Family: Spaniel
Breed Group: Gun Dog, AKC Sporting
Origin: Ireland
Date of Origin: Ancient, the breed we know today originated in the early 19th century
Originally used for: Hunting
Used today: Companion, Sporting
Other Name(s): Parti-Colored Setter
History of the Breed: The largest of the spaniels, the Irish Water Spaniel is a dog of very ancient lineage, and there is evidence of
Irish Water Spaniel-type remains going back as far as the 7th and 8th centuries AD. In the late 12th century, dogs found in southern Ireland
below the River Shannon were called Shannon Spaniels or Irish Water Spaniels. Specimens were given to royalty, and records document the
"Water Spagnel" with "long, rough, curled hair and a tail somewhat bare and naked." Irish Water Spaniels share a common lineage with the
Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, and Barbet, but it is unclear how they are related. The Irish Water Spaniel is considered a rare breed.
General Appearance: Strongly built and well boned, the Irish Water Spaniel is a dog of medium length, slightly rectangular in appearance.
The head is cleanly chiseled with a large skull high in the dome and with a gradual stop. The muzzle is long and square with a deep mouth
opening. The nose is large and liver colored. The hair on the face is short and smooth, except for a beard which grows in a narrow line at
the back of the jaw. The hazel eyes are almond shaped and medium in size with tight eyelids. The ears are set low, with leathers reaching to
the end of the nose when extended forward. The ears are abundantly covered with long curls, extending two or more inches below the tips of the
leathers. The body is covered in a topknot of long, loose curls that are dense and liver colored, contrasted by a smooth face and a smooth rat
like tail.
Height & Weight:
Height 21-24 Inches
Weight 45-65 Pounds
Coat: The Irish Water Spaniel has a double coat and this coat is important in protecting the dog while it works. The neck,
back, sides, and rear are densely covered with tight, crisp ringlets, with the hair longer underneath the ribs. Forelegs are well
covered with abundant curls or waves. The hind legs should also be abundantly covered by hair falling in curls or waves, except that
the hair should be short and smooth on the front of the legs below the hocks. The hair on the throat is very short and smooth, forming a
V-shaped patch. All curled areas should be clearly defined by curls of sufficient length to form a sharp contrast with the smooth coat on
face, throat, tail, and rear legs below the hocks. Fore and hind feet should be well clothed with hair both over and between the toes.
Color: Solid liver with a purple hue.
Grooming needs: High
Temperament of Breed: Best suited to a home where it is working.
Friendly with children: Yes
Friendly with other dogs: Yes, should be socialized at an early age
Suitability as a watchdog: Excellent
Exercise Level: High, this breed requires daily exercise
Health Issues with the Breed:
Major: Hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, entropion, immune dysfunction
Minor:
Life Expectancy: 12-14 Years
2006 AKC Ranking: 139
First Registered by the AKC: 1878
Registries: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
ACR -American Canine Registry
AKC -American Kennel Club
ANKC -Australian National Kennel Club
APRI -American Pet Registry Inc.
CKC -Continental Kennel Club
CKC -Canadian Kennel Club
FCI -Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB -Kennel Club of Great Britain
NKC -National Kennel Club
NZKC -New Zealand Kennel Club
UKC -United Kennel Club
Breed Organizations & Associations:
The Irish Spaniel Club of America (IWSCA)
Sporting Irish Water Spaniel Club (SIWSC)
Irish Water Spaniel Association of Canada (IWSAC)
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