Neck.—Long and well set up, blending below with strong shoulders.
A deep chest, strong back and loins, are necessary for the working capacity of the breed.
Coat.—Very important. To consist of tight, crisp curls all over body, and limbs. Fifteen per cent. of points go to the coat.
Height (shoulder measurement).—Not more than 24 inches, or less than 20 inches.
General Appearances.—To win, the Irish Water Spaniel must look proportionate all over, be active, have a tight curly coat and a good top-knot, carry the head well up, be keen in facial expression, have a cat-like tail, and look as though he would be ready to dive at the word of command—in fact a workman from top-knot to tail.
Faults.—Total absence of top-knot, a fully feathered tail and much white hair will disqualify. An open woolly coat, light in colour, cording of hair, Setter feathering on legs, and a moustache, are objectionable, and should tell heavily against an Irishman in the show-ring.
Weight.—55 to 65 lbs.
Club.—The Irish Water Spaniel Society.
The English Water Spaniel
Bewick gives an excellent figure of a large Water Spaniel. It is generally liver-coloured and white, with the hair on the body in little curls. The dog is of medium size, strong, active and intelligent, and used by the water-fowl shooter.