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Large breed Active energy Curly coat Sporting Group 🌍 Ireland

Irish Water Spaniel

Playful, Hardworking, Brave

Standing 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder and weighing 55 to 65 pounds, the Irish Water Spaniel straddles the line between “medium” and “large” dogs on our scale of size. Among its distinguishing characteristics are a crisply curled, liver-colored, waterproof coat; a tapered “rat…

⚖️ 45–68 lbs 📏 21–24" 🎂 12–13 years
Estimate Irish Water Spaniel costs Find Irish Water Spaniel names

Traits

Irish Water Spaniel Characteristics

Energy

100%

Shedding

60%

Trainability

80%

Grooming

40%

Friendliness

40%

Coat Type

Curly coat Weekly Brushing

Owner resources

Matched Resources for Irish Water Spaniel Owners

Contextual partner picks from the PupWiki affiliate pipeline. These are matched by breed size, energy, training needs, lifestyle, and ownership intent.

Irish Water Spaniel food & nutrition tools
ChefPaw Dog Food Maker
Chef Paw (US) · Appliances

ChefPaw Dog Food Maker

Revolutionary countertop pet food maker, simplifying the process of crafting fresh and highly-nutrit…

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Irish Water Spaniel training & walking gear
🐾
JugBow · Training

JugBow No-Pull Training Harness

Dual-clip training harness with front and back D-rings. Reflective stitching, padded chest plate, an…

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For Irish Water Spaniel owners
The Veteran - Custom Pet Canvas
Crown and Paw · Gifts

The Veteran - Custom Pet Canvas

Premium 8" x 10" custom pet canvas. Turn your pet into a legendary military veteran.

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Affiliate disclosure: PupWiki may earn a commission from qualifying partner links, at no extra cost to you. Availability and pricing can change.

Care basics

Irish Water Spaniel Care Tips

Requires 90+ minutes vigorous exercise daily — fetch, agility, or long hikes.

Seasonal shedder — daily brushing during spring and fall coat blows is essential.

Owner fit

Who the Irish Water Spaniel Suits

  • Recommended for experienced owners — higher owner difficulty rating of 8/10.

  • Better suited to homes with outdoor space — this large needs room to move.

  • A energetic temperament can make this breed a reliable companion for the right household.

  • Working heritage means structured activity matters — under-stimulation can lead to problem behaviors.

Grooming commitment: very high — comb to skin daily, professional grooming every 6–8 weeks

Before you choose

Make an Informed Irish Water Spaniel Decision

🐾 Is this breed right for me?

Compare your lifestyle, home, experience level, and activity needs.

 💰 What does a Irish Water Spaniel cost?

Estimate puppy, annual, food, care, and lifetime ownership costs.

 📋 New to dog ownership?

Prepare your home, budget, routine, and expectations before adoption.

Related guides

All Irish Water Spaniel Guides

Irish Water Spaniel Cost Calculator

Puppy price, annual costs, food estimate, and lifetime ownership planning.
🍖 Irish Water Spaniel food & nutrition guide 🎾 Irish Water Spaniel toy & enrichment ideas ✍️ Irish Water Spaniel names 🛏️ Irish Water Spaniel bed & sleep guide ✂️ Irish Water Spaniel grooming guide 🩺 Irish Water Spaniel health concerns 💊 Irish Water Spaniel supplement considerations 🦮 Irish Water Spaniel training guide

Classification

FCI Classification

FCI Group Group 8 — Retrievers, Flushing Dogs and Water Dogs
Section Waterhonden
Status Recognized

Editorial guides

Food Fresh dog food tools: what to compare

A practical look at fresh-food prep, cost, and owner fit.
Training Training gear for dogs that need structure

Harnesses, long lines, and reward routines for better walks.
Lifestyle Dog lover gifts that feel personal

Custom portraits and practical dog-parent gift ideas.