Irish Water Spaniel

Description and Appearance
– The Irish Water Spaniel is a sturdy, cobby dog native to Ireland.
– The coat consists of dense curls and sheds very little.
– The color is liver/puce with a distinct purple hue.
– They have a topknot of long, loose curls and a beard at the back of the throat.
– The most distinguishing characteristic is the smooth rat tail.
– The Irish Water Spaniel has a curled, liver-colored coat.
– The face is smooth-coated and requires little trimming.
– They are ruggedly built with webbed feet for swimming.
– They are the largest of the Spaniel group.
– Dogs range in height from 22 to 24 inches and weigh 55 to 65 pounds.

Temperament
– The Irish Water Spaniel is an active and energetic companion.
– They have a natural instinct to please and are easy to train.
– They are known for their intelligence and quizzical nature.
– Some individuals may be wary of strangers.
– Early socialization and training are important.

History
– The modern breed was developed in Ireland in the 1830s.
– The exact breeds used to develop Irish Water Spaniels are unknown.
– Speculations include Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet, and English Water Spaniel.
– It is believed to be the descendant of the Dobhar-chú in Irish folklore.
– Irish Water Spaniels have a long history in Ireland.

Suitability as a pet
– Irish Water Spaniels are usually excellent with respectful children and other pets.
– They can make good guard dogs and have a deep, fierce-sounding bark.
– Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their coat.
– Regular exercise is essential for their health and well-being.
– They thrive in a working environment and enjoy various activities.

Note
– The content provided contains some information that may not be accurate or up to date.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_water_spaniel