The English Water Spaniel is a breed of dog that has been extinct since the first part of the 20th century, with the last specimen seen in the 1930s. It was best known for its use in hunting waterfowl and for being able to dive as well as a duck. It is described as similar to a Collie or to a cross between a Poodle and a Springer Spaniel with curly fur and typically in a white and liver/tan pattern.
45-683: Pre-dating the Irish Water Spaniel and thought to have been referred to by Shakespeare in Macbeth , it is believed to have genetically influenced several modern breeds of dog, including the American Water Spaniel , Curly Coated Retriever and the modern variety of Field Spaniel . It is unknown if the breed was involved in the creation of the Irish Water Spaniel. In 1565, Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley ,
90-472: A reaction to them. In addition to their coat, the Irish Water Spaniel has several other distinguishing characteristics which places it amongst the more unique breeds, among these the most distinguishing being the smooth "rat tail", completely free of long hairs (except at the base, where it is covered for 2–3 inches with curls). The face is entirely smooth and, unlike the poodle , should require little or no trimming to stay that way. An Irish Water Spaniel
135-472: A reaction to them. In addition to their coat, the Irish Water Spaniel has several other distinguishing characteristics which places it amongst the more unique breeds, among these the most distinguishing being the smooth "rat tail", completely free of long hairs (except at the base, where it is covered for 2–3 inches with curls). The face is entirely smooth and, unlike the poodle , should require little or no trimming to stay that way. An Irish Water Spaniel
180-620: A curly-haired version of the Springer Spaniel , with some traits of the Collie , poodle , and setter . The white and liver (tan) dog stood about 20 inches (51 cm) tall and looked like a typical, lean, long-legged spaniel with long ears and tail, a white underbelly, and a brown back, except that it had the coat of a water dog . The English Water Spaniel was described as having a long and narrow head, with small eyes and ears that were long and covered in thick curls of fur. The body
225-461: A deep bark, and will protect their human families. Not usually an aggressive dog, Water Spaniels are nonetheless highly alert and sensitive to their surroundings. All Irish Water Spaniels require a grooming regimen that includes maintaining healthy ears, teeth and nails. The tight double coat of the Irish Water Spaniel sheds lightly, thus many allergy sufferers have found them to be a comfortable breed with which to live or associate with. The texture of
270-461: A deep bark, and will protect their human families. Not usually an aggressive dog, Water Spaniels are nonetheless highly alert and sensitive to their surroundings. All Irish Water Spaniels require a grooming regimen that includes maintaining healthy ears, teeth and nails. The tight double coat of the Irish Water Spaniel sheds lightly, thus many allergy sufferers have found them to be a comfortable breed with which to live or associate with. The texture of
315-539: A keen sense of being a "team-player", which makes it a relatively easy breed to train and discipline from a young age. Because of its great intelligence and "quizzical" nature, it has the reputation of being the "clown" of the spaniels, and will often do ordinary things in extraordinary ways. Some individual dogs may be very wary of strangers, if not properly socialised early in life; likewise, not every Irish Water Spaniel can be trusted to get along with cats or small pets, including smaller dogs. Early socialisation and training
360-539: A keen sense of being a "team-player", which makes it a relatively easy breed to train and discipline from a young age. Because of its great intelligence and "quizzical" nature, it has the reputation of being the "clown" of the spaniels, and will often do ordinary things in extraordinary ways. Some individual dogs may be very wary of strangers, if not properly socialised early in life; likewise, not every Irish Water Spaniel can be trusted to get along with cats or small pets, including smaller dogs. Early socialisation and training
405-462: A water-spaniel." The breed is mentioned specifically by name as early as 1802, in Sportsman's Cabinet , where it is described as having "hair long and naturally curled, not loose and shaggy"; the description accompanied an engraving of a liver and white curly-coated spaniel . This shows that they pre-date the Irish Water Spaniel which was not developed as a breed until the 1830s. Unfortunately as
450-436: A working environment, where the dogs' minds, as well as bodies, are exercised. Many Irish Water Spaniel owners work their dogs in the shooting field, in obedience tests, in agility competitions, or in the conformation show ring. The IWS is a versatile breed and is found in all types of canine events including: The Irish Water Spaniel Club of Ireland is one of the oldest dog clubs in the world, supporting and promoting one of
495-436: A working environment, where the dogs' minds, as well as bodies, are exercised. Many Irish Water Spaniel owners work their dogs in the shooting field, in obedience tests, in agility competitions, or in the conformation show ring. The IWS is a versatile breed and is found in all types of canine events including: The Irish Water Spaniel Club of Ireland is one of the oldest dog clubs in the world, supporting and promoting one of
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#1732798605574540-584: Is a must. The modern breed as we know it was developed in Ireland in the 1830s. It is not known from which other breeds Irish Water Spaniels were developed, as the acknowledged father of the breed, Justin McCarthy (from Dublin), left no breeding records. A range of breeds have been suggested, based largely on superficial traits, including the Poodle , Portuguese Water Dog , Barbet , generic "old water dogs", and
585-421: Is a must. The modern breed as we know it was developed in Ireland in the 1830s. It is not known from which other breeds Irish Water Spaniels were developed, as the acknowledged father of the breed, Justin McCarthy (from Dublin), left no breeding records. A range of breeds have been suggested, based largely on superficial traits, including the Poodle , Portuguese Water Dog , Barbet , generic "old water dogs", and
630-613: Is in the power of show committees to give to perpetuate the variety and improve its form." Dalziel bemoaned the fact that while the Irish Water Spaniel continued, the English Water Spaniel was allowed to quietly be absorbed into other Spaniel breeds. The stud book of the Kennel Club also had a class for "Water spaniels other than Irish", however only fourteen dogs were registered in the twelve years up to 1903. This led some writers and judges of that time to believe that
675-529: Is now extinct. None have been seen for over thirty years." Descendant breeds of the English Water Spaniel are thought to include the American Water Spaniel , which was also developed using additional stock from the Irish Water Spaniel and the Flat Coated Retriever breeds. The Curly Coated Retriever is considered to have descended from the Poodle , the retrieving setter, the St. John's water dog and
720-605: Is reflected in its endorsement of transparency in health findings in accordance with organisations such as Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA), Canine Health Information Center (CHIC), Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) and Canine Health Foundation. Most of the breeders in the IWSCA belong to the Breeders Education Committee (BEC) The BEC exists to inform and educate IWSCA breeders on issues of health, genetics and breeding practices designed to promote
765-470: Is reflected in its endorsement of transparency in health findings in accordance with organisations such as Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA), Canine Health Information Center (CHIC), Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) and Canine Health Foundation. Most of the breeders in the IWSCA belong to the Breeders Education Committee (BEC) The BEC exists to inform and educate IWSCA breeders on issues of health, genetics and breeding practices designed to promote
810-601: Is ruggedly built and, given its name, is bred for the water. The breed has naturally webbed feet which aid in its powerful swimming skills. Altogether, the Irish Water Spaniel presents a picture of a smart, upstanding, strongly-built (but not leggy) dog, combining great intelligence and rugged endurance with a bold, dashing eagerness of temperament. They are the largest of the Spaniel group . Dogs range in height from 22 to 24 inches (56–61 cm), and weigh 55 to 65 pounds (25–30 kg). As with most breeds classed within
855-547: Is ruggedly built and, given its name, is bred for the water. The breed has naturally webbed feet which aid in its powerful swimming skills. Altogether, the Irish Water Spaniel presents a picture of a smart, upstanding, strongly-built (but not leggy) dog, combining great intelligence and rugged endurance with a bold, dashing eagerness of temperament. They are the largest of the Spaniel group . Dogs range in height from 22 to 24 inches (56–61 cm), and weigh 55 to 65 pounds (25–30 kg). As with most breeds classed within
900-493: The American Kennel Club 's Sporting group , such as the various other spaniels , retrievers , setters , and pointers , the Irish Water Spaniel is, essentially, an active, willing and energetic companion. Similarly to its fellow sporting breeds, it has been bred from stock used to fetch game and return it undamaged, thus it maintains the natural instincts of loyalty and of wanting to please. The Water Spaniel has
945-422: The American Kennel Club 's Sporting group , such as the various other spaniels , retrievers , setters , and pointers , the Irish Water Spaniel is, essentially, an active, willing and energetic companion. Similarly to its fellow sporting breeds, it has been bred from stock used to fetch game and return it undamaged, thus it maintains the natural instincts of loyalty and of wanting to please. The Water Spaniel has
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#1732798605574990-534: The English Water Spaniel and the judging of this class was described as "chaos" by Hugh Dalziel in British Dogs: Their Varieties, History, Characteristics, Breeding, Management, And Exhibition . Writing in 1897, Dalziel said of the breed, "I do not believe the breed is lost, but that scattered throughout the country there are many specimens of the old English water spaniel, which it only requires that amount of encouragement to breeding which it
1035-444: The English Water Spaniel was merely a cross of the Irish Water Spaniel as entrants in dogs shows in that same class do not match the description of the dog from earlier periods. Dogs awarded prizes as Water Spaniels during this period have been described as having "coats as flat as a Clumber , but with a bit of longish hair about the top of the skull." Writing in 1967, author John F. Gordon stated, "After two centuries of breeding it
1080-408: The English Water Spaniel. Records for the origin of the modern Field Spaniel are more precise and show that one of the four progenitor dogs used in creating the breed was an English Water Spaniel- Cocker Spaniel cross which was registered at the time as a Sussex Spaniel due to his liver colour. Very unlike the Irish Water Spaniel in appearance, the English Water Spaniel more closely resembled
1125-401: The author advises that if an individual wishes to hunt ducks or any other type of waterfowl, then the hunter had best use an English Water Spaniel. The breed is described as swimming and diving as well as the ducks themselves; and they are intelligent enough to avoid being lured away from the nesting places. The author described the best variety of the breed to be those with long ears whose coat
1170-436: The coat. Scissoring will be required every 6–8 weeks to neaten and shape the coat while regular exposure to water will promote the correct "ringlets" over the body coat. Although happy to curl up and sleep at home, regular (possibly 2-3 times, daily) walks and exercise excursions are essential for a healthy, content Water Spaniel. An unexercised Water Spaniel may become a naughty, mischievous animal. An ideal home though would be
1215-436: The coat. Scissoring will be required every 6–8 weeks to neaten and shape the coat while regular exposure to water will promote the correct "ringlets" over the body coat. Although happy to curl up and sleep at home, regular (possibly 2-3 times, daily) walks and exercise excursions are essential for a healthy, content Water Spaniel. An unexercised Water Spaniel may become a naughty, mischievous animal. An ideal home though would be
1260-439: The crown of the head and often covers the eyes, with a "beard" growing at the back of the throat often being accompanied by "sideburns". The coat colour is a liver-puce to chocolate-brown hue, with a distinct "purple" undertone, not seen in many other breeds. The minimal coat shedding does not mean Irish Water Spaniels are necessarily " hypoallergenic ", although people who may be allergic to dogs could potentially experience less of
1305-439: The crown of the head and often covers the eyes, with a "beard" growing at the back of the throat often being accompanied by "sideburns". The coat colour is a liver-puce to chocolate-brown hue, with a distinct "purple" undertone, not seen in many other breeds. The minimal coat shedding does not mean Irish Water Spaniels are necessarily " hypoallergenic ", although people who may be allergic to dogs could potentially experience less of
1350-414: The hair prevents the coat from becoming tightly woven into fabric and upholstery and any stray hairs are easily removed as they will gather together to form "dust bunnies". The coat can be maintained by even the novice owner if a regular effort is maintained to keep it clean and free of mats. A thorough combing to the skin should take place every 1–2 weeks to promote healthy skin and to remove any objects from
1395-414: The hair prevents the coat from becoming tightly woven into fabric and upholstery and any stray hairs are easily removed as they will gather together to form "dust bunnies". The coat can be maintained by even the novice owner if a regular effort is maintained to keep it clean and free of mats. A thorough combing to the skin should take place every 1–2 weeks to promote healthy skin and to remove any objects from
English Water Spaniel - Misplaced Pages Continue
1440-625: The husband of Mary, Queen of Scots , was a given a Water Spaniel by James Melville of Halhill . The dog had been brought to Scotland by an English merchant. In 1570, Dr John Caius described the Water Spaniel. It has been suggested that Shakespeare also knew the breed "for he mentions the 'water rug' in Macbeth . " Furthermore, Shakespeare specifically mentions the breed in Act III Scene 1 of The Two Gentlemen of Verona when Launce says of his love, "She hath more qualities than
1485-404: The life of that dog. Individual B.E.C. breeders can be found on the IWSCA website. The IWS Health Foundation's aim is to serve the worldwide Irish Water Spaniel community by providing a forum for internet-based collection and circulation of information, research and educational materials relating to the health and life expectancy of the breed, and for anyone with an interest to promote research for
1530-404: The life of that dog. Individual B.E.C. breeders can be found on the IWSCA website. The IWS Health Foundation's aim is to serve the worldwide Irish Water Spaniel community by providing a forum for internet-based collection and circulation of information, research and educational materials relating to the health and life expectancy of the breed, and for anyone with an interest to promote research for
1575-522: The long-term benefit of the breed. A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 10.8 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds . Irish Water Spaniel The Irish Water Spaniel ( Irish : An Spáinnéar Uisce ) is a breed of dog that is the tallest of the spaniels . The Irish Water Spaniel is a sturdy, cobby dog native to Ireland. The coat, consisting of dense curls, sheds very little (see Moult ). A topknot of long, loose curls grows downward from
1620-435: The modern English Springer Spaniel and Welsh Springer Spaniel breeds. Paintings by Henry Bernard Chalon and Ramsay Richard Reinagle both show English Water Spaniels working with their masters hunting ducks. An engraving by Henry Thomas Alken Snr. shows a slightly different looking English Water Spaniel, but also reinforces its area of work by again showing it while duck hunting. In The Sportsman's Repository (1820),
1665-574: The most distinguished and oldest breed of dog in the world. The club is registered with the Irish Kennel Club. The IWSCA is the AKC parent club for the IWS. The club exists to preserve and protect this rare breed. The Club helps educate owners and breeders and welcomes all members who share our love of this extraordinary, versatile dog. The IWSCA's commitment to the health of the Irish Water Spaniel
1710-408: The most distinguished and oldest breed of dog in the world. The club is registered with the Irish Kennel Club. The IWSCA is the AKC parent club for the IWS. The club exists to preserve and protect this rare breed. The Club helps educate owners and breeders and welcomes all members who share our love of this extraordinary, versatile dog. The IWSCA's commitment to the health of the Irish Water Spaniel
1755-708: The now-extinct English Water Spaniel , as well as the Northern and Southern Water Spaniels. However, whether or not Irish Water Spaniels are antecedents, descendants, or hybrids of these other breeds is a matter of some speculation. It is believed, in Irish folklore , to be the descendant of the mythological cryptid , the Dobhar-chú . Irish Water Spaniels may make good family dogs, as they are usually excellent with respectful children and with other pets. They can make good guard dogs if they have been trained to do so, giving off
1800-546: The now-extinct English Water Spaniel , as well as the Northern and Southern Water Spaniels. However, whether or not Irish Water Spaniels are antecedents, descendants, or hybrids of these other breeds is a matter of some speculation. It is believed, in Irish folklore , to be the descendant of the mythological cryptid , the Dobhar-chú . Irish Water Spaniels may make good family dogs, as they are usually excellent with respectful children and with other pets. They can make good guard dogs if they have been trained to do so, giving off
1845-649: The ongoing health and welfare of the Irish Water Spaniel. To this end the BEC breeders have agreed to a rigorous set of recommended breeding practices such as: open information exchange, health testing in accordance with the Irish Water Spaniel CHIC protocol, collaboration with the IWSCA Health and Genetics Committee, participation in breed-specific health studies, promotion of responsible pet ownership, and responsibility for any puppy they have bred – for
English Water Spaniel - Misplaced Pages Continue
1890-462: The ongoing health and welfare of the Irish Water Spaniel. To this end the BEC breeders have agreed to a rigorous set of recommended breeding practices such as: open information exchange, health testing in accordance with the Irish Water Spaniel CHIC protocol, collaboration with the IWSCA Health and Genetics Committee, participation in breed-specific health studies, promotion of responsible pet ownership, and responsibility for any puppy they have bred – for
1935-475: The person credited with developing the Irish Water Spaniel, Justin McCarthy, left no written records, it is unknown if the English Water Spaniel was involved in its development. During the first half of the 18th century, the English Water Spaniel was used for duck hunting in East Anglia . The Kennel Club initially had a class for "Water spaniels other than Irish" as no standard was specifically set up for
1980-467: Was moderately stout and barrel shaped, but not as much as that of the Field Spaniel . Its legs were long and straight with large feet. The dog varied in size with the larger varieties known as "Water Dogs" and the smaller as "Water Spaniels". Due to the English Water Spaniel's colours of liver (tan) and white, it has been suggested that the breed may have been the source of the colours now found in
2025-416: Was white under the belly and around the neck but brown on the back. Irish Water Spaniel The Irish Water Spaniel ( Irish : An Spáinnéar Uisce ) is a breed of dog that is the tallest of the spaniels . The Irish Water Spaniel is a sturdy, cobby dog native to Ireland. The coat, consisting of dense curls, sheds very little (see Moult ). A topknot of long, loose curls grows downward from
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