irish water spaniel
C2specialized, technical
Definition
Meaning
A breed of dog, a large spaniel with a dense, curly, liver-colored coat, historically bred in Ireland for retrieving waterfowl.
Refers specifically to the dog breed. May be used by metonymy to refer to an individual dog of this breed.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A compound proper noun denoting a specific, recognized breed. It is a hyponym of 'spaniel' and 'gun dog'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No difference in the term itself, as it is a standardized breed name. Pronunciation of 'water' differs.
Connotations
Associated with gundog trials, field sports, and dog shows in both cultures.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both varieties, familiar primarily to dog enthusiasts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [owner] owns an Irish Water Spaniel.The [breeder] specializes in Irish Water Spaniels.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in the context of pet industry, breeding, and dog show commerce.
Academic
Used in veterinary science, cynology (the study of dogs), and animal husbandry texts.
Everyday
Used in conversations about pets, dog breeds, and hobbies like hunting or dog shows.
Technical
Standard term in kennel club registries, breed standards, and gundog training manuals.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This is an Irish Water Spaniel.
- The dog is big and brown.
- My uncle has an Irish Water Spaniel that loves to swim.
- This breed comes from Ireland.
- The Irish Water Spaniel's distinctive curly coat is water-resistant, making it an excellent retriever in cold lakes.
- We are considering getting an Irish Water Spaniel because of its intelligence and suitability for active families.
- Among the various spaniel breeds, the Irish Water Spaniel is notable for its unique 'rat tail' and dense, liver-colored curls.
- The kennel club's breed standard for the Irish Water Spaniel specifies precise requirements for height, coat texture, and overall conformation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of Ireland's wet climate: an IRISH dog for WATER, of the SPANIEL family.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid calquing as '*ирландский водный спаниель*'—the standard established term is '*ирландский водяной спаниель*'.
- Do not confuse with 'спаниель' alone, which is a broader category.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'Irish Water Spanial' or 'Irish Water Spanielle'.
- Incorrect capitalisation: 'irish water spaniel'.
- Using as a common noun: 'an irish water spaniel' (should be capitalised as a proper noun).
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining physical characteristic of the Irish Water Spaniel?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for active families. They are intelligent, energetic, and loyal but require substantial exercise and mental stimulation.
The breed was developed in Ireland in the 1830s, likely from older water spaniel breeds, to be a versatile water retriever.
Their curly coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and occasional trimming. The coat is naturally water-resistant.
Yes, they are considered a relatively uncommon breed compared to other spaniels like the Cocker or Springer Spaniel.