Photo: Henry Bernard Chalon · Public domain dog breed · 927 on Animalso
English Water Spaniel
- Animal
- Dog
- Origin
- United Kingdom
The English Water Spaniel was a United Kingdom dog breed used to hunt waterfowl. It was known for diving, with descriptions comparing it to a Collie or to a Poodle–Springer Spaniel cross. The breed had curly fur, often in white with liver or tan. It has been extinct since the early 20th century; the last specimen was seen in the 1930s.
What it was bred to do
The English Water Spaniel was a hunting dog from the United Kingdom. It was used to pursue waterfowl and was noted for diving like a duck.
Getting started
There is no living English Water Spaniel to bring home. The breed has been extinct since the first part of the 20th century, and the last specimen was seen in the 1930s.
Strengths
Its defining abilities were work in and around water, including diving, and hunting waterfowl. Descriptions also note curly fur and a white coat with liver or tan markings.
Catches
This is a historical breed rather than a current pet choice. Descriptions compare its appearance with a Collie or with a Poodle and Springer Spaniel cross, so records may present it in different ways.
Pricing
No purchase price applies because the English Water Spaniel is extinct.
Who should skip it
Skip this breed if you need a living dog, a breeder, or a present-day companion. For current options, browse Dog breeds from United Kingdom or Dog breeds.
Verdict
The English Water Spaniel belongs in breed history and suits readers tracing old waterfowl dogs from Britain. It does not fit anyone choosing a dog to own today.
What stands out
- Bred to hunt waterfowl.
- Known for diving like a duck.
- Curly fur with white and liver or tan coloring.
- Linked to the United Kingdom.
Worth knowing
- Extinct since the early 20th century.
- The last specimen was seen in the 1930s.
- It cannot be chosen as a present-day pet breed.
Suits
- Readers tracing historic United Kingdom water dogs
- People studying waterfowl-hunting breeds
Think twice if
- You want a living dog to own
- You need a currently available companion breed
In short
The English Water Spaniel is a record of a vanished working dog from the United Kingdom. Its story centers on waterfowl hunting and an unusual ability to dive. Historical descriptions give it curly fur and white coloring with liver or tan. Because no living population remains, this page is useful for understanding the breed’s place in dog history, not for selecting a household pet, finding a breeder, or planning ownership.
Questions
What is the English Water Spaniel?
It was a dog breed from the United Kingdom, used for hunting waterfowl and noted for diving.
Is the English Water Spaniel still alive as a breed?
No. It has been extinct since the first part of the 20th century, with the last specimen seen in the 1930s.
What was the English Water Spaniel bred to do?
It was bred for hunting waterfowl and was known for being able to dive.
What did the English Water Spaniel look like?
Descriptions compare it with a Collie or a Poodle–Springer Spaniel cross. Its fur was curly, often white with liver or tan.
Can I get an English Water Spaniel today?
No. The breed is extinct, so it is not available as a living companion dog.
More dog breeds from United Kingdom
Airedale Terrier United Kingdom Height 56 cmLives 12 yrs Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · Copyrighted free use 
Bullmastiff United Kingdom Height 61 cmWeight 41 kg Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY-SA 3.0 
Photo credits9 photographs on this page
- English Water Spaniel — Henry Bernard Chalon · Public domain · file page
- Airedale Terrier — Wikimedia Commons contributor · Copyrighted free use · file page
- beagle — Jonatan De Geest · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Border Terrier — Floris16 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Bulldog — Pleple2000 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Bullmastiff — Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — Mapovfille · CC BY 3.0 · file page
- collie — Karen Arnold · CC0 · file page
- Curly Coated Retriever — Mattias Agar · CC BY-SA 2.0 · file page
Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under the licence each one names. How Animalso credits photographs.