American Water Spaniel

American water spaniels are medium-sized, muscular dogs that stand from about 15 to 18 inches tall and weigh from 25 to 45 pounds (11 to 20 kilograms).

Size

Weight

Male 30-45 lbs.

Female 25-40 lbs.

Height (at withers)

Male 18 in.

Female 17 in.

Coat

Length

Medium

Texture

Double coat, curly

Color

Solid liver, brown, dark chocolate

Care

Exercise

20-40 minutes/day

Energy Level

Very Energetic

Longevity

10-13 yrs.

Needs

Moderate

Traits

Barking

Snoring

Drooling

Grooming

Social Needs

Digging

Club Recognition

AKC Class.

Sporting

UKC Class.

Gun Dog

Prevalence

Rare

Hunting instincts make the American water spaniel prone to wander. A fenced yard or leash is a must.

About

They have a distinctive curly or wavy outer coat in liver or dark chocolate. Some have white on the chest and toes. The ears are long and covered with curly hair, and the tail is moderately long and feathered. The life expectancy of the American water spaniel is about 10 to 13 years.

Personality

American water spaniels are smart, obedient, affectionate and known for getting along with other animals and children. They also make good watchdogs. These characteristics make them excellent family pets.

What to Expect

True to their hunting instincts, this breed likes to wander and should be contained in a fenced yard or taken out on leash. Since the dogs are natural water retrievers, they also enjoy the opportunity to swim.

Brushing about twice weekly is all that is needed to keep the water spaniel's coat in good shape. They are considered light shedders. The coat tends to get oily, however, and may produce an odor.

Water spaniels can adapt to just about any type of environment, but they are active dogs by nature. If kept in a small house or apartment, they need to be walked routinely or given the opportunity to romp freely in a fenced-in space.

History

American water spaniels have been around since the 18th century. They were developed as working gun dogs in the American Midwest, particularly Wisconsin and Minnesota, and excel at retrieving game birds on land or in water. The breed is used primarily for hunting quail, pheasant, duck, grouse, and rabbit. Although no one is certain, the dog's coat and gun skills suggest it is the result of crossing the curly-coated retriever with the Irish water spaniel.

The American water spaniel is a rare breed even though these dogs have many characteristics that make them excellent family pets. In 1990, fewer than 300 were registered with the American Kennel Club.