Mary Allen
Introduction: English Water Spaniel
The English Water Spaniel is a breed of dog that originated in England and was used for hunting waterfowl. It is a medium-sized dog with a curly coat and a distinctive head shape. The breed was popular in the 19th century but declined in popularity in the 20th century, and is now considered rare.
Historical Background of the Breed
The English Water Spaniel is one of the oldest spaniel breeds, with references to a water spaniel type dog in English literature as far back as the 1600s. The breed was developed in England for hunting waterfowl, and was prized for its ability to retrieve game from water. The breed was very popular in the 19th century, but declined in popularity in the 20th century as other breeds became more popular for hunting and companionship.
Physical Characteristics of the Breed
The English Water Spaniel is a medium-sized dog with a curly coat and a distinctive head shape. The breed has a broad, square head with a long, narrow muzzle and a pronounced stop. The ears are long and pendulous, and the eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The body is muscular and compact, with a deep chest and a strong, level back.
Weight Range of an English Water Spaniel
The weight range for an English Water Spaniel is between 35 and 60 pounds. Males are typically larger and heavier than females, with an average weight of 45 to 60 pounds, while females typically weigh 35 to 50 pounds.
Height Range of an English Water Spaniel
The height range for an English Water Spaniel is between 18 and 22 inches at the shoulder. Males are typically taller than females, with an average height of 20 to 22 inches, while females typically stand 18 to 20 inches tall.
Body Length of an English Water Spaniel
The body length of an English Water Spaniel is typically around 25 to 30 inches from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. The breed has a compact, muscular body with a deep chest and a strong, level back.
Head and Face Structure of the Breed
The English Water Spaniel has a distinctive head shape, with a broad, square head, a long, narrow muzzle, and a pronounced stop. The ears are long and pendulous, and the eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The breed has a friendly, intelligent expression.
Coat and Color of an English Water Spaniel
The coat of an English Water Spaniel is curly and dense, and typically comes in shades of liver, brown, or black. The breed has a distinctive coat texture that is water-repellent and helps protect the dog from the elements.
Gender Differences in Size
Males are typically larger and heavier than females, with an average weight of 45 to 60 pounds and an average height of 20 to 22 inches. Females typically weigh 35 to 50 pounds and stand 18 to 20 inches tall.
Comparison with Other Spaniel Breeds
The English Water Spaniel is a medium-sized spaniel breed that is similar in size to the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Springer Spaniel. However, the English Water Spaniel is a more rare breed than either of these other spaniel breeds.
Factors Affecting Size Variation
Genetics and breeding practices are the primary factors that affect the size of an English Water Spaniel. Other factors that can affect size include diet, exercise, and overall health.
Conclusion: Average Size of an English Water Spaniel
The average size of an English Water Spaniel is between 35 and 60 pounds in weight, and 18 to 22 inches in height at the shoulder. Males are typically larger and heavier than females, and the breed has a distinctive head shape and curly, water-repellent coat. While the breed is rare today, it has a long and interesting history as a hunting dog in England.