Irish Water Spaniel

Also called Whiptail, Shannon Spaniel, Rat Tail Spaniel, Bog Dog

Recognised breedFCI group 8Short profile

From Ireland; the modern breed took shape in the 1830s.1 2

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male24.9 to 30.8 kg3

Weight, female20.4 to 26.3 kg3

Height, male53 to 61 cm1 3

Height, female51 to 58 cm1 3

Lifespan10 to 12 years2 4

Sizelarge

From the AKC standard (dogs 55-68 lb, bitches 45-58 lb); the FCI standard sets no weight.

FCI gives 53-59 cm for dogs and 51-56 cm for bitches; AKC gives 22-24 in (56-61 cm) and 21-23 in (53-58 cm).

superb swimmer

clever with a real sense of humour

tireless and loyal

5 3 1

Coat and looks how to spot one

curly, low-shedding double coat

A strong, upstanding water dog covered in tight, crisp ringlets with a natural oil that helps shed water. The face is smooth, a topknot of long loose curls falls over the eyes, and the tail is curly only at the base before tapering into a smooth 'rat tail'.1 3 2

Coloursrich liver to dark liver with a purplish sheen (puce liver)3 1

Personality what they are like

Alert, curious and full of energy, with a playful, comic streak that earns it the title of clown of the spaniel family. It is loyal and steady with its people and may be reserved with strangers until it gets to know them.3 1 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very high. The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day, and the breed loves swimming, retrieving and mentally challenging work.4 5

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush and comb more than once a week to stop the curls from matting; the coat sheds very little.4 2

Home where they are happiest

Best suited to a country home with a large garden and regular chances to swim.4

Company who they like around

A devoted family companion that likes to be involved; early socialisation helps it feel relaxed with visitors.1 2

The story where it all began

Water dogs used for hunting wildfowl are mentioned in Ireland from around 1600. The modern breed was fixed in the 1830s by Justin McCarthy of Dublin, who is regarded as its father even though he left no breeding records. The Irish Water Spaniel Club was founded in 1890.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It is the tallest of the AKC's spaniel breeds.5
2
Its smooth, tapering 'rat tail' is unique to the breed.1
3
The coat has a natural oiliness that helps it cope with cold water.1
4
It has webbed feet, which help make it a strong swimmer.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named for its Irish origin and its natural affinity for water, being a skilled swimmer used for hunting waterfowl. It is also known as the 'Rat Tail Spaniel' due to its distinctive smooth, tapering tail.2

Name ideas for your new friend

SplashRiverShannonMurphyDiverCurlyWhiptailLoughPuddlesBogartFinnianRipple

A day in the life told by an Irish Water Spaniel

I wake up and my tail starts wagging before my eyes are open. I bounce to the back door, ready for the day's first adventure. We head to the lake, where I plunge in after a stick, my curls bouncing like springs. I swim circles around my human, then shake off a rainbow of droplets. Back home, I find a squeaky toy and perform a comedy routine that makes everyone laugh. I end the day snuggled on a towel, dreaming of tomorrow's splash.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 124, Group 8 Retrievers, flushing dogs, water dogs, Section 3 Water dogs; standard dated 13.03.2001.1
AKC: Sporting Group; current standard approved 14 July 2009, effective 1 September 2009.3
The Royal Kennel Club: Gundog group; listed as a vulnerable native breed.4

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Irish Water Spaniel. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery 2 days
Bathevery month
HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Irish Water Spaniel tip

Irish Water Spaniels can be prone to weight gain and digestive sensitivities, so choose low-fat, highly digestible treats like lean meat or pumpkin. Always keep treats under 10% of daily calories and introduce new ones gradually to avoid tummy upsets.

Source: akc.org petmd.com

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Irish Water Spaniel, and at what times?

Feed your adult Irish Water Spaniel at least two meals a day at consistent times. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Always follow the food label and your vet's advice for portions.6

What should an Irish Water Spaniel eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality dog food suited to its activity level is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Consult your vet for a tailored diet.7

How often should I bathe an Irish Water Spaniel?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 28 days, but you can bathe less often if your dog is not dirty. The breed's natural oils help repel water, so avoid over-bathing.8 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an Irish Water Spaniel need brushing?

Brush and comb your Irish Water Spaniel more than once a week, ideally every two days as per Furry Diary's plan, to prevent matting. The coat sheds very little.4 2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an Irish Water Spaniel's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 28 days or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. Ask your vet or groomer if unsure.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an Irish Water Spaniel need?

This energetic breed needs more than two hours of exercise daily, including swimming and retrieving. A large garden and mental challenges are ideal.4 5

How do I look after an Irish Water Spaniel's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth daily with dog toothpaste and check ears weekly for moisture. Dry the floppy ears after swimming. Never insert anything into the ear canal.8 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Irish Water Spaniel live?

The Irish Water Spaniel typically lives 10 to 12 years. With good care, some may live longer.2 4

Is an Irish Water Spaniel good with children and other pets?

Yes, they are loyal and playful with their family, including children, and can get along with other pets if socialised early. They may be reserved with strangers.1 2

Can an Irish Water Spaniel be left alone?

This breed is very people-oriented and may not enjoy being left alone for long periods. They thrive on involvement and can become bored if isolated. Early training helps.1 2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.