The Irish Water Spaniel, also known at times as the Southern Irish Water Spaniel, the Irish Water Dog, the Bogdog, the Rat-Tail Spaniel, the Shannon Spaniel, McCarthy’s Breed and the Whip-tail Spaniel, is an intelligent breed known for its characteristic topknot and peak of hair between its eyes. It is also known for its unusual tail, which has curly hair the first four inches from the base, while the rest of the tail is nearly hairless. The Irish Water Spaniel was bred as a bird-dog and is the tallest of all spaniels. Unlike other spaniels, this breed was not developed to flush birds but rather to jump into the frigid waters of Ireland to retrieve dead or wounded wildfowl. He loves water, and his coat is naturally water-resistant. The Irish Water Spaniel was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1884 as a member of its Sporting Group.
The average Irish Water Spaniel stands 21 to 24 inches high at the shoulders and weighs between 45 and 65 pounds. A naturally-oily double coat, with tight ringlets, is critical to the breed standard, providing protection for the dog while it is working in water or on land. The hair on the face, throat, tail and lower rear legs should be smooth and short. The unique, dark liver coloration of this breed has an almost purplish sheen. The Irish Water Spaniel should be groomed regularly to prevent matting. This breed is not prone to shedding hair or dander. According to the American parent club, “no existing breed of dog has a more marked individuality of type and no breed has shown less inclination to diverge from it.”
The remains of dogs nearly identical to the Irish Water Spaniel, dating back to the 7th or 8th century A.D., are documented in reports from archaeological expeditions to Ireland conducted in the 1930s. The modern version of this ancient breed is thought to have developed in southern Ireland sometime in the late 1100s, before the time of King McCarthy II. Sir Robert Cecil reportedly sent an Irish Water Spaniel to the King of France in
The individual personality of Irish Water Spaniels vary from dog to dog. Some are energetic and outgoing, others are shy and prefer to laze around the house. You can't really tell what your adult Water Spaniel will be like based upon his behavior as a puppy, either. However, all Water Spaniels are loving family companions who adore their families, have a zest for life and have a propensity for clowning around. He can make a
The Irish Water Spaniel is the largest of the spaniel breeds, sporting a solid brown, crisp-textured, curly coat and a topknot of curls that protects the eyes. The muzzle is long and square, ending in a large, liver-colored nose and teeth that meet in either a level or scissors bite. The chest is deep, the forelegs are powerful without being bulky, and the hindquarters are muscular and set as high or higher than the shoulders,
The saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words”. Check out the many different Irish Water Spaniel Pictures and Irish Water Spaniel images. Get an in depth look at the Irish Water Spaniel and see the many things that this breed has to offer.