The Irish Water Spaniel is one of the remaining breeds still found in their original working role. But with a wonderful personality, they make excellent companion pets, too! Learn more about Irish Water Spaniel lore, and this dog’s health, exercise needs, and grooming requirements. And to fuel your Irish’s adventures with high-protein dog food, sign them up for Mad Paws Dinner Bowl!
Quick Facts ✔
Height – 51 – 58cm
Weight – 25 – 30kg
Lifespan – 10 – 12 years
Country of origin – Ireland
Breed type – Sporting
- Active families
- Families with children (especially older children)
- Experienced Owners or Owners able to put some extra time into training
Irish Water Spaniel Breed History ♜
There are many odd things about the Irish Water Spaniel. When you dig into this breed’s history—or rather appropriately, dive in— you’ll find folklore, heated debates over DNA, royalty, and another breed cameo that will surprise you. So let’s take a look at this water-loving dog’s background.
Irish Water Spaniels are old. We’re talking “ancient Irish legends” old. And, according to one such captivating tale, the Irish Water Spaniel may just date all the way back to the existence of a fearsome lake monster, the Dobhar-chú! This half otter-half dog creature was the subject of many a cautionary tale, and some believed the Irish Water Spaniel to be a descendent from this folkloric beast, albeit a friendlier one. It would certainly explain their superior swimming skills!
Far from feared, though, the Irish Water Spaniel was a revered doggo. They were excellent hunting partners, earning the moniker of “bog dog” because of their willingness to brave the muddiest of landscapes for their beloved Owners. And, they were sometimes given as gifts—the king of France received an Irish Water Spaniel in the 17th century as a peace offering.
Despite long-standing belief—and legends—claiming the IWS to be a native Irish breed, DNA evidence shows that these dogs share some genetic similarities with other European water-loving breeds, such as the Poodle and the Portuguese Water Dog.
It’s hard to pin down exactly when these influences entered the breeding pool. In fact, theories that the Irish Water Spaniel was used to develop the Portuguese Water Dog makes historians question which dog came first. And without great record-keeping, the genetic overlap doesn’t give us clear answers.
Without a doubt, there’s more speculation about the true origins of the Irish Water Spaniel than fact. We do know that one man, Dubliner Justin McCarthy, was responsible for standardising the breed at the beginning of the 19th century. His prolific dog, Boatswain is responsible for single-handedly creating the line of Irish Water Spaniels we know today.
The Irish Water Dog continues to be a well-respected hunting companion. Unlike many hunting breeds, this dog can function as both a flushing spaniel and a retriever. And with their nearly hypo-allergenic coat and great family skills, they’re a favourite for many modern-day waterfowl hunters. So while they can enjoy a nice domestic life, this dog may never leave the field behind entirely.
Irish Water Spaniel Personality Traits ★
The Irish Water Spaniel has earned the nickname “the clown of the Spaniel family,” and with good reason! These doggos are fun-loving, and their goofy antics will lighten up the mood wherever they go.
Like most dogs with a hunting background, the IWS is a curious, alert, and highly intelligent pup. They are constantly scanning for adventure but will usually make sure to check in with their beloved Owners before they go gallivanting off.
When it comes to family life, these puppers are up for the task! They form strong bonds with all family members, especially children who are old enough to keep up with their rambunctiousness. For the smaller tots, this dog can be patient and gentle, but only if their high exercise needs are met. Otherwise, they can be a bit too squirrely for very young children.
We should note, as well, that this dog loves to be the centre of attention. If they’re going to be in a home with children, be prepared to set aside some special affection and attention for your Irish Water Spaniel. Otherwise, they have no qualms about jumping in your lap to demand it.
While not a shy or overly aggressive dog, the Irish Water Spaniel can be a bit suspicious of newcomers. You might want to warn your houseguests not to take it personally when your pup gives them the cold shoulder. It’s just because this dog saves their affection for the people in their close social group. Given this fact, it’s also a good idea to rely on a consistent Pet Sitter when possible, so that this dog can consider them part of the family.
While they were never bred to guard the homefront, they make excellent watchdogs. That’s not to say that this dog is overly vocal. Indeed, they won’t bark unless they think it’s necessary to protect their family. But they stay vigilant to make sure that everyone in the home is safe and sound.
Aggression towards other dogs and animals can be fairly common in this breed. Special care should be taken with cats and other small pets, and early socialisation is key to prevent aggression with other dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel Trainability & Training Tips
For experienced Dog Owners, this breed is a breeze to train. They’re incredibly smart, people-pleasing, and quick-to-learn. And, they’ll accomplish a range of tasks that go beyond the basic commands.
That said, for less experienced Dog Owners, the IWS poses some training challenges. They’re pretty energetic, which can mean that focus is in short supply. And their playfulness never really goes away. Even in the showring, you’re likely to see these dogs wiggling and tail-wagging through the competition, much to the frustration of their handlers.
Training, then, should be structured but with some leeway for clowning around. As long as you can maintain a good attitude—firm but not overly harsh—and loop this dog back into the training session when they start to stray, they’ll eventually get the hang of things. A good amount of treats is a good way to keep them engaged.
These puppers also have a habit of jumping up on people, which might not be appropriate in households with children. Another reason to focus on quashing the jumping tendency in training would be for those outgoing Irish Water Spaniels who love to jump up on strangers.
At the end of the day, the Irish Water Spaniel is a working dog. They’re absolutely capable of learning whatever you set about teaching them, especially tasks that hark back to their days in the field, such as obstacle courses, dock diving, and retrieving.
Exercise Needs & Living Conditions ⌂
As we’ve hinted at so far, this dog’s temperament has a lot to do with their high exercise needs. Without proper outlets for their deep energy reserves, they can become quite a handful.
Like with all water dogs, the best way to tire out this pup is with a dip in a lake or a trip to the beach. They can spend hours splashing around, and you can incorporate athletic activities like dock diving and playing fetch for more mental stimulation.
With proper socialisation, these doggos also love a good romp around with other dogs, especially other Irish Water Spaniels. But you might find that they’re even more engaged when playing with their Owners, so don’t be surprised if this dog expects you to join in the fun!
When it comes to living conditions, it probably comes as no surprise that the Irish Water Spaniel is not well-suited to apartment-living. These dogs need to stretch their legs, and they love having an outdoor space with shrubs and trees where they can practice their flushing skills.
That said, this pup won’t be content to be left outside to their own devices. They’d much rather go for a long walk with their favourite human or Dog Walker than sniff around the backyard. And, with a tendency towards separation anxiety, they don’t like to be left alone for long stretches.
Interestingly, the Irish Water Spaniel is a bit cat-like in their love for bird-watching. Set them up next to a big open window where they can watch the local fauna and they’re in for hours of mental stimulation. And, because of their generally quiet disposition, you don’t have to worry about them barking or whining while they take in the scenery.
Irish Water Spaniel Grooming ✄
In order to spend long hours in the cold and muddy fields of Ireland, the IWS needed a warm, water-proof coat that wouldn’t weigh them down. The result? A coat of tight curls to keep out moisture, and an oily undercoat for an added layer of protection and warmth. Those curly locs are quite luxurious! But they do need some maintenance.
For starters, you’ll want to invest in a few at-home grooming tools that are designed for the Irish Water Spaniel’s unique coat. This will include a brush for the underlayer and a comb to detangle the curly layer. Because this dog loves to dive into bushes, long grasses, and water, it’s important to groom them at home, often. About once every two or three days.
That thick coat is also a magnet for pests and burrs, so it’s also a good idea to inspect this dog for ticks and debris after every outing. You might also have your groomer keep their coat nice and short for easier inspections.
Speaking of groomers, your Irish Water Spaniel will become good friends with theirs! This dog needs professional grooming, including a doggy bath, nail clippings and trim, once every month-and-a-half to two months. Any more, and you can risk damaging their natural oils.
If you notice your pup’s bangs getting in the way of their eyesight between visits, you can also give your dog a quick trim at home.
As with any water-loving doggo, keep an eye on those ears for signs of infection. And, get your pup on a regular tooth-brushing routine!
Irish Water Spaniel Health +
As far as big dogs go, this breed is blessed with a relatively long lifespan. And, they’re generally pretty healthy puppers. Here are a few health concerns that may be more common in his breed:
- Eye conditions, such as cataracts, entropion, distichiasis, and progressive retinal atrophy
- Certain forms of cancer, such as lymphoma
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Skin Allergies
- Epilepsy
Thanks to this dog’s highly active lifestyle, they also need a healthy diet. Meals that are loaded with protein, vitamins, and minerals will give this doggo the energy they need to run, jump, play, and rest up for their next adventure.
Fun Fact about the Irish Water Spaniel ♥
The Irish Water Spaniel’s tail is wagging constantly. So, you might not even notice at first that it is highly unique! This dog is one of the only breeds you’ll see with a furless tail.
In fact, over the course of this breeds’ history, the Irish Water Spaniel was affectionately called the Rat Tail Spaniel. And, it’s not just a coincidence—it’s part of the breed standard. The whip-like tail is useful in helping this dog navigate in the water. It’s also not likely to get caught in brambles or underbrush. Perfect for a flushing dog like this one!
Final Thoughts on the Irish Water Spaniel
If you were going to throw a dog party, the Irish Water Spaniel would be the one making sure that everyone is having a good time and that there are no slow songs on the playlist. Their energy and rambunctiousness are contagious, and Dog Owners will get used to laughing constantly at this clown-like canine.
That said, they do need the right environment to thrive. A household with older kids is ideal, and very busy Dog Owners will need to set aside some special attention for this spotlight-seeking doggo. They also don’t appreciate being left alone, and may not get along great with cats or other dogs without early socialisation.
This whip-tailed hunting dog is a lovely addition to the right family. While not the most common dog, Owners of the Irish Water Spaniel are passionate about their unique personalities, loyalty, and enthusiastic attitude towards life!
