THE SPANIEL 103 



fication. Other colours may be black and tan, liver 

 and tan, liver, black, tan and white, roans. The 

 general appearance is that of a sporting dog, capable 

 of learning and doing anything possible for his inches 

 and conformation, a grand combination of beauty 

 and utility. 



The Irish Water Spaniel is in a class entirely apart, 

 and has apparently very little affinity to the other dogs 

 of the same name. He is a curious, old-fashioned- 

 looking fellow, with strongly-marked utility points ; 

 but in spite of his homely appearance there is much 

 about him to like. It has been said that his mouth 

 is hard, an imputation which enthusiasts reject with 

 scorn. In the words of one of these: "The per- 

 fectly trained Irish Water Spaniel should be a dog 

 which is a keen, clever worker in beating covert, 

 land and water, absolutely steady to heel and shot, 

 free from chase, and a quick, tender retriever right 

 up to hand of fur and feather from land or water. 

 He will have a good nose, and know how to use it, 

 and last, but not least, drop to hand and remain 

 down till released by sign or whistle." Certainly he 

 is ready to perform almost any duty, his courage and 

 hardihood standing him in good stead in all sorts of 

 weather and country. Added to these qualities, he 

 has an equitable disposition. 



The picture shows his points more clearly than 

 any description can convey. First, it will be noticed 

 that he is much higher on the leg than other 

 Spaniels, though legginess is a detriment. The 

 height at shoulder is from 20 to 23 inches, and 

 the body is fair sized, round, barrel-shaped, and 

 well ribbed up. The coat, neither woolly nor lank, 

 consists of short crisp curls right up to the stern. 



