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Discover everything about Irish Water Spaniel
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Irish Water Spaniel?
At a glance
Irish Water Spaniel overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
The Irish Water Spaniel exhibits a health profile that is typical and average for its size. Key risks such as hip dysplasia (HD) and hereditary eye conditions are well-managed through mandatory health tests within the breeding program. Prospective buyers should consistently request the test results of the parent dogs to prevent future joint or vision issues.
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
Height
51–61 cm
Weight
20–30 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,800 – 3,000 €
- Coat: Thick, curly hair; medium length, with undercoat
- Origin: Ireland
Typical coat colors
- Liver brown
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Irish Water Spaniel, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Irish Water Spaniel right for you?
The Irish Water Spaniel is an intelligent, often clownish, yet reserved companion toward strangers—a robust water dog and Apportierhund (retrieving dog) bred for endurance in icy marshes to retrieve waterfowl.
Perfect for you if:
- You want to incorporate daily dummy training or search games in and around water—this working dog will wither if treated as a mere walking companion.
- You have the time and patience for demanding coat care, as his curly coat requires regular professional trimming.
- You appreciate a dog that forms a close bond with you but maintains a natural distance from strangers.
- You live an active lifestyle and don't mind if half the mud puddle ends up in your hallway after a walk.
Less ideal if:
- You expect a dog that will lie quietly on the sofa without mental stimulation—without his retrieving job, he will quickly find his own, often destructive, projects.
- You have constant hustle and bustle with many changing visitors in the house, which can stress his watchful and reserved nature.
- You are a beginner to dog ownership and might be fooled by his clownish charm when he is actually testing whether your rules really apply.
The real vibes check
Visually, he often looks like a poodle in a clown costume, but at heart, the Irish Water Spaniel is a highly focused hunting worker. When it comes to his job, the joker disappears instantly, making way for a tireless professional. You aren't getting a cuddle bear for everyone, but a loyal eccentric who will literally go through icy water for you.
Breed Profile
The Irish Water Spaniel (IWS) is a truly fascinating dog breed with a striking appearance. The physique is athletic, the legs are long and the paws are quite large, which helps them to be excellent swimmers. One of the most outstanding features of the IWS is its fur. He has thick, corkscrew-like curls that distinguish him from other spaniels. The tail, often referred to as a "rat tail", is unique in that it has thick curls at the base that taper to a fine tip. The IWS falls under FCI group 8, the retrieving dogs - searching dogs - water dogs.
- Height
- 51 - 61 cm (Female), 53 - 61 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 20 - 26 kg (Female), 25 - 30 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 10 - 12 years
- Character
- Intelligent, energetic, playful
- Coat
- Thick, curly hair; medium length, with undercoat
- Coat Color
- Liver brown
- Price
- 1800 - 3000 €
History
The Irish Water Spaniel has a rich history dating back to the 19th century, though its exact origins remain shrouded in mystery. It is believed that the breed descends from ancient water dogs known in Ireland as early as the 7th and 8th centuries. A man named Justin McCarthy is considered the "father" of the modern Irish Water Spaniel; he bred dogs with specific desired traits in 19th-century Ireland, laying the foundation for the breed as we know it today. The Irish Water Spaniel was first recognized by the Irish Kennel Club in 1862. In the following years, it gained increasing popularity in both Great Britain and the United States. The breed was originally developed for water hunting, particularly for retrieving waterfowl. Its dense coat and love for the water made it an ideal hunting companion in the often damp and marshy regions of Ireland.
Original Use
Water hunting, retrieving waterfowl
Origin
Ireland
Date
1830er Jahre
Character & Temperament
The Irish Water Spaniel is known for his bubbly personality. When you bring an IWS into your home, you not only get a dog, but a new best friend full of energy and fun. They are extremely intelligent and have an innate curiosity that can often lead them into funny escapades. One of the most notable features of this breed is their energy. They are almost always on the move and love to play, run and of course swim. Their playful nature makes them great family dogs, especially if they live in an active household. The IWS is often referred to as the clown of the dog world. Her sense of humor and funny antics are sure to make you laugh often. Although they are often silly, they also have a serious side, especially when it comes to work. They are highly motivated and eager to complete tasks, making them great working dogs, especially in areas involving water. While they are very people-oriented, they also have an independent character. The IWS likes to do things their way and requires an owner who has understanding and patience to deal with their sometimes stubborn nature. When it comes to staying alone, the IWS, like many active dogs, can have difficulty staying alone, especially if it is not kept sufficiently occupied. It is important to provide them with mental and physical stimulation to direct their energy in the right direction. Their origins as water hunters mean that the IWS has a strong prey drive. They love retrieving things and often exhibit strong hunting behavior. So if you have small animals, it is important to socialize the IWS early on and make it clear which behaviors are acceptable. While they were not bred to be guard dogs, Irish Water Spaniels are often alert and will alert their family to strangers or unusual noises. It is important to teach them when it is appropriate to bark and when it is not.
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Powerful instinct that can override recall when triggered. | Strong |
Fun Fact!
A fun detail about the Irish Water Spaniel is that it is often referred to as "the clown of spaniels." because he is known for making his owners laugh with his silly and playful behavior!
What Awaits You
The Irish Water Spaniel is the largest of the AKC Spaniels. You can immediately recognize him by his curly, wavy fur and his pointed “rat tail”. The attentive and curious IWS, which is one of the best swimmers in the dog world, is hard-working and courageous in the field and playful and affectionate at home.
Housing & Care
The Irish Water Spaniel can live in the city, but it needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. A house with a large garden would be ideal, but regular walks and activities are also possible in the city. Small children are generally not a problem for the IWS, but as with all dogs, you should always ensure interactions are supervised. The Irish Water Spaniel is also generally friendly with cats and other pets, especially if socialized early.
- Family Friendly
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Ideal family dog - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Generally tolerant - City Friendly
City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation.
Manageable in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
Irish Water Spaniels are intelligent and energetic dogs that enjoy working and learning. Training should start early and it is important to keep it positive and varied as they can get bored quickly. They are ideal for dog sports such as agility, obedience and of course water sports. Because of their willingness to work, it is important to ensure that they do not become overworked or become "ball junkies." Frustration tolerance and impulse control are also important aspects of training that the Irish Water Spaniel should learn. As former hunting dogs, they have a strong retrieving and prey drive. It is advisable to offer alternative activities that allow these urges to be expressed in a controlled environment. At the same time, their natural instincts should be respected and a balance should be found between work, play and relaxation.
Nutrition & Care
When it comes to nutrition, the Irish Water Spaniel needs a balanced diet rich in proteins and fats to support its energy. Premium dry food supplemented with fresh meat or specially prepared wet food is ideal. It is also important to monitor portion sizes to prevent obesity. The Irish Water Spaniel's coat requires regular care. His curly coat has a dense undercoat and requires regular brushing to prevent matting. Once or twice a week is usually sufficient. They don't shed a lot, which can be a plus for allergy sufferers. Regarding the climate in Germany, the Irish Water Spaniel copes well, but it is important to be careful not to stay wet for too long in cold weather.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
The Irish Water Spaniel exhibits a health profile that is typical and average for its size. Key risks such as hip dysplasia (HD) and hereditary eye conditions are well-managed through mandatory health tests within the breeding program. Prospective buyers should consistently request the test results of the parent dogs to prevent future joint or vision issues.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should focus on joint-friendly development, regular thyroid and eye check-ups, and very consistent coat care to prevent problems early on.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' hips, elbows, eyes, and thyroid tested and pay strict attention to healthy coat texture to reduce risks within the line.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Irish Water Spaniel
Sabine M., Halterin aus Hessen (Rüde Liam, seit 2021)
Als wir uns vor fünf Jahren für einen Irish Water Spaniel entschieden haben, wussten wir zwar, dass er aktiv ist – aber auf diese Energiebündel-Clown-Mischung kann man sich kaum vorbereiten! Unser Rüde Liam ist im Haus eigentlich ein ganz ruhiger Geselle, der am liebsten vor der Heizung döst. Aber sobald es nach draußen geht, mutiert er zum absoluten Arbeitstier. Seine Leidenschaft ist und bleibt das Wasser. Er springt bei jedem Wetter und bei eisigen Temperaturen furchtlos in jeden See oder Fluss, um Dummys zu apportieren.
Die Erziehung erfordert allerdings extrem viel Geduld und Humor. Liam ist unglaublich intelligent, nutzt das aber auch gerne mal aus. Wenn er keine Lust auf ein Kommando hat, schaltet er auf stur oder versucht uns mit albernen, clownhaften Einlagen zum Lachen zu bringen, um sich vor der Arbeit zu drücken. Da darf man auf keinen Fall nachgeben, sonst übernimmt er sofort das Kommando. Man muss auch wissen, dass diese Rasse recht spätreif ist und die Ausbildung zum verlässlichen Begleiter einfach seine Zeit braucht.
Dieter K., Jäger und Halter aus Niedersachsen (Hündin Cara, seit 2023)
Wir führen unsere Hündin Cara jagdlich und beim Dummytraining. Wer einen unkomplizierten 'Will-to-Please'-Hund sucht, der wie ein Labrador blind jeden Befehl ausführt, wird mit einem IWS wahrscheinlich verzweifeln. Cara arbeitet hervorragend, sehr gründlich und ausdauernd im dichten Schilf und im tiefen Wasser, aber sie behält immer ihren eigenen Kopf. Sie wendet gerne mal die Taktik der 'passiven Dominanz' an – sie ignoriert Signale nicht aggressiv, sondern tut einfach so, als hätte sie eine bessere Idee, wie die Aufgabe zu lösen ist.
Ein weiteres Thema ist ihre Reserviertheit gegenüber Fremden. Während sie bei uns im engen Familienkreis anhänglich, sensibel und unglaublich treu ist, braucht sie fremde Menschen überhaupt nicht in ihrem Leben. Wir mussten sie von Welpenbeinen an sehr behutsam und konsequent sozialisieren, damit sie in Alltagssituationen neutral bleibt. Auch die Fellpflege darf man nicht unterschätzen: Das dichte, lockige Fell neigt ohne regelmäßiges Kämmen schnell zum Verfilzen, besonders wenn sie ständig im Wasser ist.
Anja T., Halterin aus Bayern (Rüde Barney, seit 2022)
Für uns als sehr aktive Familie ist unser IWS der absolute Traumhund, aber man muss ehrlich sagen: Diese Rasse ist kein Hund für Stubenhocker oder Vollzeitberufstätige, die den Hund lange alleine lassen wollen. Wir machen mit ihm Agility, Dummyarbeit und nehmen ihn auf lange Bergwanderungen mit. Wenn er nicht körperlich und vor allem geistig gefordert wird, sucht er sich selbst Beschäftigung – und das endet meistens mit angekauten Dingen im Haus.
Was man außerdem wissen sollte, ist sein ausgeprägter Jagdtrieb. Als passionierter Wasserjäger reagiert er extrem auf Vögel, Enten und alles, was sich am Ufer bewegt. Ein absolut zuverlässiger Rückruf ist hier das A und O und erfordert monatelanges, konsequentes Training. Wer bereit ist, täglich viel Zeit bei Wind und Wetter draußen zu verbringen, eine konsequente, aber liebevolle Führung zu bieten und mit einem 'Rattenschwanz' als Markenzeichen leben kann, bekommt dafür einen unvergleichlich treuen und lustigen Partner fürs Leben.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Irish Water Spaniel
Is a Irish Water Spaniel the right dog for me?
The Irish Water Spaniel is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Irish Water Spaniel live?
The average life expectancy of a Irish Water Spaniel is 10-12 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Irish Water Spaniel need?
Irish Water Spaniel grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Irish Water Spaniel good for families with children?
The Irish Water Spaniel can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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