Also known as the Amerikanisher Wasserspaniel, or simply the AWS, the American Water Spaniel has been a popular farm and hunting dog since the 18th century. We're not really sure where this dog came from or how it came to be, but sources indicate it may have originated in Wisconsin or Minnesota. It definitely came from the Great Lakes area, so it is also possible this breed has a more Canadian ancestry. Wherever this dog came from, it is descended from both the Curly-Coated Retriever and the Irish Water Spaniel.
Though the American Water Spaniel was popular on farms throughout the Midwest for more than a century, it was not actually recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) until 1940. It would have certainly been accepted earlier, except breed enthusiasts worried that acceptance would lead to the breed being tailored to the show ring, ruining its reputation as a hunter. To some extent this did happen, and now the American Water Spaniel is considered a rare breed. Registration numbers continue to be low, but it is thought that there are dozens of lines that were never registered, so perhaps this spunky dog is more popular than we realize.
Because it was bred to hunt, the American Water Spaniel is an active and hardy dog. He is a medium sized dog, standing about 18 inches high and weighing up to 45 pounds. The head is generally broad, but is in proportion to the body. The nose, which should be brown or black, is wide with large nostrils. Eyes shouldn't set wife apart and range in color from a brown so dark it's almost black to a pretty hazel brown to a bright yellow brown. The exact eye color typically coordinates with the coat color. Coat color can be liver, brown, or a deep chocolate. All colors may have some white on the chest or toes.
The coat itself might be wavy or downright curly. Either way, there is significant feathered on the tail, the legs, and even on the ears, giving the American Water Spaniel a puffy appearance. But don't worry, he sheds less than you'd think. A light brushing once a week is enough to keep the shedding under control, but don't bathe your canine friend unless you have to. Bathing strips the natural oils from the cost and can lead to severe skin problems.
The American Water Spaniel is quite intelligent and eager to please, making him highly trainable. He loves to learn and play, and if the game resembles chasing game birds, so much the better. Energetic and confident, this dog will do almost anything, but he's also a sensitive canine. Training should be firm and fun, not harsh or demanding if you want your pooch to be at his best.
Easygoing and wonderful with children, the American Water Spaniel is a great family pet who will even love the non-canine pets in your family. Though this dog loves attention, he can also stay at home by himself for a few hours without losing his mind. He'll probably sleep the day away if no one is home, and he'll probably snore while he sleeps, day or night. He may also drool, but it's the cute kind if drool.
If your dog is bored, he may bark or whine, or even become hyper. Combat this by making sure he receives lots of exercise. If you live in an apartment, this means at least three walks a day. You can also put this dog out in a medium sized yard, but beware, the American Water Spaniel likes to roam. He'll swim across lakes and river, bound over uneven terrain, and generally explore anywhere he can reach. He may also get lost, so it's best he not be left outside alone for extended periods. He doesn't mean to run off, but it is in his nature to wander.
An excellent swimmer, this active dog has a gentle mouth and a powerful nose. These traits makes him a wonderful bird dog, not just because he can find and retire the prey, but because his soft mouth will not damage the flesh of the bird. He can even retrieve game from a boat, making him a useful companion for just about any hunter. And yet his sweet disposition never fails no matter what he's up to.
If you're looking for a sweet little dog who will do anything to make you happy, the American Water Spaniel may be for you.
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