Group 8 · Retrievers & spaniels
Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is the largest spaniel, with a liver-coloured curly coat, a bare 'rat tail' and a topknot on its head. It is funny, clever and hard-working, and an excellent swimmer.
Health
There is no breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders) for this breed (yet). Without an approved breeding programme, no Flemish pedigree can be issued, but a lineage certificate can. Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen strongly recommends carrying out the health tests on the parent dogs.
View the official breeding programmes
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
There is no breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen for this breed (yet). Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen strongly recommends carrying out the health tests on the parent dogs. Ask the breeder which health tests the parent dogs have had, and ask for the results. An Irish Water Spaniel needs plenty of daily exercise and is in its element swimming and retrieving. Its curly coat needs a weekly brush and the odd trim.
Questions for the breeder
- Which health tests have the parent dogs had, and may I see the results?
- Will the puppy receive a pedigree or a lineage certificate, and from which association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
This gundog is funny, clever and hard-working, but can be headstrong and reserved with strangers. It needs work for its nose and mind and learns best with varied training.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
