5. Irish Water Spaniel

As the tallest of the spaniel breeds, the Irish Water Spaniel makes an immediate impression. According to the American Kennel Club, this breed is distinguished by a dense coat of liver-colored curls and a completely smooth “rat tail.” The stark contrast between their heavily curled body and the tapering, straight-haired tail remains a unique trait in the canine world.

Bred to retrieve waterfowl from cold bogs and rivers, they possess powerful hindquarters and exceptional stamina. When you take an Irish Water Spaniel to a lake, you will quickly see their historical instincts take over as they dive into the water with unmatched enthusiasm. Because of this high drive, you need to provide them with rigorous physical exercise.

While they show incredible focus in the field, these spaniels act playful and clownish inside the home. They often display a mischievous sense of humor with their families but tend to remain reserved around strangers. You must comb their tight ringlets regularly to remove debris, paying special attention to the longer hair on their head, known as a topknot.