The Irish
Water Spaniel is the largest of the spaniels. It has
a crisp-textured curly coat and a hairless, rat-like
tail. It has a smooth short-coated face. It has a rather
large head with an arched skull. The curly outer coat
is lined with a dense undercoat that helps insulate
them in very cold water. A top-knot of curls on the
head hangs down to cover and protect its eyes. Its muzzle
is long, square and powerful. They have long ears that
are covered with curls. Its hind quarters are as high
or slightly higher than the shoulders and its chest
is deep, but fairly narrow for free movement when swimming.
It also has webbed feet to assist in swimming.
