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Irish water spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is the tallest of the spaniels and one of the most distinctive dogs there is: a coat of tight liver-coloured ringlets over the whole body, a pronounced topknot, and a smooth whip-like rat tail that is bare of curls.

It stands 51 to 61 centimetres, weighs 20 to 30 kilograms and lives ten to twelve years. It is a serious water retriever with real stamina, and its temperament is more independent and clownish than most gundogs — enthusiasts describe it as having a sense of humour. It carries one drug sensitivity that every owner needs on the dog's veterinary file.

Origin
Ireland; the tallest spaniel, a water retriever
Size
51–61 cm; 20–30 kg
Lifespan
10–12 years
Coat
Tight liver ringlets with a topknot and a smooth rat tail
Temperament
Independent, clownish and enthusiastic
Health
Sulfonamide drug sensitivity; hip dysplasia; follicular dysplasia

Related: American water spaniel · Boykin spaniel · Cavalier King Charles spaniel · Clumber spaniel · Cocker spaniel

2 irish water spaniel photos, newest first

  • Sesame II, a irish water spaniel

    Sesame II

    Sesame II was promoted to hotel concierge receiving impossible luggage; unfortunately, a pile of cushions slowly topples.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Sesame II, a irish water spaniel

    Sesame II

    This is Sesame II's chair now. It was mine on Tuesday.

    MerryBadger · 2 weeks ago

Living with a irish water spaniel

Tell every vet about sulfonamide sensitivity. Irish Water Spaniels react badly to sulfa-based antibiotics, sometimes severely, and it should be recorded on the dog's file before it is ever needed.

The curly coat needs combing to the skin every week and trimming every couple of months. It sheds little but mats readily, especially after swimming.

Dry the ears after every swim; infections are routine otherwise.

Ask for hip and elbow scores and eye testing.

They need substantial exercise and water work, and they are independent enough that training needs to stay interesting. They are reserved with strangers and bond strongly at home.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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