The Irish Water Spaniel Community

The Irish Water Spaniel is the largest and oldest of the spaniel breeds, a distinctive curly-coated water retriever from Ireland with a history extending back at least to the sixteenth century, where it was described in historical texts as a uniquely capable wildfowling dog excelling in the bogs, rivers and tidal waters of Ireland. The modern breed type was consolidated in the mid-nineteenth century, primarily through the work of Justin McCarthy of Dublin, who stabilised the recognisable type with its dense liver-coloured curls, distinctive topknot and the unique smooth rat tail that is the breed's most immediately identifying characteristic. The Irish Water Spaniel was exported to Britain and the United States during the Victorian era, where it gained recognition as a serious working retriever. Registered by the Kennel Club in the Gundog Group, it is an uncommon breed in the United Kingdom today despite its historical prominence. The Irish Water Spaniel is unmistakeable in appearance. The coat is an extremely dense mass of tight, liver-coloured curls covering the entire body with the exception of the face, the throat, and the characteristic smooth rat tail - a feature unique to the breed among spaniels. A loose curly topknot covers the crown of the head. The liver colouring is consistent throughout the breed with no other colours permitted. Adults typically stand 51 to 58 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 20 to 30 kilograms. The character is intelligent, active and genuinely amusing - the Irish Water Spaniel is known for its clownish personality and boisterous sense of humour within its own household, a quality observed and remarked upon consistently throughout the breed's history. It is loyal and affectionate with its family, active and enthusiastic rather than calm, and can be initially reserved with strangers before warming to them. It retains a strong working drive and genuine love of water, readily entering rivers, lakes and the sea with enthusiasm. The coat, while not shedding significantly, requires consistent grooming attention to prevent the tight curls from matting. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks is the standard requirement. Hip dysplasia is the primary health concern and both parents should be scored through the BVA/KC scheme. Hypothyroidism is documented in the breed. A particularly important health note is the documented sensitivity to certain vaccines in the Irish Water Spaniel - owners should inform their veterinary surgeon of this before any vaccination appointment. Purchase prices from KC-registered, health-tested breeders range from £800 to £1,500. Monthly running costs average £100 to £170. The Irish Water Spaniel Association is the primary resource for breed information, health testing, responsible breeders and rescue contact.