<C>Height:</C> 22 to 24 inches (male); 21 to 23 inches (female).
<C>Weight:</C> 55 to 65 pounds (male); 45 to 60 (female).
<C>Size:</C> Medium.
<C>Availability:</C> Very difficult to find.
<b>History:</> Although there are several different theories about his origins, the Irish Water Spaniel is probably descended from Poodle/Irish Setter or Poodle/Curly-Coated Retriever crosses in early Ireland. In fact, he looks a lot like a brown Standard Poodle. The Irish Water Spaniel gained a reputation in England and Ireland for daring retrieves in frigid waters. He has also been used on upland game and even has a soft enough mouth to retrieve dove. The breed became popular in the United States in the 1800's for duck hunting until the easy-care short-coated Labrador Retriever displaced him. Now considered a rare breed, the Irish Water Spaniel is classified as a retriever by the AKC, allowing him to participate in AKC field sports. The Irish Water Spaniel has the winning combination of strong retrieving ability in any weather and the disposition of a gentle family dog.
<b>Description:</> The largest of the spaniels, the Irish Water Spaniel is a solid brown (leaning to purple), crisp-textured, curly-coated dog with a hairless, rat-like tail and smooth short- coated face. The curly outer coat is lined with a dense undercoat which helps insulate the dog in even the coldest waters. A top-knot of curls on the head hangs down to cover and protect the eyes. The muzzle is long, square and powerful. The long ears are covered with curls. The chest is deep, but rather narrow for free movement when swimming. The hind quarters are as high as or slightly higher than the shoulders. Webbed feet assist in swimming.
<b>Notes:</> Beware of hip dysplasia, hypo-thyroidism and eye entropion. Be sure parents have been OFA-certified and checked for thyroid problems. Avoid timid puppies. May drool and have ear infections. A lot of care in grooming is needed as the coat can tend to mat. Skilled trimming of the coat is necessary. This coat is unusually good for allergy sufferers since it has little dandruff. The Irish Water Spaniel is a quiet dog, barking only when necessary to warn the family. The Irish Water Spaniel is an excellent swimmer.
<b>Personality:</> Very intelligent and trainable, with a desire to please. Eager, bold and confident. Can be somewhat willful, but generally easy-going and gentle. A fine working dog in the field and obedience ring. Devoted, but mischievous and fun-loving. Usually a one-family dog. Some are good guard dogs. Generally does well with other pets if properly introduced. Should be well-socialized as a puppy.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Best with older, considerate children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Reserved with strangers.
<C>Trainability:</C> Easy to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Moderately dependent on people.
<C>Dominance:</C> Moderate.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Generally good with other pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Tends to be fairly dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Not a barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> Extensive grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> Skilled trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Curly coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Very light.
<C>Exercise:</C> Vigorous daily exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> An excellent jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Fairly active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Best with at least an average-size yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Not recommended for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Average (10 to 12 years).
<b>Talents:</> hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdog, agility, and competitive obedience.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> IRISH WATER SPANIEL
Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
