Definition

Noun: 1. A type of gun dog: A water spaniel is any of several breeds of spaniel developed to retrieve game from water. They are characterized by a water-resistant coat, often curly or wavy, and a strong swimming ability. 2. A functional category: The term refers not to a single breed but to a group of breeds sharing the common purpose of being skilled retrievers in aquatic environments.

Usage

• The term is used to classify and describe specific breeds of dogs within the larger spaniel family that have a historical and physical specialization for water work.
• It is often preceded by a breed-specific adjective (e.g., Water Spaniel, Water Spaniel).

Examples

• The hunter relied on his water spaniel to retrieve ducks from the cold lake.
• The Irish Water Spaniel is known for its distinctive curly, liver-colored coat and rat-like tail.
• Compared to a field spaniel, a water spaniel typically has a denser, more water-repellent coat.

Advanced Usage

• "Proved its worth as a water spaniel": This phrase emphasizes the dog's demonstrated skill and utility in its specialized role of waterfowl retrieval.

Variants and Related Words

• Irish Water Spaniel: A specific breed, the largest of the water spaniels.
• American Water Spaniel: A specific breed developed in the United States.
• Field Spaniel: A related type of spaniel bred primarily for land-based game flushing and retrieving.

Synonyms

• Water dog (a more general term for any dog bred for water retrieval)
• Retriever (a broader category of gun dogs that includes water-loving breeds like Labradors)

Different Meanings

• The term has a very specific zoological/cynological meaning and is not used idiomatically outside of references to dog breeds and their functions.

Noun

1. any dog of two large curly-coated breeds used for hunting waterfowl