Large Sporting Group

Irish Water Spaniel

Also called Bog Dog, Rat-tail Spaniel and Whiptail

Great with kids
Hypoallergenic
Needs space
Lots of grooming

The Irish Water Spaniel is a large breed of retrieving dog from Ireland. These dogs are large in size, with a long and wavy coat of fur. They have a lively and energetic demeanor, making them excellent working dogs. They are highly trainable and intelligent, with an instinct to retrieve game. They are loyal and devoted to their family, with an independent nature that makes them well suited for retrieving and guard work.

Weight: 44–71 lb (20–32 kg)
Height at the shoulder: 21–24 in (53–61 cm)
Life span: 12–14 years
Exercise: About 60 minutes a day
Coat: Medium, Curly
Origin: South of Ireland (Shannon area), Ireland

Traits

Family and friends

Children: Good with children
Other dogs: Good with other dogs
Strangers: Polite with strangers

Home and activity

Energy: Energetic
Apartment living: Needs space
Barking: Barks sometimes
Training: Easy to train

Care

Grooming: Lots of grooming
Shedding: Sheds a little
Drooling: Drools a little

Temperament

Alert Brave Clownish Independent Instinctive retriever Intelligent

Coat colours

Liver (purplish hue)

Males and females

Measure	Males	Females
Weight	55–71 lb (25–32 kg)	44–57 lb (20–26 kg)
Height	22–24 in (56–61 cm)	21–23 in (53–58 cm)

Recognized by

American Kennel Club (AKC), Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC), Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), The Kennel Club (UK) (KC), New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC) and United Kennel Club (UKC)