Irish Water Spaniel
Other Names: Whip-tail, Shannon Spaniel
Country of Origin: Ireland
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Sporting
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Sporting
United Kennel Club (UKC): Gun Dog
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Gun Dogs
The Kennel Club (KC): Gun Dogs
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Gun Dogs
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Gun Dogs
- Height:
- Male: 22–24 inches; Female: 21–23 inches
- Weight:
- 45–68 pounds
- Color(s):
- Solid liver (rich puce-liver)
- Coat:
- Dense, tight, water-resistant curls; the tail is smooth (the rat tail)
- Description:
- The Irish Water Spaniel is Ireland’s retrieving spaniel, used on waterfowl in cold rivers and bogs. The rat tail and the topknot set it apart from other spaniels. The AKC places it in the Sporting Group; the UKC classes it as a Gun Dog.
- Temperament:
- These spaniels are typically clownish at home, reserved with strangers, and serious in the water. They need swimming or field work, not just a short walk. A bored Irish Water Spaniel will invent trouble.
- Training:
- They learn quickly and get bored with drill. Start water work early and keep sessions upbeat.
- Care & Grooming:
- Do not brush the curls out; keep them clean and prevent mats. Dry the ears after swimming.
- Shedding:
- Low; loose hair is held in the curls.
- Health:
- Irish Water Spaniels may develop hip dysplasia, ear infections, and eye disease. Ask breeders about hip and eye testing.
- Lifespan:
- 12–13 years
- Litter Size:
- 4–8 puppies
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