American Water Spaniel Dogs & Puppies

• Energy Level

• Exercise Requirements

• Playfulness

• Affection Level

• Friendliness to Dogs

• Friendliness to Other Pets

• Friendliness to Strangers

• Watchfulness

• Ease of Training

• Grooming Requirements

• Heat Sensitivity

• Vocality

As this breed’s name implies, the American Water Spaniel is a natural lover of water. Not only are they skilled and versatile retrievers, but they are also tractable fun-loving family dogs—as long as they get regular physical and mental exercise. American Water Spaniels are sensitive and willing to please. Some can be timid. Generally good with other dogs in the household, some are assertive and should be introduced carefully to new dogs and household pets. Barking is frequent; some also whine or drool.

The American Water Spaniel needs daily exercise, although this requirement can be met with a long walk. The coat is oily and needs weekly brushing. Hair may be groomed from the feet and topknot. Ears should be checked regularly.

• Major concerns: mitral valve disease
• Minor concerns: PDA, pulmonic stenosis, CHD
• Occasionally seen: patellar luxation, PRA
• Suggested tests: cardiac, hip, eye
• Life span: 10–12 years

Exactly when and where, or from what the American Water Spaniel was developed was never recorded. The breed’s appearance strongly suggests a smaller version of the Irish Water Spaniel, and it is likely that this dog is derived from that breed or its earlier versions, the Northern, Southern, and Tweed Water Spaniels. The Curly-Coated Retriever and its forebear, the English Water Spaniel, may also have played a role. Some theories even credit the American Indians who lived in the Great Lakes regions as the creators of the breed.

Whatever its origin, the American Water Spaniel first became established as a recognizable breed in the midwestern parts of the United States, where it was unsurpassed as a hunting companion. This small dog, then called the American Brown Spaniel, with the waterproof coat and keen nose could hunt through rough thickets, spring game, and retrieve all manner of game from land and water, often marking several fallen birds before retrieving them all unfailingly.

The United Kennel Club recognized the breed as the American Water Spaniel in 1920, but until recognized by the AKC in 1940, no one ever considered breeding these dogs for anything but hunting ability. Even after recognition, the breed’s forte remained in the field, and it is rare today as a pet. Today the American Water Spaniel is among the least known of AKC recognized breeds, despite being one of only two sporting breeds developed in America. In fact, the American Water Spaniel is the State Dog of Wisconsin.