Irish Water Spaniel Dog Breed Profile

by Luke Blaise

AKC Group: Sporting Group

The Irish Water Spaniel is the tallest of the Spaniel breeds, and also one of the rarest. Its coat is tightly curled like that of a Poodle which makes is great for allergy sufferers. Liver in coat color, it is a very intelligent dog.

History

A breed of old lineage, there's proof of the Irish Water Spaniel dog's existence in the 7th and 8th centuries AD. But the modern form of this breed did not exist until the mid 1800's. It is believed that Portuguese Water Dog, Poodle, and Barbet breeds were used to create the Irish Water Spaniel, but no concrete records exist of this fact.

Physical Features

Well-boned and solidly built, this breed is of moderate length which makes it a bit rectangular in appearance. The tallness of the breed varies between 22 to 24 inches, and the weight varies between 55 and 68 pounds.

A properly balance dog that shouldn't look coarse or leggy. The snout is deep, long and fairly square in appearance. His nose is dark liver in shade and big. The face coat is smooth and short framed by the unique ears and topknot of loose, long curls. Coat colors varies from dark liver to rich liver with a purplish tinge, occasionally known as puce liver. No markings or white hair apart from the graying of age are allowed.

Personality

Very active, alert and inquisitive. Stable in character with a charming spontaneity. Clever and able to learn quickly. A caring family dog.

Common Health Problems

The Irish Water Spaniel dog is susceptible to hip dysplasia, hypo-thyroidism, eye entropion and ear infections.

Return to: Complete AKC Dog Breed List

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