COUNTRY: Ireland
WEIGHT: 45-65 pounds
HEIGHT: 21-24 inches
COAT: Tight, crisp ringlets on body, neck and 2 inches down tail, longer hair with loose curls on legs and topknot; smooth on face, remainder of tail, and back legs below hock
COLOR: Solid liver
REGISTRY: FCI, AKC, UKC, TKC, CKC
GROUP: Gun Dog
The exact origins of this most distinct breed are argued to this day. Several types of water retrievers coexisted in Ireland, but this specific breed appeared in the 1830s, mainly from the kennels of Justin McCarthy. His dog "Boatswain," whelped in 1834, is the acknowledged "sire" of the modern breed. McCarthy never revealed the sources of his breeding, and the Irishman kept his secret to the grave. An ancestor of McCarthy fought with the Irish Brigade against England in France for Louis XII. Since several stem types have graced
France since early times, specimens of the early Barbet/Poodle types could have been brought back to Ireland and later crossed with local Irish or British dogs. But those of the Portuguese Water Dog genus may have also been brought to British and Irish shores with Portuguese sailors. It is known that two types of water spaniels populated the Emerald Isle, the northern variety being small and particolored with a wavy coat. His southern counterpart was larger and sported a curly coat. This latter dog likely contributed to the modern IWS. Controversy notwithstanding, it is known he is from water dog stock and that his distinctive type, with high-held head and tail, long thighs and low hocks, and smooth tail, was fixed early.
Remarkably similar to the dogs of 150 years ago, he remains a popular working and show dog in his native Ireland. Although recognized in the USA since 1878 and supported by an active breed club, he is few in number. The breed was appreciated by hunters of waterfowl, who supplied American tables with various delicacies and who admired the- breed's qualities, gently working long hours day after day. The terrain and cover in Ireland were similar to those housing waterfowl in America, enabling the dog to do well in marshy bogs and making him a logical choice for the serious gunner.
He is a quality retriever in any cover and for a variety of game, but his real skills are seen in water, even In currents, where he is a strong swimmer and often dives to go after wounded ducks. His expertise lies in retrieving wounded fowl, which might otherwise escape the hunter. Large and strong enough to handle even geese with ease, his heavy coat affords him protection from long exposure in icy water. His coat needs to be groomed, but not clipped like a Poodle; it sheds water and doesn't become wet to the skin.
There are several well-known obedience workers in the breed, and the first sporting dog to win an obedience title in the USA was an Irish Water Spaniel. His nature is one of initiative and courage, yet he is innately trainable. Owners insist he is a dog with a sense of humor, and his enjoyment of games makes him a good family dog. He is, however, discerning with strangers. His head is capped with a characteristic topknot, and his expression is quizzical, adding to his appealing appearance.