Irish Water Spaniel

Standard Irish Water Spaniel Characteristics

About the Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel, also called the Parti-colored Setter, was discovered in Ireland in the 1800's as a water retrieving dog.

Today, the Irish Water Spaniel is used as both a companion dog and water retrieving dog..

Irish Water Spaniels are very smart dogs who are easy to train. They love to please their owner and work hard when needed. Although they can do well in a family environment, these dogs do best when in a sinlge parent home. These dogs are generally quiet but willwill bark when they need to alert their owner to something. These dogs have a fun loving side. They love to please their owner but like to play games with them as well. Their ability to learn certain behaviors and tricks helps them to act somewhat micheviously. They will use the skills they have to their advantage when needed. They do tend to be somewhat reserved when they meet new people but after a while will warm up to that person. These dogs drool and slobber and are hard to keep out of water. They love to swim and retrieve whenever they can.

This dog has a very chiseled face and very high set skull. Their muzzle is square, their mouth is deep set, and their lips are very thin. The color of their nose is most commonly large and liver in color.Their facial hair is very short although they do have a beard along hte jaw line. They also have very curly hair which grows on the head and falls bewteen the eyes and over the ears. Their hazel almond shaped eyes are set clost to their nose and are quite expressive. Their ears are very long , are set low and are covered in curls. They have a very long neck which arches smoothly into their sloping shoulders. Their topline is very level and continues though to their thin, very short tail. Their legs are straight and thin and are covered in curls.Their feet with webbed toes are very large and thick and are covered in curly hair.Their liver colored coat, like most large breeds, is doubles and provides the dogs with a lot of protection. The top coat is very curly and coveres most of the body. Tight curls cover the neck, back, sides and rear area of the dog while larger curls cover the legs. The hair on the face anf neck area is short and smooth.The undercoat is very thick and helps to insulate the dog when it is in the water.

Like other large breed dogs, Irish Water Spaniels are prone to dysplasia, entropion and ear infections.

These dogs can live in an apartment but do best when in a home with a medium sized yard. They have a lot of energy and need regular exercise. If they are left outside without attention however, they can get into trouble.

More Information on the Irish Water Spaniel Breed: