn’t a dog who likes to spend his days lying round. He is energetic and loves to be on the go. From robust ball games to rope games, running with you as you go running, swimming or cycling, this dog can’t seem to get enough exercise and will want to be included in all your activities.