Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is the largest of the spaniel breeds and one of Ireland's oldest native dogs.
The modern breed was substantially developed by Justin McCarthy of Dublin during the early nineteenth century, when it was prized as a versatile wildfowling dog capable of working in cold, rough water conditions.
25-34kg
Weight
Medium
Size
12-14yrs
Lifespan
About the Irish Water Spaniel
This heritage has shaped the breed's exceptional swimming ability, powerful nose and willing temperament. Standing 51–61 centimetres at the shoulder and weighing 25–34 kilograms, the Irish Water Spaniel is immediately distinctive with its densely curled, liver-coloured waterproof coat and characteristic smooth rat tail. A topknot of loose curls crowns the head, giving the breed its characteristic appearance. Temperamentally, the Irish Water Spaniel is playful, inquisitive and clownish, displaying lively intelligence and responsiveness to training. It is devoted and affectionate with family members but can be reserved with strangers, making early socialisation important. This is a spirited, fun-loving breed that genuinely loves water and active outdoor pursuits. With exercise needs exceeding two hours daily, the Irish Water Spaniel is best suited to active families who can match its enthusiasm and energy. For owners prepared to engage with its intelligent, entertaining personality, it makes a rewarding and devoted companion.
Irish Water Spaniel at a Glance
⚠ Vulnerable Native Breed
The Irish Water Spaniel is listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed by the Royal Kennel Club, meaning fewer than 300 puppies of this breed are registered each year in the UK. These are British and Irish breeds at risk of disappearing simply because not enough people know they exist. Choosing one of these breeds helps keep an important part of our heritage alive.
- Group
- Gundog
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 25–34 kg
- Height
- 51–61 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Medium
- Sheds
- Yes
- Exercise
- More than 2 hours per day
- Typical price
- £800–£1500
Irish Water Spaniel Temperament
The Irish Water Spaniel is a lively, comical and highly intelligent breed with a warm affection for its family and a genuine love of human companionship. Beneath its distinctive brown curly coat lies a spirited, fun-loving character that enjoys being fully involved in family activities. It is playful and devoted with those it knows, though it can be reserved around strangers at first. An enthusiastic and capable working dog, it loves water, retrieving and any active outdoor pursuit. Its intelligence and eagerness to please make it a responsive and trainable breed, though it benefits from variety in its training to stay engaged. This is a rewarding companion for active families who can match its energy and enthusiasm.
Irish Water Spaniel Lifestyle
The Irish Water Spaniel does well in a smaller home and is ideally suited to a home with a big garden. They are equally happy in town or country.
Dog Food for Irish Water Spaniel
Top-rated foods for Medium breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Irish Water Spaniel
Irish Water Spaniel Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Irish Water Spaniel weighing around 30 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£5.22 - £5.57
Per month
£157 - £167
Per year
£1906 - £2032
Irish Water Spaniel Characteristics
The Irish Water Spaniel requires significant daily exercise and outdoor time and is very responsive to training and loves to please. They are a fantastic choice for families with children, but don't need constant company, though they do enjoy being around people. The coat needs brushing a couple of times a week to stay in good condition and leaves some hair around the home but isn't excessive. Exceptionally clever, they thrive when given jobs to do or puzzles to solve.
Irish Water Spaniel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Distinctive curly coat repels water naturally, keeping the dog warm in wet conditions
- Highly intelligent and trainable, performing well in both working and family roles
- Affectionate and playful with a quirky sense of humour that owners love
- Low-shedding coat that suits households where allergies are a concern
Cons
- Needs at least two hours of vigorous exercise each day to remain settled
- Regular grooming is required to prevent the coat from matting
- Prone to separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods
- Better suited to experienced owners who understand strong-willed, confident breeds
