Usually, it takes a very aggressive dog to make a great watch dog or guard dog. This is not the case when it comes to the Irish Water Spaniel. The Irish Water Spaniel is a very gentle dog; its temperament is perfect for families with very young children at home. It is affectionate but nor overly exuberant, and it is a very tolerant creature. However, the Irish Water Spaniel is not placid; it is active, athletic and energetic.

There are many characteristics ingrained in the Irish Water Spaniel that makes it a fine watch dog. Some of these characteristics may hamper other dog breeds from functioning�productively, but this is not the case when it comes to the Irish Water Spaniel.

First of all, among all the breeds of spaniels, the Irish Water Spaniel is the one breed that needs constant socialization training. Although this may seem like a negative trait, it actually works great in this case. The Irish Water Spaniel tends to be very wary at the approach of strangers and animals. It is inherently bred to be aloof even with dogs of its own breed. This seeming suspiciousness makes this breed of dog alert at all times. The Irish Water Spaniel may also scrutinize unfamiliar people, and yet it maintains a comfortable distance away. This dog is not easily enticed to approach or remain silent, which makes it a great watch dog.

The Irish Water Spaniel is also very intelligent, and supremely confident. It is curious about its surroundings and will not hesitate to investigate everything and everyone around it. It shows extreme tolerance to people it has previously encountered but does not transfer trust immediately like other playful dog breeds. One can say that this dog holds a lot of reservations when it comes to the unfamiliar. The Irish Water Spaniel is a discerning animal, and it can make spilt-second decisions on its own without acting offensive or destructive. It may show a bit of distress at the approach of strangers, but then this trait only helps the dog become more alert and guarded.

The Irish Water Spaniel can also be considered very protective, especially when it comes to the human family it grows up with. Constant interaction with the dog helps strengthen the emotional bond between human and animal. There are some reports of the Irish Water Spaniel becoming snappy or outright aggressive towards people who seem to pose physical threats to its human companions. As stated earlier, the Irish Water Spaniel is a discerning animal. It may balk at the approach of strangers but will certainly act (and act in a timely fashion) when it feels like its family is in trouble. Because this breed of dog is rather large, it can do substantial damage to those who dare transgress its boundaries.

And lastly, because the Irish Water Spaniel is a very athletic dog, it can tirelessly safeguard its family. Its constant vigilance is one of the most valuable traits that any family with this kind of pet cherishes and enjoys.