American Water Spaniel

They are bright, active, and very obedient, and with the proper training and socialization, they make great additions to any family—especially those with small children. 

Despite being Wisconsin's official state dog, American water spaniels are extremely uncommon outside the northern Midwest.

Get a Pet Insurance Quote

American Water Spaniel Appearance

An American water spaniel's distinctive curly brown coat makes them easy to identify. These canines are available in liver, chocolate, and brown hues. Although they don't shed much, they still require two or three weekly brushes to keep their thick double coats neat and free of dead hair.

Like hound breeds, these dogs have long, floppy ears, but their curly hair makes them fashionable. Their large nostrils, round eyes, and broad heads enhance their sense of smell, which makes them excellent hunters.

The slightly longer bodies and well-proportioned bodies of American water spaniels aid in their ability to balance and maintain agility when hunting. They are ideal for swimming with webbed feet that help them move through the water and a muscular tail that serves as a rudder. Even when they get wet, their water-resistant double coat keeps them warm.

American Water Spaniel Personality

In general, American Water Spaniels are friendly with their families and close friends, intelligent, and laid-back. They can be cautious and distant with strangers, though. These active dogs need much exercise to burn off their excess energy because they love to work and play. They also require mental stimulation, so it's critical to keep them occupied with mentally and physically demanding activities.

American Water Spaniels are typically playful and amiable but can also be obstinate. It would help if you took the lead, or they may attempt to do so.  These dogs, which thrive on attention, develop close relationships with several family members. They can turn noisy and destructive if they don't get enough exercise and socialization. The person they spend the most time with tends to form the strongest bond with them.

American Water Spaniels get along well with kids, mainly if raised around them from an early age. They are adaptable dogs that can be socialized and trained to fit into various settings.

American Water Spaniel Living Needs

An expansive, fenced-in backyard is ideal for the energetic American water spaniel breed. If they get regular walks and trips to the dog park, they can also adjust to living in an apartment. If they don't get enough exercise, they might get restless and start barking excessively or engaging in other undesirable behaviours.

Whether swimming, hunting, or hiking, these dogs adore being outside. They were bred to retrieve birds and waterfowl and thrive best when they have a task to complete. If you're not into hunting or strenuous hikes, you can keep them happy by playing fetch in your backyard.

American Water Spaniel Care

The thick, waterproof coat of the American water spaniel requires weekly brushing. Luckily, it's easy. Brushing them twice or three times a week and keeping their nails clipped is usually sufficient. Their ears are long and floppy, so clean them after every swim to avoid infections.

To keep their coats shiny and healthy, you will need two brushes: a slicker brush and a rubber-tipped pin brush.

American Water Spaniel Health

Suppose you're lucky enough to adopt one. In that case, you can anticipate having an American water spaniel puppy in your home for the next 10 to 14 years. Although the health of these dogs is generally good, there are a few health concerns to be mindful of.

Conditions affecting the eyes that can affect American water spaniels include cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Adopting an adult dog can help you avoid these problems, as they typically surface within the first year of ownership. They may also experience hip dysplasia, though this is not common.  Your American water spaniel will likely live a long, healthy, and happy life with regular veterinary visits and proper care.

American Water Spaniel Exercise Requirements

American Water Spaniels require much exercise due to their high level of energy. They must be physically active for at least an hour a day, if not more. This breed might not be the best fit for you if you cannot commit to this level of exercise.

American Water Spaniels are the perfect dog for hunters or highly active individuals and families because of their high exercise requirements. Most people find it challenging to keep up with a dog that is so active.

American Water Spaniel Training

Although American Water Spaniels are intelligent, obedient dogs, they can also be relatively mischievous and stubborn, making training difficult. They need a firm hand and a ton of prior dog training experience to manage their lively nature. If you accept the challenge, they will show you their love and loyalty.

Get a Pet Insurance Quote

American Water Spaniel History 

Although the history of the American Water Spaniel is not entirely clear, these canines have been around since the 1800s. To create a hardy dog perfect for cold weather and small hunting boats, early breeders probably crossed Irish water spaniels, field spaniels, curly-coated retrievers, and the now-extinct Old English water spaniels.

Wisconsin hunters first bred American Water Spaniels as gun dogs to retrieve game birds from land and water. Nevertheless, the American Water Spaniel was on the verge of extinction as other hunting breeds gained popularity.

Dr. Fred Pfeifer of New London, Wisconsin, reversed their decline in popularity. He is credited with founding the American Water Spaniel breed and concentrated on producing these brown, curly dogs.

American Water Spaniel Fun Facts

The American Water Spaniel was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1940. In 1985, it was named Wisconsin's official state dog.

Surprisingly, a lot of owner’s reports that their American Water Spaniels adore bananas, which are a low-calorie, healthful treat.

One of their ancestors, the Irish Water Spaniel, is regarded as "hypoallergenic," so owners of dogs with allergies may find that the American Water Spaniel is not the best breed.

You can follow Carter and Stout, two adorably cute American Water Spaniels, on Instagram for daily cuteness.