American Water Spaniel: Dog Breed Info, Pictures, Facts, & Traits
The American Water Spaniel: A Rare and Versatile Hunting Companion
If you‘re looking for an energetic, outdoorsy companion that‘s as comfortable chasing down ducks as they are snuggling on the couch, look no further than the American Water Spaniel. This rare and often overlooked breed has a lot to offer for active singles and families seeking a spunky sidekick to join them on all their adventures.
With their compact size, curly chocolate coat, and friendly but slightly reserved demeanor, the American Water Spaniel is a true charmer. Developed in the 19th century in the river valleys of Wisconsin as an all-around hunting dog and waterfowl retriever, this versatile little spaniel is a true American original.
A Brief History of the American Water Spaniel
The exact origins of the American Water Spaniel are a bit of a mystery, but we do know they were developed in the mid-1800s in Wisconsin‘s Wolf and Fox River valleys. Hunters in this region needed a dog that could handle the state‘s cold water and rough terrain to retrieve ducks, flush out upland game birds, and even hunt small mammals like rabbits or raccoons.
It‘s thought that the breed arose from crosses between Irish Water Spaniels, Curly-Coated Retrievers, and the now-extinct English Water Spaniel, with a little Native American dog thrown in. The result was a compact, muscular spaniel with a thick, curly brown coat, a strong swimming ability thanks to their webbed feet, and an eager-to-please personality.
Sadly, the American Water Spaniel nearly went extinct in the early 20th century as interest in hunting and hunting dogs declined. The breed was saved from obscurity by Dr. Fred J. Pfeifer, a Wisconsin dentist and passionate hunter who set the breed standard and promoted them. His efforts paid off – the United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1920 and the American Kennel Club followed suit in 1940.
Even today, the American Water Spaniel remains a rare breed, ranking 143 out of 195 AKC breeds in popularity. But for those lucky enough to discover them, the AWS‘s many charms quickly become apparent.
Physical Characteristics of the American Water Spaniel
The American Water Spaniel is a medium-sized sporting dog with a compact, muscular build. They have a body that is slightly longer than tall, standing 15 to 18 inches at the shoulder and weighing 25 to 45 pounds. Males are larger than females.
The breed‘s most distinctive feature is their thick, curly, dark brown coat. The coat has a slightly oily texture that helps repel water and keep the dog warm when swimming in cold conditions. The ears are pendant and the tail is usually docked to about 2-4 inches. The eyes are brown or hazel with an alert, friendly expression.
The AWS‘s sturdy build, webbed feet, and water-resistant coat reflect their development as an all-terrain hunting dog and swimmer. But you don‘t need to be a hunter to appreciate their teddy bear looks and sunny personality.
Temperament: Friendly, Clever, Devoted
The American Water Spaniel has the typically spaniel traits of being friendly, eager to please, and very people-oriented. They bond closely with their families and crave human companionship. Bred to work closely with hunters, the AWS doesn‘t like being left alone for long periods and can develop separation anxiety.
While not aggressive, the AWS can be slightly aloof or reserved with strangers compared to other spaniel breeds. They have strong guarding instincts and will bark to alert their people to potential danger. Early socialization is important to prevent any fearfulness or timidity.
Like many hunting breeds, American Water Spaniels are very intelligent, quick learners but can also have a bit of a stubborn or independent streak. Training should start early and be firm but creative, using positive reinforcement methods like praise, play, and food rewards. Harsh corrections will cause this sensitive breed to shut down.
The AWS has a strong prey drive from their hunting background. They may chase after small animals like squirrels, rabbits, cats or even smaller dogs if not socialized early. A securely fenced yard or being kept on-leash is a must.
While they adore their families, the American Water Spaniel‘s high energy level and tendency to play bite or mouth when excited can be overwhelming for young kids. They do best with older, respectful children or adults who can keep up with their active lifestyle.
Training and Exercise: Keeping an Active Breed Busy
The American Water Spaniel is an athletic breed with high stamina and energy to burn. Bred to spend all day in the field and water hunting and retrieving, they need much more activity than your average couch potato canine.
A simple walk around the block won‘t cut it for this active spaniel. They require at least an hour of vigorous exercise daily, preferably involving swimming, fetching, or hiking. The AWS makes an excellent jogging buddy or furry companion for active, outdoorsy people. Without enough physical and mental exercise, this clever breed will become bored and destructive.
As a retriever, the American Water Spaniel loves having a job to do. Hunting or field training is of course a great way to channel their innate talents. But even if you‘re not a hunter, you can keep your AWS engaged with activities like dock diving, agility, rally, nose work, obedience, or fetching drills.
The AWS responds best to positive, reward-based training methods that keep sessions short, fun, and varied. Like many spaniels, they can be sensitive to harsh corrections so a light, creative approach works best. Basics like recall, leash manners, and socialization with people and other dogs should be a priority.
Grooming and General Care
For an active breed that loves getting wet and dirty, the American Water Spaniel is pretty low maintenance in the grooming department. Their curly brown coat is short to medium length and has a slightly oily texture that helps repel dirt, burrs, and water.
Brushing a few times a week with a slicker brush or pin brush will keep shedding and tangles under control. The coat may need occasional trimming around the head, ears, feet and rear to keep things neat. Baths are only needed when the dog starts to get stinky.
The AWS‘s pendant ears should be checked and cleaned regularly, especially after swimming, to prevent moisture and bacteria from causing infections. Nails should be trimmed if they get too long and teeth should be brushed regularly.
With their boundless energy and strong retrieving drive, it‘s important to give your American Water Spaniel plenty of safe, durable chew toys and balls to play with. Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys are a great way to keep their clever brains challenged when you can‘t play with them.
Since this is a breed that loves having a job to do and can experience separation distress, it‘s ideal if someone is home with them for most of the day. If left alone too much, the AWS can become anxious and destructive. A dog walker, pet sitter, or doggy daycare can help break up long absences.
Potential Health Issues
The American Water Spaniel is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years. But like all breeds, they can be prone to certain genetic health conditions. Attending recommended health screenings and selecting a puppy from a responsible breeder who tests breeding stock can help avoid many issues.
Some of the health problems seen in the breed can include:
- Hip dysplasia – abnormal joint development that can lead to arthritis and lameness
- Eye issues like progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and eyelid abnormalities
- Hypothyroidism – low thyroid hormone levels
- Pattern baldness – gradual thinning or loss of coat in symmetric patterns
- Allergies and skin infections from environmental or food triggers
- Ear infections from trapped moisture after swimming
Reputable breeders will have their dogs‘ hips, elbows, eyes and thyroid screened and be open about any health issues present in the lines. Staying on top of preventative care like vaccines, dental cleanings, parasite control, and feeding a high quality diet can help your AWS stay healthy.
Is the American Water Spaniel Right For You?
The American Water Spaniel can be an endearing, affectionate companion and a game hunting buddy wrapped up in a compact, curly package. But they are a high energy breed that requires much more than a walk around the block to stay happy and healthy.
The ideal AWS owner is active, outdoorsy, and able to spend lots of quality time with their dog. A house with a securely fenced yard for play sessions is preferred over an apartment. The AWS does best in homes without young children or small pets they may overwhelm with their energy or prey drive.
This is an intelligent but somewhat sensitive breed that needs early socialization and positive, patient training. They can be a little reserved with strangers so exposing them to many new people and situations is key. First time dog owners may be better off with a less energetic or strong-willed breed.
If you enjoy having a clever, affectionate shadow that‘s always eager for the next adventure, the American Water Spaniel could be your new best friend. While rare, this special spaniel is worth seeking out if you want a versatile, vivacious companion to share an active life with.
