Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is the tallest of all spaniel breeds and one of the most distinctive — its rich puce-liver curly coat (a unique colour found in no other breed), smooth "rat tail" (completely bare of curls, tapering to a point), and smooth face give it an unmistakable appearance.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Ireland
Lifespan
10–12 years
Weight
20–30 kg (45–65 lbs)
Height
51–58 cm (20–23 in)
Exercise
40 to 60 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality food for an active large sporting dog.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Irish Water Spaniel is the tallest of all spaniel breeds and one of the most distinctive — its rich puce-liver curly coat (a unique colour found in no other breed), smooth "rat tail" (completely bare of curls, tapering to a point), and smooth face give it an unmistakable appearance. Developed in Ireland in the 1830s by Justin McCarthy, whose breeding records were never shared, the IWS is an enthusiastic water retriever used in the bogs and loughs of Ireland for waterfowl hunting. It is sometimes called the "clown of the spaniel family" for its playful, comical personality.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A large, substantial spaniel with a uniquely coloured rich liver-purple (puce-liver) coat of dense, tight curls covering the body, contrasted with the smooth "rat tail" and smooth face. The distinctive appearance — curly body, bare whip tail, smooth face — is unlike any other breed.
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Low
Brushing
2-3x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-3-4-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Bold, inquisitive, and playful — the Irish Water Spaniel has a comical, clown-like personality. Energetic and enthusiastic. Somewhat independent — requires firm, positive training.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
3/5Attention Need
3/5Friendliness
3/5Playfulness
4/5Protectiveness
3/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Small-Garden
Daily Exercise
40 to 60 min/day
Ideal Weather
0°C to 25°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
30%
Attention
30%
Playfulness
40%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
aloofness, clownish hyperactivity, barking, pacing, avoidance of strangers
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •1.5–2 hours vigorous exercise daily including swimming. The curly coat requires periodic trimming and brushing to prevent matting. Low shedding.
Nutrition Notes
Drug sensitivity — sulfonamide antibiotics and some other drugs can cause adverse reactions. Generally healthy breed. Omega-3 for coat. Joint supplements for working dogs.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Hip dysplasia. Hypothyroidism. Epilepsy. Drug sensitivity (sulfonamides specifically). Follicular dysplasia (hair loss). The tallest spaniel breed. Distinctive "rat tail" (smooth, no feathering). Known as the "clown of the spaniel family." 10-12 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
1300 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
900 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Hip dysplasia. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Hypothyroidism — elevated in the breed. Sulfamide drug sensitivity — some IWS react severely to sulfa antibiotics; carry a medical alert.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Among the rarest spaniel breeds. Curly liver coat with distinctive smooth rat tail. Low-shedding but needs grooming. India: essentially unavailable.
Purchase Price
$1,200 to $2,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Irish Water Spaniel's "rat tail" — completely bare of curls, tapering to a point like a rat's tail — is one of the most distinctive characteristics of any dog breed. The tail is used as a rudder when swimming.
The Irish Water Spaniel's unique puce-liver colour — sometimes described as "liver-purple" — is a colour found in absolutely no other dog breed. The warm, slightly purplish tone of the liver coat is a defining characteristic of the breed.
