MyDogBreedsKerry Beagle is originated from Ireland but English Water Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom. Kerry Beagle may grow 10 cm / 4 inches higher than English Water Spaniel. Kerry Beagle may weigh 7 kg / 16 pounds more than English Water Spaniel. Both Kerry Beagle and English Water Spaniel has same life span. Both Kerry Beagle and English Water Spaniel has almost same litter size. Both Kerry Beagle and English Water Spaniel requires Low maintenance.
The Kerry Beagle is an ancient dog breed, thought to go back as far as the 16th century and looked upon as one of the oldest of all the Irish dog breeds. The dog was introduced to Ireland by the Celts.
It is believed to have descended from the Old Southern Hound or Celtic Hounds.The Kerry Beagle was taken by Irish immigrants to America and is a foundation breed in the development of the Coonhound for hunting and scenting.
The Kerry Beagle isn't recognized by the AKC but has been recognized by the Irish Kennel Club in 1991. It is still rare outside of Ireland and it hasn't been recognized by major kennel clubs.
The English Water Spaniel breed is extinct and has been since the early 1900’s. It was last seen in the 1930s. The breed was a hunting breed, diving for duck and hunting other waterfowl. Legend has it that Shakespeare was referring to this breed of dog in Macbeth when he refers to the “water rug”. Again, in Two Gentlemen of Verona one of the character states about another that “She hath more qualities than a water-spaniel.’
The English Water Spaniel came along before the Irish Water Spaniel and had a part in the development the Curly Coated Retriever, the American Water Spaniel and the Field Spaniel. The English Water Spaniel looks somewhat like a Poodle/Springer Spaniel cross or a Collie. It is not known whether the English Water Spaniel was part of the development of the Irish Water Spaniel.
When the English Water Spaniel was first developed the UKC had a “Water Spaniels other than Irish” and the English Water Spaniel had no standard written and accepted for it yet. But by 1967 the breed was extinct. Still the American Water Spaniel and the Flat Coated Retriever are believed to be descendants of the English Water Spaniel.
The Kerry Beagle is a medium sized dog with a solid physique. He stands at about 56 – 61cm and weighs between 22 and 27kg. He has a broad head with drop ears. His eyes are large and deep set and are a yellow to brownish color, giving the dog an intelligent expression.
His coat is short and the most common color for this dog is black and tan, but you can also find tan and white or some blue mottling as well. He is a lean, muscled dog with a deep chest and legs which are slim and long, providing the dog with the ability to pick up speed on a hunt. The tail of the dog is long and slightly curved and carried level.
As a packhound this dog is a serious hunter. He may look aggressive as he goes after his prey but he is actually a calm, well-balanced, friendly dog who forms a strong, loving relationship with his human family.
He is also gentle and playful with children in the home and also gets on well with other dogs too. He is intelligent and will readily respond to training and socialization. It's a dog that just loves being outside, especially when there is something to do, such as playing ball games or going on a long walk.
He is alert and inquisitive and makes an excellent watchdog. A home with a good sized garden will be ideal for the Kerry Beagle, though it can be kept in small gardens in the city too, just so long as he is given the opportunity for daily exercise.
Resembling the Springer Spaniel, poodle, collie and setter the English Water Spaniel has very little in common with the Irish Water Spaniel in respect to looks. The English has a narrow and somewhat longer head their than other spaniels and they have long furry ears. Their body is stout, and they are shaped like a barrel – more like a Clumber. With long legs and large feet, it is ready to take to the hunt. There coat was waterproof, and their toes were webbed.
The Kerry Beagle may well be quite an aggressive dog when showing off his hunting skills, but when it comes to being around his human family, he softens up and becomes a gentle, loving friend.
He is an affectionate playmate for children and also gets on well with other dogs you may have in the home.
Your Kerry Beagle is alert, intelligent and active, and when you have one of them as a 4-legged family member, you'll discover what a wonderful, devoted companion he can be.
The English Water Spaniel was aloof with strangers but loyal with his hunter. He was a little stubborn and an excellent water dog. They loved being in the water and could enter it without making any noise so as not to frighten his prey. He was highly intelligent and trainable. He also was very affectionate with his people.
If your Kerry Beagle is ill or injured you need to get him to the vet for a full assessment. As a puppy he will also need certain vaccinations to protect him from some life-threatening illnesses as well as getting de-wormed.
Bad smelling breath is a symptom that your pet's teeth need checking. If you're not sure how to maintain his teeth, make sure your Kerry Beagle has professional dental cleaning to ensure his gums and teeth are kept in a healthy state. Your vet will give you advise on how to watch for periodontal disease.
In hot weather particularly, check your dog over for fleas and ticks and remove them.
Heartworm is a fatal disease which which can affect your dog. Speak to your vet about treatments as living in a hot, wet area opens you pet up to bites from infected mosquitoes.
The English Water Spaniel is a fairly healthy breed given to some fairly common disorders such as:
Can lead to lameness and arthritis
Arterial fib and flutter and other problems that could lead to death.
This is a disease seem in several “Dwarf” breeds such as Corgis, as well as in many spaniels. This is the canine version of Lou Gehrig’s Disease or ALS and it is fatal.
Because of the short coat of the Kerry Beagle, he is looked upon as a low maintenance dog. He doesn't shed very much, and simple grooming is required such as brushing the coat twice a week.
His nails will also need to be clipped, as left long, they can hook on things and rip your pet's flesh.
You will need to check his teeth and also check inside his ears. Dogs with floppy ears are more prone to infection in the ears and this can cause terrible pain for your pet.
If you keep your Kerry Beagle as a hunting dog, you will know that active dogs like these have different dietary requirements to companion dogs.
All that activity requires top quality nutrition and a certain amount of calories. If you're buying dry kibble, make sure its the highest quality so that he doesn't require huge portions to satisfy him. Leading canine nutritionists recommend a hunting dog like this be fed a large meal once a day and preferably in the evening, after all the hunting action.
The English Water Spaniel is not an overly energetic dog and has a tendency to over eat. Feed him 1 to 1.5 cups of high quality dry dog food over two meals each day.
In addition to the health issues mentioned earlier, the English Water Spaniel is also prone to:
Pattern baldness – is genetic and occurs on the neck and back of the hind legs.
English Water Spaniels can have these in old age like most other breeds.
Clumps form in the retinal tissue and can lead to blindness
The English Water Spaniel was a worker and an outdoor athlete at a time before organized canine games and activities such as agility and flyball. They loved to swim, and they loved to hunt. Without a job to do they could become barky and destructive.