Comparison: Irish Water Spaniel and Wetterhoun

Irish Water Spaniel and Wetterhoun are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Irish Water Spaniel
Photo: Roete002, CC BY 4.0, source
Wetterhoun
Photo: mjk23, CC BY 2.0, source
Irish Water SpanielWetterhoun
FCI group8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
Country of originIrelandNetherlands
CategoryMediumLarge
Height at withers51–59 cm55–59 cm
Weight–28–34 kg
Recognition features
  • Dense, tight crisp ringlets in a rich puce-liver colour
  • Smooth face and a V-shaped smooth patch on the throat, with curls on neck and body
  • Distinctive "rat tail"
  • Square, compact and powerful build
  • Dense, firm, curly coat that feels greasy
  • Tail rolled into a spiral and carried over the croup
CoatDense, tight, crisp ringlets entirely free from woolliness but with a natural oiliness; neck covered with curls, throat smooth in a V-shaped patch, forelegs abundantly feathered. A very rich puce liver; white on the chest is objectionable.Dense curls formed of firm bundles of hair, quite coarse and greasy to the touch; head and legs with short hair. Solid black or solid brown with white on the chest and/or toes; patches, ticking and roan allowed.
PurposeA versatile gundog traditionally the choice of the wildfowler; it adapts to most forms of shooting, hunts, often points, and retrieves readily from heavy cover.A hunting and water dog traditionally used on otter, and a watchful yard guardian keen on vermin.

Breed page: Irish Water Spaniel · Breed page: Wetterhoun

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.