Irish Water Spaniel

Origin & history

Ireland is the home of this breed, with the modern dog credited largely to Justin McCarthy of Dublin, whose dog Boatswain in the 1830s is regarded as the foundation of the type. They were built to retrieve waterfowl from the bogs, lakes and estuaries of Ireland, where a dense waterproof coat and webbed feet earned their keep in miserable conditions. Through the second half of the 19th century the breed spread to Britain and North America and was a common sight in shooting parties. Numbers fell through the 20th century as other retrievers took over, and the breed is now fairly rare worldwide, including in Australia, where it is kept by a small group of dedicated owners. It remains a recognised gundog rather than a fashionable pet.

Temperament

At home this is an affectionate, playful dog that bonds hard with its people and likes to be involved in whatever is going on. With children it is generally good-natured and patient, though its size and enthusiasm suit a family with older kids better than one with toddlers. It tends to be reserved rather than gushing with strangers, which makes it a fair watchdog without being noisy or sharp. Most get on well with other dogs and with household pets they are raised alongside, though the strong retrieving drive means small fast-moving animals can be tempting. They are intelligent and trainable but think for themselves, so they respond far better to reward-based, varied training than to drilling. A bored, under-exercised Irish Water Spaniel will find its own entertainment.

Appearance

This is the tallest of the spaniels. Dogs stand around 53 to 59 cm at the shoulder and bitches roughly 51 to 56 cm, weighing in the region of 25 to 30 kg with a strong, slightly square outline. The coat is a defining feature: dense crisp ringlets of solid liver (a rich purplish brown) covering the body, a topknot of longer loose curls falling over the eyes, and a smooth tapering "rat tail" free of curl. The muzzle is also smooth-haired, the ears long and low set under heavy curl, and the feet webbed for swimming. The expression is alert and faintly comical.

Suitability

A house with a securely fenced yard suits this breed far better than an apartment, and access to water for swimming is close to ideal. The owner should be active and genuinely keen on training, walking and outdoor activity, since this is not a dog that thrives lying around. They cope with being left for a normal working day if well exercised, but long stretches of isolation lead to boredom and destructiveness. First-time owners who are committed and willing to learn can manage one, though the independent streak and grooming workload catch some people out. The dense coat gives reasonable insulation, so in hot Australian conditions provide shade, fresh water and exercise in the cooler parts of the day, and never leave one shut in a hot car or run.

Health

Most Irish Water Spaniels live around 10 to 12 years. The best-known concern is hip dysplasia, so insist on parents with hip scores. Eyes deserve attention too, with hereditary cataract and other eye conditions reported, which is why annual eye testing of breeding stock matters. The breed has a noted sensitivity to certain anaesthetics and to some routine vaccinations and treatments, so it helps to use a vet who knows the breed. Some lines carry a raised risk of cancers, and elbow problems turn up occasionally as well. Buy from a breeder who hip and elbow scores, eye tests annually and can talk openly about what has appeared in their lines rather than waving the questions away.