White Markings: May have a small
chest patch, though it is faulted.
Coat
Eyes
Nose
Faults
White chest spot.
Disqualifications
None
Varieties
None
Notes
The irish water spaniel might originate from early european water dogs, which had brown, thick and curly coats and hanging ears. None of them, however, had the hairless tail which is so typical for the irish water spaniel. Some believe that it's related to persian dogs that came to Ireland via Spain - the only other dog breed with a naked tail and so-called leg mirrors is the afghan hound!
It was Justin McCathy who bred the modern irish water spaniel in the 1830's. Before him, there were three distinct type of irish water spaniel, but after his time you only hear about McCathy-spaniel. It was the male dog Boatswain (born 1834) that had the greatest impact on the breed.
The irish water spaniel should be strong, compact, willing to work and with great endurance. The head is rather large, with a long and powerful muzzle. The ears are set low, drop-shaped and very long. The neck is powerful and arched, connecting to a large, deep chest with a strong, straight back. The tail is short, thick and straight. The coat should have thick locks with an oily texture, except on the face, throat and tail where it is very short.
It was Justin McCathy who bred the modern irish water spaniel in the 1830's. Before him, there were three distinct type of irish water spaniel, but after his time you only hear about McCathy-spaniel. It was the male dog Boatswain (born 1834) that had the greatest impact on the breed.
The irish water spaniel should be strong, compact, willing to work and with great endurance. The head is rather large, with a long and powerful muzzle. The ears are set low, drop-shaped and very long. The neck is powerful and arched, connecting to a large, deep chest with a strong, straight back. The tail is short, thick and straight. The coat should have thick locks with an oily texture, except on the face, throat and tail where it is very short.
Breed Files
Filename: Irish Water Spaniel
Offset: 4545
Base: Great Dane
SCP: Great Dane
Accepted: August 26, 2006
Notes: Modification of Zodiac V2 file, with smoother and more rounded legs.
Filename: Irish Water Spaniel
Offset: 4545
Base: Great Dane
SCP: Great Dane
Accepted: April 2, 2006
Notes: Includes custom fur file to create the fur's texture. There are variations in overall body size and heaviness of the muzzle. The tail and eyes can both either be visible or hidden.
There are two versions of this file - one where the hind legs anchored to the butt and one where they are anchored to the belly. Both equally accepted in the show ring, but the latter may be more suitable for obedience.
Filename: Irish Water Spaniel
Offset: 4545
Base: Dalmatian
SCP: Dalmatian
Accepted: December 13, 2004
Notes: Addball droptail and angled legs. Show judges should be aware that the nose shines are not always visible in side poses. Eyes can be showing or hidden in pose - neither is faulted.
Filename: RS Irish Spaniel
Offset: AA98
Base: Dalmatian
SCP: Dalmatian
Accepted: January 19, 2004
Notes: Eyes partly covered as adult, so must be registered as a puppy.