Irish Water Spaniel

Dog Breed Group

Sporting Dogs 

Origin of Breed

Ireland, water bird retriever. 

Life Expectancy

10 - 12 Years 

Color

Rich, dark liver. 

Coat

Dense, tight ringlets on neck, body and top part of tail; longer, curling hair on legs and topknot; face, rear of tail, and back 

Exercise Needs

Regular daily exercise is a necessity and he should also be given the opportunity to swim as much as possible. 

Temperament

The Irish Water Spaniel is responsive, playful and inquisitive. A great intelligence, quick learner, fun-loving personality has  

Good with Children

Will tolerate children if no rough housing occurs. Dog aggressive, needs to be properly introduced. 

Grooming Needs

Weekly grooming with a steel comb is necessary to maintain his curly coat mat free. Pay special attention to behind the ears. So 

Average Size - Male (in)

22 - 24 

Average Size - Female (in)

21 - 23 

Average Weight - Male (lbs)

55 - 65 

Average Weight - Female (lbs)

45 - 58 

Health Issues

Coat and skin problems., hip dysplasia, thyroid problems and seizures.v

Living Conditions

Home with a fenced yard. 

Breed Description

The Irish Water Spaniel presents a picture of a smart, upstanding strongly built sporting dog. He has a wonderful temperament and unique appearance making him an enjoyable breed. He loves water and will often take a flying leap into any body of water he encounters. The tallest of the spaniels, he excels in retrieving wildfowl. It is believe the Irish Water Spaniels is the survivor of the Southern Irish Water Spaniel found in Southern Ireland and another Water Spaniel found in Northern Ireland who is believed to be similar to the English Water Spaniel.

Breed Infobits

The Irish Water Spaniel is an active dog that will thrive on regular exercise and is very happy to perform retrieving tasks.