Having visited discover dogs yesterday I spent a while talking to the people on the iws I have been interested in them from a far but rarely see any. What knowledge to cd people have about them.   6or those who know me I am not about to embark on a new puppy lol just found them very interesting and sounded not unlike some of the flat coat traits !
  

I am hopefully going to be getting a IWS in a couple of years time.

I have been very interested in the breed for a few years and had the pleasure of meeting the Judith Carruthers and the wonderful Merlin a few months ago ( he was the dog that got Best in Group at Crufts this year if you remember)

They are not for the feint hearted and are renouned for being clowns. I love their spirit but they need a firm direction in training or can become a handful ! 

I just love the breed.

Thats interesting you will have to tell me more. Are they like flatties ? it was the way the person was talking about them ( she had had 3)and what i have read. Where have you been researching ? you rarely if ever see them at shows although I will have to make apoint of hunting the group down next show I do.
It would be years down the line if I really decided to have one but never to early to learn. Training wouldnt be a problem as in activities to do with one

Merlin went Best in Show at Gundog Breeds of Scotland yesterday.

Dawn R.

why do I live so far away from most of the big gundog shows grrrr :)

Yes I saw that he had. He has done so well with Judith , she should be very proud of him.

He's won a number of BIS from recalling many of the papers so is often at the general ch shows FF. x

Will have to keep look out sj x

There are 4 IWS in our village :) obviously all owned by same person .

The one I've met (huge sample size hehe) was by all accounts a bit of a brat when he was younger - he used to play up when in at work (vets) and needed a muzzle, but once he grew up he turned into a lovely boy - Yes a total clown but happy to do anything. I've known him since he was 3 or so, and he's made me really like the breed - as you say not many around but definately one on the "one for the future" list :)

I missed the IWS at DD. I have admired them in pictures, though. My wish list is now longer than my arm! Russian Black Terrier or Spineone is probably top! Or a Leonberger!

After years of having Labradors I bought my first IWS in January of this year (one of Merlin's daughters, bred by Judith). If I had to sum up the breed in one word I think it would be 'challenging'. You need to be firm with them otherwise they'll run rings round you. My girl pushed me to the limit in the first few months I had her, despite me not being a soft touch. However, at almost a year old she's now very well behaved and a delight to live with. One things you have to have is a thick skin, because you'll constantly be asked if you have some sort of doodle :)