Irish Water Spaniel

HISTORY

ORIGIN IRELAND

GROUP SPORTING GROUP

The Irish Water Spaniel originated in the mid 19th century and was used for retrieving fowl from the freezing water.

APPEARANCE(S)

Irish Water Spaniels are large sized dogs with a sturdy build. The head is medium in size with shorter muzzle than other spaniels, and they have long droopy ears.

COLOR(S)

This breed is most commonly seen in liver.

COAT

The coat of the Irish Water Spaniel is covered in tight curls all over the body except on the face, throat and tail. The coat is water repellent, short, thick and coarse to the touch.

PERSONALITY

ACTIVITY LEVEL

High

POSITIVES

Irish Water Spaniels are loyal and loving to the family. They are smart and engaged and love to play ball and live to swim. They will do well with older children if socialized at a young age. They are very protective of their families and homes.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

This breed needs a lot of exercise and needs to be groomed regularly. They can be aggressive with other animals and do not take to strangers easily. Irish Water Spaniels do not have a lot of patience for being teased. This breed really needs to be around water.

*This is not a good breed for the first time dog owner.

IDEAL LIVING SITUATION

This breed would do best in the city if they have a big yard or country.

HELPFUL INFORMATION/SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

The Irish water spaniel needs to be groomed and have ears cleaned on a regular basis.

BREED RELATED HEALTH CONCERNS

The following conditions are known to be seen in this breed, please look at our A to Z listing to find out detailed information.

• Ear Infections

NATIONAL CLUBS AND/OR ORGANIZATIONS

Irish Water Spaniel Club of America
1930 Marion Ave.
Novato, CA 94945

FUN FACT(S)

The Irish Water Spaniel is the tallest of all the Spaniels.