Instructions
Look at the general appearance of the Irish Water Spaniel. This intelligent breed is soundly built, has hardy endurance and is always eager to work and play. Its smooth face and tail, contrasted by the dense, frangible curled liver coat and the crest of long curls is a distinguishing characteristic.
Make sure the Irish Water Spaniel is well-proportioned and is the proper size. This breed is well boned and a bit rectangular-shaped. Males are 22 to 24 inches and females are 21 to 23 inches at the withers. Males should weigh 55 to 65 pounds and females should weigh 45 to 58 pounds.
Make sure the head has a cleanly chiseled look and is not wedge-shaped. The muzzle is long and squarish, leading to a large, liver-colored nose. With the exception of a narrow line of hair behind the jaw (a beard), the hair on the face is short and smooth. The topknot falls over the tops of the ears. The medium-sized eyes are almond-shaped and are a dark shade of hazel. The Irish Water Spaniel should have an alert, intelligent and direct expression that is quizzical, making the dog breed appear clownish. The long ears should reach the nose when extended forward. The ears are covered with long curls falling past the tips of the leathers.
Look at the body of the Irish Water Spaniel. The long, muscular neck arches strongly into the sloping shoulders. The back is level, but may be slightly higher in the rear. The rear portion of the back should never be lower than the front and the back should not sag. The medium length body is rectangular in shape, fronted by a deep chest that reaches to the elbows. The front of the dog shows strength via the deep chest and nicely boned, muscular forelegs. The large front feet spread out a bit, leading to toes well covered with hair. The powerful back legs provide this breed with great swimming power. Both thighs (upper and lower) are very well developed. The rear angulation balances out the front angulation, giving the Irish Water Spaniel balance and agility. The rear feet are thick and spread out a bit like the front feet. The low-set tail gives the rear a rounded appearance. It is usually carried just level with the back. The tail is one of the characteristics of the breed with its thick root and short, smooth hair.
Make sure the coat is a double coat. It protects the dog from the elements. The coat is curly and densely covers the neck, sides, back and rear. The hair on the back of the legs is also curly, but not as dense. It may even be more wavy than curly. The hair on the front of the legs below the hocks is short and smooth, as is the hair on the throat. The coat is a solid liver color. There should be no other markings on this breed, including white splotches.
How to Identify an Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel, while an inquisitive and alert breed, may be quite reserved with strangers, but should not show aggression or be overly shy. Since this is an active breed of the sporting group, the animal needs a daily job to keep it out of trouble. The dog can be good with children and other pets, but may need proper socialization at a young age. This breed loves the water, so have access to a swimming spot—or at least a kiddie pool in the backyard. Once properly trained, the Irish Water Spaniel is a great family pet.