Irish Water Spaniel
12 - 13 yearsLife Expectancy
The tallest of all spaniels, this large, versatile sporting dog is distinguished by its crisp, curly purplish-brown waterproof coat, distinctive smooth tapered 'rat tail', and characteristic topknot. Bred for retrieving waterfowl from cold Irish waters, combining intelligence with a playful, alert nature.
Breed Statistics
- Energy Level3/5
- Trainability5/5
- Playfulness5/5
- Protectiveness3/5
- Barking1/5
- Drooling2/5
- Good with Children3/5
- Good with Other Dogs3/5
- Good with Strangers3/5
- Shedding1/5
- Coat Length1/5
- Grooming3/5
Physical Attributes
| Height (Male) | 22 - 24 inches |
|---|---|
| Height (Female) | 22 - 24 inches |
| Weight (Male) | 55 - 68 lbs |
| Weight (Female) | 45 - 58 lbs |
Breed History
Ancient Irish breed with modern development in the 1830s primarily by Justin McCarthy. Bred for retrieving waterfowl from cold Irish waters, mentioned in Irish literature as early as 1600s and recognized by AKC in 1884