Irish Water Spaniel

The breed

The Irish Water Spaniel is a distinctive, medium-to-large sporting dog with a dense coat of tight, crisp curls in a rich liver-brown color. Its long, curly topknot, clean-looking face, and smooth “rat tail” set it apart from other spaniels. Strongly built and athletic, it was developed for working in water and often has an alert, confident expression.

Irish Water Spaniels are generally intelligent, energetic, and playful dogs with an affectionate, sometimes clownish personality. They are often devoted to their families and can be reserved around unfamiliar people until they feel comfortable. Curious and eager to participate in activities, they tend to enjoy retrieving, exploring, and spending time outdoors.