Irish Water Spaniel
The tallest of the spaniels, a curly-coated water retriever with a distinctive rat-like tail. Intelligent, eager and affectionate, with a low-shedding coat that needs regular care.
Irish Water Spaniel scorecard
Overview
The Irish Water Spaniel is the tallest of the spaniels and one of the most distinctive of all gundogs, with a dense coat of crisp liver-coloured curls, a topknot of loose curls on the head, and a smooth, tapering "rat tail" that is unique among breeds. Bred to retrieve from water and rough cover, it is an intelligent, eager and versatile working dog.
Standing around 51–59 cm and weighing roughly 20–30 kg, it is a strong, athletic dog with a low-shedding curly coat that needs regular care. Affectionate and devoted with its family, it combines a clownish sense of fun with serious working ability, suiting active owners who can keep it busy.
Good to know — a Irish Water Spaniel needs plenty of space and manageable for committed beginners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The breed as we know it was developed in Ireland in the 19th century, with Justin McCarthy of Dublin generally credited as a key figure in fixing the type around the 1830s. Its exact ancestry is uncertain, but it likely drew on older Irish water dogs and curly-coated retrieving breeds, producing a specialist for wildfowling in the bogs and waterways of Ireland.
It was among the breeds recognised in the early days of organised dog showing and is registered today by the UK Kennel Club within the Gundog group and by the FCI. Never numerous, it remains a relatively rare breed, valued by enthusiasts for its working talent and singular looks.
Temperament & family fit
Irish Water Spaniels are intelligent, affectionate and good-humoured dogs with a well-known playful, even mischievous, streak. They bond strongly with their families and are typically good with children, and many retain a youthful sense of fun throughout their lives.
They can be somewhat reserved or aloof with strangers compared with the more universally outgoing spaniels, which makes early and ongoing socialisation important. They generally get on with other dogs, are not especially noisy, and are alert without being natural guard dogs. As sensitive, clever animals they do best with owners who engage them thoughtfully.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
Highly intelligent and keen to work, the breed learns quickly and enjoys having a task, but its cleverness comes with a degree of independence and a need for variety to prevent boredom. Positive, motivating, reward-based training brings out the best in this sensitive dog, while repetitive drilling or harsh corrections can cause it to switch off.
Early socialisation helps temper any reserve with strangers, and recall and retrieve work play to the breed's natural strengths. With its stamina and brains, the Irish Water Spaniel excels at gundog work, water retrieving and a range of canine sports.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Irish Water Spaniel typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The curly, low-shedding coat needs regular care to prevent matting, with brushing and combing several times a week and periodic trimming to keep it tidy. Because it sheds very little, loose hair stays in the coat and must be removed by grooming. Pay particular attention to the hairy, pendulous ears, which need regular checking and cleaning to prevent infection, and trim hair around the pads.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding a Irish Water Spaniel
Feed a complete, quality diet appropriate to the dog's age and active lifestyle, split into two meals a day to suit a large, deep-chested frame. As with other deep-chested breeds, avoid one large daily meal and keep vigorous exercise away from mealtimes. Match portions to body condition to keep this athletic dog lean and fit.
A large breed
An adult Irish Water Spaniel typically weighs 20–30 kg, so a healthy Irish Water Spaniel eats a fair amount compared with other breeds. Every feeding guide on a bag is written per kilo of body weight, not per breed — start there, then adjust to the dog in front of you.
Life stage
A large breed is usually done growing at 15–18 months, which is roughly when a puppy food has finished its job. With a typical lifespan of 10–12 years, there is a long adult stretch in the middle; switch to a senior food when your vet thinks it is worth it rather than on a birthday.
A high-energy dog eats like one
Irish Water Spaniels sit at the top end for energy, and a dog working through an hour and a half of real exercise a day burns through the feeding guide faster than a dog on a short stroll. Feed to the dog's condition, not to the middle of the range on the bag.
Joint support is worth looking for
Their size and frame put more load through the joints than a smaller dog carries, so a food with joint support on the label is worth reading for — and keeping them lean does more for their joints than any supplement.
Weight matters more than usual here
A long back or a heavy frame makes every extra kilo count twice. Weigh portions rather than eyeballing a scoop, and reduce the food rather than the walks if the waist starts to disappear.
How much should a Irish Water Spaniel weigh?
Adult 20–30 kgfully grown at 15–18 months
| Age | Stage | Typical weight | Of adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Just home | 2.3–3.4 kg | 11% |
| 3 months | Young puppy | 3.7–5.6 kg | 19% |
| 6 months | Growing fast | 7.4–11.1 kg | 37% |
| 12 months | Adolescent | 14.9–22.3 kg | 74% |
| 15–18 months | Fully grown | 20–30 kg | 100% |
A guide, from the same rule of thumb our puppy growth predictor uses — each age is that share of the way to maturity for a large breed. Puppies grow fastest early, so a real puppy usually sits a little above the middle rows. Weigh yours and ask your vet if the number worries you.
Complete dog foods that suit a Irish Water Spaniel
Complete foods from our range, matched to a Irish Water Spaniel's size band and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Field & Trial Skinner S Field Trial Light Senior
A lower-fat dry food for older, overweight or less active dogs, including working breeds
From£9.85
Autarky Complete Grain Free Adult Turkey
Grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, with turkey and a marine-algae joint care package
£12.79
Autarky Grain Free Tasty White Fish & Potato Complete
Grain-free dry dog food built around white fish meal rather than poultry
£12.99
Lily's Kitchen Lily S Kitchen Dog Lovely Lamb
Complete lamb-led dry dog food offered in two practical bag sizes
From£25.15
Burns Adult Large/Giant Breed Chicken and Brown Rice
Complete large-breed dry dog food with 23% chicken and brown rice
£59.99
Burgess Greyhound and Lurcher Chicken
Complete adult dry food formulated for the specific build of greyhounds and lurchers
£35.35
Naturo Senior Rice Poultry Variety 6pk
Six 400g trays across three recipes for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin
£10.29
Naturo Senior Dog Turkey with Rice and Vegetables 7pk
Turkey at 65% in a senior wet tray, with brown rice, vegetables and added joint support
£11.99
Vitalin Adult Dog Pork with Apple
Complete dry food for adult dogs of any age, led by pork, with citrus extract for dental support
From£11.99
Irish Water Spaniel health & costs
Before bringing a Irish Water Spaniel home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£600–850 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£35–62 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£400–700 / year
Regular professional grooming
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Irish Water Spaniel is generally a healthy and resilient breed, though its small population means responsible breeders are mindful of genetic diversity and screen for the conditions known to occur. Some individuals can be sensitive to certain drugs, so owners should mention the breed to their vet.
Prospective owners should seek puppies from health-tested parents, including hip scoring and eye testing in line with UK Kennel Club guidance. Good ear care, weight management and routine veterinary checks support a typical lifespan of around 10–12 years.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hip dysplasia — a developmental joint condition; breeding stock should be hip-scored.
- Ear infections — long, hairy, pendulous ears trap moisture and need regular cleaning and checking.
- Hypothyroidism — an underactive thyroid affecting coat, weight and energy, manageable with treatment.
- Entropion and other eye conditions — inward-rolling eyelids and assorted eye problems; eye testing of breeding dogs is advised.
- Drug sensitivity — some individuals react adversely to certain anaesthetics or medications; inform your vet of the breed.
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) — a life-threatening emergency to which deep-chested breeds are prone.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Irish Water Spaniel; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Irish Water Spaniel puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Irish Water Spaniel
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early — larger breeds age sooner, so start senior care from around 6–7 years.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Intelligent, versatile working gundog
- Low-shedding curly coat
Things to consider
- Curly coat needs regular grooming
- High exercise and stimulation needs
Compare the Irish Water Spaniel
See how the Irish Water Spaniel measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Cocker Spaniel
A merry, affectionate gundog that loves people and activity — happiest with a job and regular grooming.
English Springer Spaniel
A tireless, enthusiastic working gundog that needs serious daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Similar temperament
Portuguese Water Dog
A curly-coated, athletic working dog — highly intelligent, water-loving and very low-shedding.
Lagotto Romagnolo
The Italian truffle dog — intelligent, affectionate and very low-shedding, with a distinctive curly coat.
Gordon Setter
The heaviest of the setters, a black-and-tan Scottish gundog. Loyal, affectionate and dignified, deeply bonded to family but needing lots of exercise and grooming.
Bedlington Terrier
The lamb-like terrier — distinctive, friendly and very low-shedding, though the coat needs regular clipping.
Similar size, different type
German Shepherd
A loyal, courageous and highly trainable working dog that needs experienced handling and plenty to do.
Greyhound
The ultimate couch potato — despite their racing reputation, retired greyhounds need surprisingly little exercise.
Boxer
A bouncy, playful and devoted family dog that stays puppy-like for years — and needs the exercise to match.
Rottweiler
A powerful, confident guardian that’s calm and devoted in the right hands — but needs an experienced owner.
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Frequently asked questions
Are Irish Water Spaniels hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but the Irish Water Spaniel's dense, curly coat sheds very little, which some allergy sufferers tolerate better. Because loose hair stays in the coat rather than dropping, it must be removed by regular brushing and combing. Anyone with allergies should spend time with the breed before committing.
What is the Irish Water Spaniel's temperament like?
They are intelligent, affectionate and good-humoured dogs with a well-known playful, even mischievous streak, and many keep a youthful sense of fun for life. They bond strongly with their families and are typically good with children. They can be somewhat reserved or aloof with strangers, so early and ongoing socialisation is important.
How big is an Irish Water Spaniel?
It is the tallest of the spaniels, standing around 51–59 cm and weighing roughly 20–30 kg. A strong, athletic dog, it is instantly recognised by its crisp liver-coloured curls, a topknot of loose curls on the head and a smooth, tapering "rat tail" that is unique among breeds.
How much grooming does an Irish Water Spaniel need?
Quite a lot. The curly, low-shedding coat needs brushing and combing several times a week to prevent matting, plus periodic trimming to keep it tidy. Because it sheds so little, loose hair must be removed by grooming. Pay particular attention to the hairy, pendulous ears, which need regular checking and cleaning to prevent infection.
How much exercise does an Irish Water Spaniel need?
This energetic working gundog needs well over an hour a day of varied activity plus mental stimulation, ideally including the swimming it was bred for. Access to safe water is a real bonus and they thrive with space to run. Without enough physical and mental outlet they can become bored and restless, so an active home is essential.
Are Irish Water Spaniels easy to train?
They are highly intelligent and keen to work, learning quickly and enjoying a task, but their cleverness comes with independence and a need for variety. Positive, motivating, reward-based training brings out their best, while repetitive drilling or harsh corrections can cause this sensitive dog to switch off. They excel at gundog work, water retrieving and canine sports.
What health issues affect Irish Water Spaniels?
The breed is generally healthy and resilient, though its small population means responsible breeders are mindful of genetic diversity and screen for known conditions. Some individuals can be sensitive to certain drugs, so mention the breed to your vet. Seek puppies from health-tested parents, including hip scoring and eye testing per UK Kennel Club guidance; typical lifespan is around 10–12 years.
Are Irish Water Spaniels good family dogs?
Yes, in active households that can provide exercise, mental challenge and ideally access to water. They are affectionate, family-oriented dogs that dislike being left alone for long, and their grooming needs require a real commitment to regular coat care. A home with a secure garden and time for a clever, fun-loving dog suits them best.
Are Irish Water Spaniels good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Irish Water Spaniels tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does an Irish Water Spaniel need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Irish Water Spaniel needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Irish Water Spaniels shed a lot?
Minimal shedding. Coat upkeep is high upkeep — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Irish Water Spaniels easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. Irish Water Spaniels are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Irish Water Spaniels bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Irish Water Spaniels good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Irish Water Spaniels suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Irish Water Spaniel really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- The Kennel Club (UK) — Irish Water Spaniel breed information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breeds/irish-water-spaniel/
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) — Breed standard No. 124: https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/IRISH-WATER-SPANIEL-124.html
- PDSA — Looking after your dog: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs
- RSPCA — Dog care advice: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs
Recommended for your Irish Water Spaniel
Matched to a Irish Water Spaniel's size and their typical need for regular coat care, enrichment & mental stimulation, no-pull walking kit.
Bugalugs Hemp Oil for Dogs & Cats – 50ml
A natural, UK-made hemp seed oil supplement rich in Omega-3, -6, and -9 to support calmness, joint mobility, and a healthy, glossy coat.
£13.99
Hollings Choice Cuts Pure Beef Curls
Hollings Choice Cuts Pure Beef Curls: 100g bag, with declared composition and analysis
£3.49
Reflective Two-Tone Dog Harness and Lead Set
A bright two-tone step-in dog harness with a matching lead. Adjustable straps and quick-release buckles give a snug fit, while reflective trim keeps your dog visible on darker walks.
£7.99
L-Shaped Bolster Sofa Dog Bed
A supportive L-shaped sofa bed with a raised bolster back and side for your dog to rest their head. The thick padded base cushions joints, and the soft rose-velvet cover is removable and washable for easy care.
From£44.99
Plush Snuffle Foraging Mat
A roll-up plush snuffle mat with cute animal designs. Hide treats in the folds and let your pet sniff and forage to find them - a rewarding enrichment game that beats boredom and slows feeding.
£13.99
Soft Mesh Recovery Cone Collar
A soft, breathable mesh recovery cone that stops licking and biting of wounds after surgery. Lightweight and adjustable, it's a comfy alternative to a hard E-collar for dogs and cats.
From£11.99
Bugalugs Scottish Salmon Oil for Dogs & Cats 500ml
A 100% natural daily supplement rich in omega 3, 6, and 9 from high-quality Scottish salmon — supports skin, coat, joints, and brain health.
£13.99
Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.