Irish Water Spaniel vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison

Irish Water Spaniel is originated from Ireland but Canadian Pointer is originated from United States. Irish Water Spaniel may grow 17 cm / 6 inches shorter than Canadian Pointer. Both Irish Water Spaniel and Canadian Pointer are having almost same weight. Both Irish Water Spaniel and Canadian Pointer has almost same life span. Irish Water Spaniel may have more litter size than Canadian Pointer. Irish Water Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance. But Canadian Pointer requires Low maintenance

History

irish water spaniel - historyThe 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.

There are some dog breeds whose history and origins are dubious. The existence of the Canadian Pointer is also a matter of debate, and research reveals very scanty information.

The dog seems to have been a gundog which originated in the United States. Another name for the dog is Adirondak Pointing Dog. The Canadian Pointer was developed from English Pointers, Labrador Retrievers and Portuguese Pointers during the 19th century. He was used for hunting and retrieving prey such as birds and rabbits.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Gun dog
Origin:
Ireland
United States
Height Male:
51 - 59 cm
20 - 24 inches
56 - 76 cm
22 - 30 inches
Height Female:
51 - 59 cm
20 - 24 inches
56 - 71 cm
22 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
22 - 27 kg
48 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
20 - 27 kg
44 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 12
5 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Rat Tail, Southern Irish Water Spaniel
Adirondak Pointing Dog
Colors Available:
Dark Brown, Liver
Dark brown and white, black and white or a fawn color and white.
Coat:
Longish hair - thick and very curly
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

irish water spaniel puppy - descriptionA 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.

Temperament:

The Canadian Pointer makes for an excellent family pet. He is intelligent, excitable, loving and devoted, forming a strong bond with his human family. Active and excitable, it is this very energetic characteristic which will require him needing training and socialization. He is inclined to want to jump up against his family at the sheer joy of seeing them.

Although he loves country life, his love of human companionship allows him to adapt to city life and he is non-aggressive and can be a placid pet with children and other pets in the home.

Looks:

The Canadian Pointer is a medium- to large sized breed of gundog. He has a lean, well muscled body with a short, coarse coat. The coat can be dark brown and white, black and white or a fawn color and white. The coat can also be freckled in parts.

He is a gundog belonging to the HPR group. HPR stands for hunting, pointing and retrieving. Weighing roughly 22–27kg, he stands about 56 – 76cm in height. Sometimes the tail is docked but otherwise it is left so that it’s medium length and is held straight out and level with the body. The ears of the Canadian Pointer are fairly short and floppy.

Characteristics

irish water spaniel dog - characteristicsYour 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.

The Canadian Pointer is a dog who thrives on hard work and they are strong-willed, confident and boisterous but never aggressive. They’re intelligent and alert and respond well to training and socialization. Once trained he works hard to please his owner.

The Canadian Pointer is independent and can be aloof around strangers, but he just loves his human family and makes every effort to please them and be around them whenever he can. Treat him properly and he will give you endless hours of enjoyment and companionship.

Health Problems

irish water spaniel puppies - health problemsA 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.

Pointer dogs are looked upon as a healthy breed, but having said that, they aren’t immune to illness, and there are some common dog diseases that you should be aware of -

Hip Dysplasia:

This disease is caused by a malformation of the hip joint. This ailment can result in pain and discomfort for your pet as well as arthritis and even lameness. Unfortunately there is no cure but the vet can do a lot to make life more comfortable for your pet.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

This is a genetic eye disease where your pet gradually loses vision. The retina deteriorates and stops functioning.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

irish water spaniel dogs - caringYour 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.

Training and Exercise:

The Canadian Pointer was specifically developed to be a hunter so he is an energetic dog. When it comes to caring for him, training and socialization can make him an even more amicable pet. He is muscled and lithe and you want to keep him that way by ensuring he is well exercised.

Take him on walks, into the park with ball and frisbee or let him run while you cycle. Don’t leave him without exercise as he can become frustrated and ill.

Grooming:

The Canadian Pointer is a low maintenance breed with his short coat. You’ll need to give his coat a good brushing twice a week to rid him of loose hairs to keep the hair shiny and healthy.

Check for Ear Infections:

Dogs like the Canadian Pointer with floppy ears will need to have their ears checked for infections to avoid hearing loss. You’ll see your dog shake his head, the inside of his ears may be red and he could have a moist discharge.

Remember that yeast and bacteria are problems with floppy-eared dog breeds and you’ll need to ensure that the ears are cleaned and kept dry. Be careful if you don’t know how to do it, and get advice from your veterinarian on how to attend to the ears of your dog.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. English Springer Spaniel vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  2. Brittany vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  3. English Setter vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  4. French Brittany vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  5. Pudelpointer vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  6. Picardy Spaniel vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  7. Ariege Pointer vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  8. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  9. Irish Water Spaniel vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  10. Canadian Pointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. Canadian Pointer vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  12. Canadian Pointer vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  13. Canadian Pointer vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  14. Canadian Pointer vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  15. Canadian Pointer vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  16. Deutsch Drahthaar vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  17. Clumber Spaniel vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  18. Stabyhoun vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  19. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  20. Vizsla vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  21. Large Munsterlander vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  22. Tyrolean Hound vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  23. Cockalier vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  24. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  25. Cesky Fousek vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  26. Pudelpointer vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  27. Picardy Spaniel vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  28. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. Irish Water Spaniel vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  30. Irish Water Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  31. Irish Water Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  32. Irish Water Spaniel vs English Setter - Breed Comparison
  33. Irish Water Spaniel vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  34. Irish Water Spaniel vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  35. Irish Water Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  36. Irish Water Spaniel vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  37. Irish Water Spaniel vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  38. Irish Water Spaniel vs Ariege Pointer - Breed Comparison
  39. Irish Water Spaniel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  40. Irish Water Spaniel vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison
  41. Irish Water Spaniel vs Clumber Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  42. Irish Water Spaniel vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  43. Irish Water Spaniel vs Cesky Fousek - Breed Comparison
  44. Irish Water Spaniel vs Drentse Patrijshond - Breed Comparison
  45. Stabyhoun vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  46. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  47. Vizsla vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  48. Large Munsterlander vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  49. Tyrolean Hound vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds