Smalandsstovare vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Smalandsstovare vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed ComparisonIrish Water Spaniel is originated from Ireland but Smalandsstovare is originated from Sweden. Both Irish Water Spaniel and Smalandsstovare are having almost same height. Irish Water Spaniel may weigh 12 kg / 27 pounds more than Smalandsstovare. Both Irish Water Spaniel and Smalandsstovare has almost same life span. Irish Water Spaniel may have more litter size than Smalandsstovare. Irish Water Spaniel requires Moderate Maintenance. But Smalandsstovare requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Hound dog
undefined
Ireland
Sweden
Height Male:
51 - 59 cm
20 - 24 inches
46 - 54 cm
18 - 22 inches
Height Female:
51 - 59 cm
20 - 24 inches
46 - 54 cm
18 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 12
2 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Rat Tail, Southern Irish Water Spaniel
Smaland Hound
Colors Available:
Dark Brown, Liver
Black with tan markings
Coat:
Longish hair - thick and very curly
Shortish and thick
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal, Seasonal
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, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

irish water spanielThe 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.

smalandsstovareThe Smålandsstövare has got quite a long history and dates back to the 1600s. He is the smallest of the Swedish hound breeds. This is a scenthound.

Hounds similar to the Smålandsstövare were bred with European hounds and then brought to Småland and bred with local spitz-type farm dogs to create the foundation stock for the Smålandsstövare.

The dog was used to hunt but nearly died out in the 20th century, but breeders restored it and the first official standard emerged by the Swedish Kennel Club in 1921.

The Smålandsstövare is a rare dog breed but it is recognized by the American Rare Breed Association as well as other major kennel clubs, one of which is the Federation Cynologique Internationale as well as the United Kennel Club.

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.

smalandsstovare puppy - descriptionThe Smålandsstövare is a muscled, compact looking dog. The double coat is shortish to medium length and is thick and quite coarse to the touch. He sheds seasonally. The coat is usually black with tan markings.

The high set ears are medium length and floppy, the head is slim and the tail can be naturally short. Sometimes the tail is long and can be slightly curved in the spitz-like sabre fashion.

The eyes are brown and friendly. The height of these dogs is about 46 to 54cm and he weighs anything from 15 to 18kg.

Temperament:

Usually a well behaved, quiet, calm, gentle dog, the Smålandsstövare takes his role as guard dog seriously, wanting to protect his family.

His good temperament ensures he gets on well with all members of the family. He is full of energy and will need to be exercised well, whether it be ball games in the garden, a walk around the block, a run in the park or joining his family on hikes and camping trips.

It is why he won’t settle down well on a small property in the city. He needs larger premises to expend his energy, and if in cramped premises without exercise, he may resort to barking and whining and this may well drive your neighbors bats.

Training and socializing your Smålandsstövare will be necessary and it should be easy as he is intelligent.

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.

smalandsstovare dog - characteristicsThe Smålandsstövare is a robust dog with a lot of stamina. He will be wanting a lot of exercise and is ideal as a pet in the suburbs or the countryside but not ideal for city living.

He makes a wonderful family pet, forming strong bonds with his owners. He makes an excellent watchdog too wanting to protect his family, and with this amicable, calm dog, you’re going to have a true friend.

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.

smalandsstovare puppies - health problemsThe Smålandsstövare is a rare dog breed and not much is known about congenital conditions to which he may be particularly prone.

With good care he can reach 14 or 15 years of age. The floppy ears put him at risk for ear infections, while other conditions to watch for include hip dysplasia, cancer, bloat and obesity.

Ear Infections:

If you see your dog shaking his head or pawing at his ears, look inside because the ears may be red and inflamed. It is important to get help quickly for ear problems in dogs.

Ear canals are sensitive so if you don’t want to clean the ear and work on it yourself it is important to get your pet to the vet. The vet will clean your dog’s ears and also prescribe antibiotics.

For future treatment, you will need to clean your dog’s ears and keep them dry. If you don’t want to do this yourself, make sure to get him to professional groomers who will do this for you.

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.

smalandsstovare dogs - caringChoosing a good diet is imperative for the Smålandsstövare. Choose a commercially manufactured dog food high in vitamins and minerals.

Give your dog a treat by providing him with some home-made food. It can be added into the dry kibble about twice a week as a treat. Boil brown rice and chicken in a pot and add in sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. Chop all this up and give it to your dog in small portions. Also try to include some raw meat into the diet.

Never leave your pet without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

The Smålandsstövare is a very energetic breed and he is going to require some vigorous exercise every day. Take him for walks, allow him to run with you when you cycle or jog or take him swimming.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Irish Water Spaniel vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Irish Water Spaniel vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Irish Water Spaniel vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Irish Water Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Irish Water Spaniel vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Irish Water Spaniel vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Irish Water Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Irish Water Spaniel vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Irish Water Spaniel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Irish Water Spaniel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Irish Water Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Irish Water Spaniel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Irish Water Spaniel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Irish Water Spaniel vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Irish Water Spaniel vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Irish Water Spaniel vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Irish Water Spaniel vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Irish Water Spaniel vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Irish Water Spaniel vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Irish Water Spaniel vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Irish Water Spaniel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Irish Water Spaniel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Irish Water Spaniel vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Irish Water Spaniel vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Smalandsstovare vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Smalandsstovare vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Smalandsstovare vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Smalandsstovare vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Smalandsstovare vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Smalandsstovare vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Smalandsstovare vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Smalandsstovare vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Smalandsstovare vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Smalandsstovare vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Smalandsstovare vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Smalandsstovare vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Smalandsstovare vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Smalandsstovare vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Smalandsstovare vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Smalandsstovare vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Smalandsstovare vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Smalandsstovare vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Smalandsstovare vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Smalandsstovare vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Smalandsstovare vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Smalandsstovare vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Smalandsstovare vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Smalandsstovare vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Smalandsstovare vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison