IRISH WATER SPANIEL CLUB OF AMERICA

OFFICIAL STANDARD FOR THE IRISH WATER SPANIEL

GENERAL APPEARANCE-The Irish Water Spaniel presents a picture of a
smart, upstanding strongly built sporting dog. Great intelligence is
combined with rugged endurance and a bold, dashing eagerness of
temperament. Distinguishing characteristics are a topknot of long,
loose curls, a body covered with a dense, crisply curled liver colored
coat, contrasted by a smooth face and a smooth "rat" tail.

SIZE, PROPORTION, SUBSTANCE-Strongly built and well boned, the Irish
Water Spaniel is a dog of medium length, slightly rectangular in
appearance. He is well balanced and shows no legginess or coarseness.
Dogs 22 to 24 inches, bitches 21 to 23 inches, measured at the highest
point of the shoulder. Dogs 55 to 65 pounds, bitches 45 to 58 pounds.

HEAD-The head is cleanly chiseled, not cheeky, and should not present
a short, wedge shaped appearance. The skull is rather large and high
in the dome, with a prominent occiput and a gradual stop. The muzzle
is square and rather long, with a deep mouth opening and lips fine in
texture. The nose large and liver in color. Teeth strong and regular
with a scissor or level bite. The hair on the face is short and
smooth, except for a beard which grows in a narrow line at the back of
the jaw.

TOPKNOT-A characteristic of the breed, consists of long, loose curls
growing down into a well-defined peak between the eyes and falling
like a shawl over the tops of the ears and occiput. Trimming of this
breed characteristic in an exaggerated manner is highly objectionable.

EYES-Medium in size, slightly almond shaped with tight eyelids. Eyes
are hazel in color, preferably of a dark shade. The expression is
keenly alert, intelligent, direct and quizzical.

EARS-Long, lobular, set low, with leathers reaching about to the end
of the nose when extended forward, and abundantly covered with long
curls, extending two or more inches below the tips of the leathers.

NECK, TOPLINE, BODY-The NECK is long, arching, strong and muscular:
smoothly set into cleanly sloping shoulders. TOPLINE-Strong and level,
or slightly higher in the rear; never descending, or showing sag or
roach. BODY-The body is of medium length, slightly rectangular. Chest
deep, with brisket extending to the elbows. Ribs well sprung and
carried well back. Immediately behind the shoulders ribs are flattened
enough to allow free movement of the forelegs, becoming rounder
behind. Loin short, wide and muscular. The body should not present a
tucked-up appearance.

FOREQUARTERS-The entire front gives the impression of strength without
heaviness. Shoulders are sloping and clean. Forelegs well boned,
muscular, medium in length; with sufficient length of upper arm to
ensure efficient reach. Elbows close set. Forefeet are large, thick
and somewhat spreading; well clothed with hair both over and between
the toes.

HINDQUARTERS-Sound hindquarters are of great importance to provide
swimming power and drive. They should be as high or slightly higher
than the shoulders, powerful and muscular, with well developed upper
and second thighs. Hips wide, stifles moderately bent, hocks set low
and moderately bent. Rear angulation is moderate, and balance of front
and rear angulation is of paramount importance. Rear feet are large,
thick and somewhat spreading; well clothed with hair. Tail should be
set on low enough to give a rather rounded appearance to the
hindquarters and should be carried nearly level with the back.

TAIL-The so-called "rat-tail" is a striking characteristic of the
breed. At the root it is thick and covered for two or three inches
with short curls. It tapers to a fine point at the end; and from the
root curls is covered with short, smooth hair so as to look as if it
had been clipped. The tail should not be long enough to reach the hock
joint.

COAT-Proper double coat is of vital importance to protect the dog
while working. The neck, back, sides, and rear are densely covered
with tight, crisp ringlets, with the hair longer underneath the ribs.
Forelegs are well covered with abundant curls or waves. The hind legs
should also be abundantly covered by hair falling in curls or waves,
except that the hair should be short and smooth on the front of the
legs below the hocks. The hair on the throat is very short and smooth,
forming a V-shaped patch. All curled areas should be clearly defined
by curls of sufficient length to form a sharp contrast with the smooth
coat on face, throat, tail, and rear legs below the hocks. Fore and
hind feet should be well clothed with hair both over and between the
toes. Dogs may be shown in natural coat or trimmed. However, no dog
should be groomed or trimmed so excessively as to obscure the curl or
texture of the coat.

COLOR-Solid liver. With the exception of graying due to age, white
hair or markings objectionable.

GAIT-The Irish Water Spaniel moves with a smooth, free, ground
covering action that, when viewed from the side, exhibits balanced
reach and drive. True and precise coming and going. When walking or
standing, the legs are perpendicular to the ground, toeing neither in
nor out.

TEMPERAMENT-Very alert and inquisitive, the Irish Water Spaniel is
often reserved with strangers. However, aggressive behavior or
excessive shyness should be penalized. A stable temperament is
essential in a hunting dog.

FAULTS-The foregoing description is that of the ideal Irish Water
Spaniel in hard working condition. Any deviation from the above
described dog must be penalized to the extent of the deviation,
keeping in mind the importance of various features toward the basic
original purpose of the breed.

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