These animals derive their name from their occupation, that is, in retrieving or recovering game that has fallen out of the reach of the sportsman, or on which he does not choose to expend the labour of fetching for himself.

This engraving represents the effect of a mixture with a Newfoundland and Setter, and is the breed most generally known. There is, however, another cross between the Water Spaniel and the Terrier. It is necessary that this animal should have a powerful frame, strong limbs, and a good nose, in order that the dog may trace the devious and manifold windings of the wounded birds. The fur is curly, of moderate length, and is almost invariably black.