Information on AKC Irish Water Spaniel Puppies
AKC MEET THE BREEDS®: Irish Water Spaniel
The clown of the spaniel family, the Irish Water Spaniel will think of creative ways to accomplish even the slightest of tasks. Strong and intelligent, the tallest spaniel breed possesses several unique characteristics – its liver-colored curly coat and signature "rat tail." The water-repellant double coat consists of dense, tight ringlets with a topknot of long, loose curls and a smooth face. The "rat" tail is thick and covered with curls at the base, tapering to a fine point covered with short, smooth hair.
A Look Back
A dog of ancient lineage, there is evidence of Irish Water Spaniel-type remains going back as far as the 7th and 8th centuries AD. In the late 1100’s, dogs found in southern Ireland below the River Shannon were called Shannon Spaniels, Rat-Tail Spaniels or Whip-Tail Spaniels, among other things. Records document the "Water Spagnel" with "long, rough, curled hair and a tail somewhat bare and naked." Today’s IWS is a true dual-purpose hunting dog, as qualified with upland game as with waterfowl.
Right Breed for You?
A typical Sporting dog, the Irish Water Spaniel is an active and energetic companion. He possesses the natural instinct to please, making him relatively easy to train, but regular exercise is important. Suitable for allergy sufferers, their hypoallergenic coats require brushing every few weeks and trimming every two months to neaten and shape the coat.
If you are considering purchasing an Irish Water Spaniel puppy, learn more here.
- Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1884.
- Ranging in size from 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and 45 to 65 pounds.
- Water dog.
© The American Kennel Club, Inc.
Irish Water Spaniel Breed Standard
General Appearance
The Irish Water Spaniel presents a picture of a smart, upstanding strongly built
sporting dog. Great intelligence is combined with rugged endurance and a bold,
dashing eagerness of temperament. Distinguishing characteristics are a topknot
of long, loose curls, a body covered with a dense, crisply curled liver colored
coat, contrasted by a smooth face and a smooth "rat" tail.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Strongly built and well boned, the Irish Water Spaniel is a dog of medium length,
slightly rectangular in appearance. He is well balanced and shows no legginess
or coarseness. Dogs 22 to 24 inches, bitches 21 to 23 inches, measured at the
highest point of the shoulder. Dogs 55 to 65 pounds, bitches 45 to 58 pounds.
Head
The head is cleanly chiseled, not cheeky, and should not present a short, wedge
shaped appearance. The skull is rather large and high in the dome, with a prominent
occiput and a gradual stop. The muzzle is square and rather long, with a deep
mouth opening and lips fine in texture. The nose large and liver in color. Teeth
strong and regular with a scissors or level bite. The hair on the face is short
and smooth, except for a beard which grows in a narrow line at the back of the
jaw.
Topknot--A characteristic of the breed, consists of long, loose
curls growing down into a well-defined peak between the eyes and falling like
a shawl over the tops of the ears and occiput. Trimming of this breed characteristic
in an exaggerated manner is highly objectionable.
Eyes--Medium in
size, slightly almond shaped with tight eyelids. Eyes are hazel in color, preferably
of a dark shade. The expression is keenly alert, intelligent, direct and quizzical.
Ears--Long, lobular, set low, with leathers reaching about to the
end of the nose when extended forward, and abundantly covered with long curls,
extending two or more inches below the tips of the leathers.
Neck, Topline, Body
The neck is long, arching, strong and muscular; smoothly set into cleanly sloping
shoulders. Topline--Strong and level, or slightly higher in the
rear; never descending, or showing sag or roach. Body--The body
is of medium length, slightly rectangular. Chest deep, with brisket extending
to the elbows. Ribs well sprung and carried well back. Immediately behind the
shoulders ribs are flattened enough to allow free movement of the forelegs, becoming
rounder behind. Loin short, wide and muscular. The body should not present a tucked-up
appearance.
Forequarters
The entire front gives the impression of strength without heaviness. Shoulders
are sloping and clean. Forelegs well boned, muscular, medium in length; with sufficient
length of upper arm to ensure efficient reach. Elbows close set. Forefeet are
large, thick and somewhat spreading; well clothed with hair both over and between
the toes.
Hindquarters
Sound hindquarters are of great importance to provide swimming power and drive.
They should be as high or slightly higher than the shoulders, powerful and muscular,
with well developed upper and second thighs. Hips wide, stifles moderately bent,
hocks low set and moderately bent. Rear angulation is moderate, and balance of
front and rear angulation is of paramount importance. Rear feet are large, thick
and somewhat spreading; well clothed with hair. Tail should be set on low enough
to give a rather rounded appearance to the hindquarters and should be carried
nearly level with the back.
Tail
The so-called "rat tail" is a striking characteristic of the breed.
At the root it is thick and covered for two or three inches with short curls.
It tapers to a fine point at the end; and from the root curls is covered with
short, smooth hair so as to look as if it had been clipped. The tail should not
be long enough to reach the hock joint.
Coat
Proper double coat is of vital importance to protect the dog while working. The
neck, back, sides, and rear are densely covered with tight, crisp ringlets, with
the hair longer underneath the ribs. Forelegs are well covered with abundant curls
or waves. The hind legs should also be abundantly covered by hair falling in curls
or waves, except that the hair should be short and smooth on the front of the
legs below the hocks. The hair on the throat is very short and smooth, forming
a V-shaped patch. All curled areas should be clearly defined by curls of sufficient
length to form a sharp contrast with the smooth coat on face, throat, tail, and
rear legs below the hocks. Fore and hind feet should be well clothed with hair
both over and between the toes. Dogs may be shown in natural coat or trimmed.
However, no dog should be groomed or trimmed so excessively as to obscure the
curl or texture of the coat.
Color
Solid liver. With the exception of graying due to age, white hair or markings
objectionable.
Gait
The Irish Water Spaniel moves with a smooth, free, ground covering action that,
when viewed from the side, exhibits balanced reach and drive. True and precise
coming and going. When walking or standing, the legs are perpendicular to the
ground, toeing neither in nor out.
Temperament
Very alert and inquisitive, the Irish Water Spaniel is often reserved with strangers.
However, aggressive behavior or excessive shyness should be penalized. A stable
temperament is essential in a hunting dog.
Faults
The foregoing description is that of the ideal Irish Water Spaniel in
hard working condition. Any deviation from the above described dog must
be penalized to the extent of the deviation, keeping in mind the importance
of the various features toward the basic original purpose of the breed.
Approved June 12, 1990
Effective August 1, 1990
