Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is the tallest spaniel breed, with a distinctive curly liver coat, rat tail and an irrepressible love of water. Originating from Ireland, this large-sized gundog breed has earned a loyal following among Australian pet owners thanks to its distinctive appearance and reliable temperament. With a typical lifespan of 10—12 years, the Irish Water Spaniel stands 51—58 cm at the shoulder and weighs between 20—30 kg. Whether you live in a bustling city apartment or a sprawling rural property, understanding this breed’s unique needs will help you decide if it’s the right fit for your household.

About the Irish Water Spaniel

History

The largest and one of the oldest spaniel breeds, developed in Ireland for water retrieving. Their distinctive features include a curly, water-resistant coat and a smooth ‘rat tail.’ The breed’s exact origins are mysterious, but they have been a recognised breed since the 1830s.

Temperament & Personality

The Irish Water Spaniel is widely regarded as intelligent, clownish, eager, loyal, active and brave. These personality traits make them well-suited to Australian families who value a intelligent companion. Around the home, Irish Water Spaniels tend to form strong bonds with their primary carers while remaining clownish with visitors and strangers. This breed is typically excellent with children of all ages. Patient and gentle, they make wonderful family companions. As with all breeds, supervision during interactions with very young children is recommended. Their eager disposition also means they respond best to owners who understand and respect their temperament rather than trying to force them into a mould that doesn’t suit them.

Training & Socialisation

Training a Irish Water Spaniel requires understanding that this breed is eager to please and generally straightforward to train. Positive reinforcement methods work best—reward good behaviour with treats, praise and play sessions. Start socialisation early by introducing your Irish Water Spaniel puppy to different environments, people and other animals. Australian puppy schools are an excellent starting point and are available in most suburbs and regional towns. Local councils across Australia often have specific requirements for dog behaviour in public, making basic obedience training not just beneficial but often necessary. Patience and consistency will yield the best results with this breed.

Care & Health

Must have regular access to swimming. Non-shedding coat requires specific grooming knowledge. A unique breed for experienced, active owners.

Living Conditions

The Irish Water Spaniel is best suited to homes with a securely fenced yard. Apartments are generally not ideal for this breed unless you commit to multiple daily exercise outings. In Australia’s varied climate, be mindful of heat—provide shade, fresh water and avoid exercising during the hottest parts of the day, particularly in summer.

Quick Facts

Origin: Ireland
Life Span: 10—12 years
Size: large
Hair Shed: little
Grooming: Three times a week
Good with Kids: high
Exercise Needs: high
Feeding Cost: $20–$25 p/w
Colours: Liver (dark reddish-brown) only.

Exercise

Exercise needs: high

High exercise needs of 60+ minutes daily. Loves swimming, retrieving and water sports. Thrives with active, outdoor-oriented owners.

Health Considerations

hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, ear infections, follicular dysplasia and epilepsy.

Recommended Insurance for Irish Water Spaniel

While Irish Water Spaniels are beloved companions, they do carry a genetic predisposition to certain conditions.

■Hip Dysplasia — typical treatment cost: $3,000–$8,000
■Hypothyroidism — typical treatment cost: $300–$800/year ongoing
■Ear Infections — typical treatment cost: $1,000–$5,000+
■Follicular Dysplasia And Epilepsy — typical treatment cost: $1,000–$5,000+

A comprehensive pet insurance policy can help cover the cost of diagnostics, surgery and ongoing treatment for these conditions. Many Australian providers offer plans starting from around $30–$60 per month for larger breeds, with annual benefit limits of $10,000–$25,000.

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Pre-existing conditions are never covered. Insuring your Irish Water Spaniel while they’re young and healthy gives you the broadest coverage at the lowest premium.

Compare the best pet insurance options for your Irish Water Spaniel →

Grooming

Curly coat needs brushing 2–3 times weekly and professional trimming every 6–8 weeks. Non-shedding but requires consistent maintenance.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

Excellent with children and families
Highly affectionate and loyal companion
Minimal shedding keeps your home cleaner
Energetic and fun for active owners
Playful and entertaining personality

Considerations

Requires significant daily exercise commitment
High grooming maintenance required
May develop destructive behaviours if under-stimulated
Higher food and veterinary costs than smaller breeds

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Irish Water Spaniel cost in Australia?

In Australia, a Irish Water Spaniel puppy from a registered breeder typically costs between $2,500–$6,000 AUD. Prices vary based on pedigree, breeder reputation and location. Adoption through breed-specific rescue organisations is also an option and typically costs $300–$800. Always choose an ANKC-registered breeder who provides health clearances for both parents.

Is the Irish Water Spaniel good with children?

The Irish Water Spaniel is typically excellent with children of all ages. Patient and gentle, they make wonderful family companions. As with all breeds, supervision during interactions with very young children is recommended. Early socialisation helps ensure your Irish Water Spaniel develops positive associations with children of all ages.

How much exercise does a Irish Water Spaniel need?

The Irish Water Spaniel thrives on at least 60–90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. Long walks, runs, hiking and active play sessions are essential. Without adequate physical and mental stimulation, behavioural issues may develop. In Australia, local dog parks and beaches provide excellent exercise venues for Irish Water Spaniels.

What health problems are common in Irish Water Spaniels?

Common health concerns in the Irish Water Spaniel include hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, ear infections, follicular dysplasia and epilepsy. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for early detection. In Australia, pet insurance is recommended to help manage potential veterinary costs. Choose a breeder who conducts relevant health screenings on breeding stock.

Does the Irish Water Spaniel shed a lot?

The Irish Water Spaniel is a low-shedding breed, making them a good option for those who prefer a cleaner home. Regular brushing still helps remove loose hair and keep the coat healthy. They are not considered hypoallergenic, but their minimal shedding is a definite advantage.

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