water spaniel

noun

1. either of two breeds of spaniels, used for retrieving waterfowl.

water spaniel

noun

1. either of two large curly-coated breeds of spaniel (the Irish and the American), which are used for hunting waterfowl See also Irish water spaniel

Word History and Origins

Origin of water spaniel¹

First recorded in 1560–70

Example Sentences

The first litter of golden retrievers was born in 1868 to a Tweed water spaniel, a breed now extinct, and yellow wavy-coated retriever.

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The Irish water spaniel, wire fox terrier, Labrador, and basset hound also sport mugs that are scientifically proven to pull at our heartstrings.

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The Irish water spaniel, looking a bit nervous, has been sent away by the judge!

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“Irish water spaniels are known as the clown of the gundog breed, and he’s no exception,” she says.

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Others include the Great Dane in Pennsylvania and the American water spaniel in Wisconsin.

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