Basic Information

The Irish Water Spaniel is a striking, solidly built sporting dog that is highly intelligent, combining stamina with boldness, and a lively, enthusiastic temperament. One of its unique features is the long, loose curls on the topknot, contrasted by dense, defined liver-colored curls on the body, and a smooth face and “rat tail.” Cheerful, obedient, smart, sensitive, and playful in nature, it is the tallest member of the spaniel family and excels at retrieving game, especially waterfowl.

Originating from Ireland in the 19th century, this breed was developed under the supervision of Justin McCarthy, although he kept the origins of the breed strictly confidential. As a result, the precise lineage of the Irish Water Spaniel remains unclear. It is believed to be a cross between the Portuguese Water Dog or other curly-haired breeds such as the Poodle and local Irish dogs. In 1864, a painting of a dog named “Reek” caught public attention—many believe Reek, depicted in the painting, carried the ancient bloodline of the now-extinct Southern Irish Water Spaniel, a foundational ancestor to many excellent gundogs and show dogs.

Because of its exceptional swimming ability and water-resistant coat, the breed was ideal for use in marshy, muddy areas and was widely used to retrieve waterfowl such as ducks and swans. In the 21st century, although no longer primarily used for hunting, the Irish Water Spaniel has gained popularity as a delightful family companion due to its intelligence, loyalty, and trainability.

Temperament

Energetic, active, enthusiastic, determined, and highly enduring. With a keen sense of smell, the Irish Water Spaniel excels in retrieving wild birds and serves as an excellent flushing dog, especially adept in aquatic environments.

Pros and Cons

With proper training and leadership, the Irish Water Spaniel can accept a human as the pack leader, but without that, it may not be suitable as a pet. It thrives in pack settings, requires a great deal of exercise, and is not well-suited to city life. It dislikes being left alone and needs regular grooming to maintain coat health.

Feeding Guidelines

Though medium in size, the Irish Water Spaniel requires 200–250 grams of meat per day, along with a proper mix of cooked vegetables, biscuits, or rice. In addition to maintaining food hygiene, portion control is essential—overfeeding should be avoided to prevent obesity and loss of physical appeal.

The breed has a greater need for physical activity compared to other dogs, so it is important to provide sufficient daily exercise to meet its energy requirements.

The Irish Water Spaniel values cleanliness. It should be brushed daily to keep the coat clean and glossy. Bathing should be done regularly depending on the weather; during cooler seasons such as spring and autumn, the coat must be dried immediately with a hairdryer to prevent colds. In winter, extra care should be taken after bathing.

Due to their high intelligence, Irish Water Spaniels are relatively easy to train. From an early age, they should be taught to follow commands and avoid using their teeth or claws on household items like clothes, curtains, tablecloths, and sofas. They should also be trained in hygiene, including defecating in designated areas.

A notable characteristic of the Irish Water Spaniel is its tendency to bark. If not properly trained, it may bark excessively, disturbing household peace. In extreme cases, debarking surgery may be considered to control incessant barking.