Think spaniel and it’s likely that a few popular breeds come to mind: Cocker, Springer, Cavalier King Charles.

But did you know that there are around 20 recognized spaniel breeds all around the world? And that their physical traits range from those with tightly-curled coats to silky golden fur; from swimmers with webbed feet to low-lying hunters with miniature legs?

Encompassing the tallest, largest and rarest, here are five rare spaniel breeds that may not be on your radar yet, but definitely should be…

Clumber Spaniels

The largest of all the English spaniel breeds at 25-40kg, Clumbers are solid and sturdy, with a square bone structure and lovable, droopy face.

Named after Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, where the breed was developed, their gentle nature makes them excellent family pets. However, they are currently registered as a Vulnerable Native Breed by the UK Kennel Club, as there are fewer than 300 births per year.

Irish Water Spaniel

The tallest of any spaniel at up to 61cm, Irish Water Spaniels are a real one-of-a-kind with distinctive curly coats and hairless “rat tails”.

Plus, unlike other curly-haired breeds such as poodles, they do not require grooming or trimming.

Unsurprisingly, this breed loves swimming and has webbed feet. In fact, according to Irish folklore, they are descendants of the Dobhar-chú, an enormous half-dog, half-fish who terrorises murky waters. Fortunately, they haven’t inherited the Dobhar-chú’s demonic personality and are known as goofy, energetic companions.

Welsh Springer Spaniel

This clever, loyal dog is the smaller cousin of the English Springer Spaniel, and has historic roots as a hunting dog in Wales.

Their silky coat is functional as well as stylish, as it’s water-resistant, and they love swimming, along with outdoor activities and adventure in general.

Sussex Spaniel

Originally bred near Hastings in Sussex, the Sussex Spaniel is the rarest land spaniel. They are short but sturdy, with a doleful expression that belies their cheerful temperament, and a characteristic golden-brown silky coat.

Unlike some working spaniels, Sussexes aren’t built for speed and have a low, rolling gait – which is fair enough, as they have the shortest legs of any spaniel breed.

Boykin Spaniel

Agile Boykin Spaniels were originally bred to hunt wild turkeys and ducks in South Carolina’s swamps; this has given them an active, intelligent temperament and webbed paws that make them excellent swimmers.

This high-energy American breed is a friendly, loyal companion for those who can give them the exercise they need.

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