

Photo by Dan lggers
Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Profile:
Origin: Ireland
Colors: Brown
Size: Medium
Type of Owner: Experienced
Exercise: Vigorous
Grooming: Extensive
Trainability: Easy to train
Combativeness: Tends to be dog-aggressive
Dominance: Moderate
Noise: Not a barker
Physical characteristics
The Irish Water Spaniel is a medium to large size dog with a strong build, good boning, and a crisp-textured curly coat. The body is somewhat rectangular, with an overall well-balanced look, neither leggy nor coarse. The deep chest is rather narrow for free movement when the dog swims. The head is cleanly chiseled. The muzzle is long, square and powerful. The lips are fine in texture, tight and dry. The large nose is dark brown. The even teeth should meet in a scissor or level bite. The long pendent ears are well-covered with curls. The eyes are relatively small and almond shaped, with tight eyelids. The "Rat Tail" is a distinctive feature of the breed; it is strong, low set and carried level with the back. At the base, the tail is covered with short curls that stop abruptly. That is for two or three inches long. From that point, the tail is covered with smooth hair, which makes it appear hairless. The gait is free and well-balanced.Irish Water Spaniels weigh 45 to 65 pounds. The height is 21 to 24 inches. This is the largest Spaniel breed.