The Irish Water Spaniel is known as the clown of the spaniel family and will think of creative ways to do even the most mundane of tasks. This is the tallest spaniel breed with great strength and intelligence and many other unique characteristics like its signature “rat tail” which is thick and covered with curls at the base and tapers smoothly to a fine point with short hair.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: Ireland
Used for: Hunting and retrieving
Average Life Span: 10-12 years
Color: Liver
Coat: Curly and water-resistant
Average Height: 20-23 inches
Average Weight: 45-65 pounds
Group: Gun dog, Sporting group AKC
History and Domestication
This is an ancient dog and evidence points towards its lineage going back to 7th and 8th century AD. Though there are no breeding records of the Irish Water Spaniel, it is said to be developed from the Poodle and the Irish Setter, Curly Coated Retriever or the Portuguese Water Dog. These dogs were popularly used for the dual purpose of hunting and retrieving. They can work in both land and water and retrieve in the most frigid of waters. Overtime, the breed lost its sheen and is now considered a rare breed.
Standard Physical Characteristics
The Irish Water Spaniel is the largest spaniel with a large head and a square and deep muzzle with a gradual stop. The nose is large and dark live in color. The almond-shaped small eyes are brown. The long ears are set low and hang close to the head. The chest is deep but narrow with straight front legs. The feet are webbed and round and covered with hair.
Care, Grooming and Health
The curly coat of these dogs needs to be trimmed regularly. It needs to be combed once a week as it mats very easily. These dogs shed little or no hair.
The Irish Water Spaniel is a hunting dog with a great stamina and hence needs a lot of physical exercise. It needs to be taken on long daily brisk walks, jogs or allowed to run alongside your bicycle. They also enjoy swimming and retrieving. These dogs are prone to eye entropion, hip dysplasia, and hypothyroidism and ear infections.
Living Conditions
As these dogs need a lot of physical activity, they are better suited in the suburbs or country. They do best with an average-sized yard.
Temperament
Devoted and spirited, the Irish Water Spaniel is an intelligent dog. It is self-assured and is always willing and eager to please. This dog is clever and learns very quickly. The Irish Water Spaniel makes a loving family pet but can be reserved with strangers. It will get along with other pets if properly introduced. These dogs can be quiet and bark only when necessary to warn its pack and hence make good watchdogs. They have a great stamina and a good nose and live for a job. Some of them may act as guard dogs.
