MyDogBreeds
Weimaraner is originated from Germany but Irish Water Spaniel is originated from Ireland. Weimaraner may grow 11 cm / 5 inches higher than Irish Water Spaniel. Weimaraner may weigh 10 kg / 23 pounds more than Irish Water Spaniel. Both Weimaraner and Irish Water Spaniel has almost same life span. Weimaraner may have less litter size than Irish Water Spaniel. Weimaraner requires Low maintenance. But Irish Water Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance
The Weimaraner is a German breed also know as the Grey Ghost. He was bred to hunt by royalty in the early part of the 19th century. They went after large game including the bear, boar and deer. Once these large game hunts disappeared, the breed became known for hunting small prey like rabbits, fowl and fox.
They are an all-purpose gun dog, hunting, chasing, tracking, pointing and retrieving. They got their name from the city of Weimar in Germany as a favorite of Karl August, the Grand Duke of Saxw-Weimar-Eisenach who hunted with the dogs. They are believed to have descended from either the St. Hubert Hound and Bloodhound, or the Chien-gris dogs.
The breed did not arrive in the United States until the 1920’s. Before that they were barely known outside the city of Weimar. By the 1950’s they were very popular in the States with President Eisenhower having one at the White House.
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.
A very athletic and elegant breed, muscular and lean, the Weimaraner is built for stamina and speed. They are a very unique looking breed, nick named the Grey Ghost due to the appearance and coloration. The breed has a very short coat that fits like skin over his bone structure. It is smooth and hard and runs from a blue-gray to silver-gray to charcoal-blue. The skin is pink not black, the coat is thin with no undercoat.
They should not be black but they can be a longhaired Weimaraner, according to US AKC Breed Standards. In the AKC standards the tail is docked. This has now been changed in standards around the world as many countries are banning tail docking. They have webbed paws and striking amber, blue-gray or gray eyes. The long haired version can only be produced when both parents carry the recessive gene
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 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.
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.
There are a few conditions and diseases that the Weimaraner is subject to but surprisingly for their size hip dysplasia is rarely one of them. There are prone to
Bloat – Gastric torsion when the stomach twists itself and cuts off blood circulation and digestive processes. Bloat is deadly unless caught quickly.
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.
1 Feeding the puppy - Feed high quality dog food with high protein but not rich foods. Rich foods cause digestive issues and eating to fast, too soon before or after strenuous exercise do to threat of bloat. Also do not use the raised foot bowls as they hold an even great risk for bloat. Feed puppy 3-4 meals per day.
2.Feeding the adult Feed high quality dog food with high protein but not rich foods. Rich foods cause digestive issues and eating to fast, too soon before or after strenuous exercise do to threat of bloat. Also do not use the raised foot bowls as they hold an even great risk for bloat. Feed the adult twice a day.
4. Games and Exercises – This is a very athletic and energetic dog. They need activity and will become destructive without it. They develop separation anxiety very easily. They need both physical and mental stimulation. They are great at agility, course running, field trials and CAT.
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.
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.
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.