American Water Spaniel Dog Breed

Registration: KC, FCI, AKC
Country of Origin: United States of America
Size: Medium
Coat: Short
Colours: Dark chocolate, solid liver, and brown
Temperament: Alert, lively, energetic, eager, clever, affectionate, obedient

History

During the mid-1800s, the American Water Spaniel was developed in Wisconsin, specifically in the Fox and Wolf River valleys. There are reliable and solid breeding records that date back to 1865. However, there are no records of one being kept for breeding until 1906. In this year, Dr.Fred Pfeifer pursued the scientific breeding of American Water Spaniels. As a result, he is widely known as the ‘Father of the American Water Spaniel’. Their ancestors are believed to include the Curly-Coated Retriever, Field Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, and the now-extinct Old English Water Spaniel.

The American Water Spaniel we know today was initially bred to be a flexible hunting companion. Their main job was to hunt ducks, so they had to be good in the water. Their thick, dense, curly coats protected them from cold water and briars in the woods. Their small size, on the other hand, allowed them to be taken out in small boats or canoes. These dogs tend to stay close to their human hunting companion rather than ranging far afield.

The Field Stud Book for the American Water Spaniel was created in 1938, and in 1940, the American Kennel Club officially recognised the breed. One of Dr. Pfeifer’s own dogs, named Curly Pfeifer, was the very first registered American Water Spaniel.

Today, the American Water Spaniel is still considered a rare dog breed, with fewer than 3,000 dogs in existence.

Appearance

American Water Spaniels have medium-sized heads that should be in proportion to their compact bodies. Their moderately long muzzles have a square-like appearance. These dogs have a scissor-like bite, tight lips, and a nose that is either black or brown. The nostrils should be well-developed to ensure impressive scent power. American Water Spaniels have long, wide ears that are covered in tight curls.

Their shoulders gently slope towards their backs. These dogs have straight legs that are medium in length and well-boned. Their medium-sized feet are well-padded and webbed, and their toes are closely grouped together. This physical trait helps the AWS become a better swimmer. The American Water Spaniel’s hips and thighs should be well-muscled, and their hocks are somewhat rounded. Their rear legs should be straight and well-boned. American Water Spaniels have long, slightly curved tails that are carried a little below the level of the back. The tail should be covered in fur and well-feathered.

The American Water Spaniel has a water-resistant double coat that can either be wavy, curled, or with a marcel effect. This can vary substantially between individual dogs. Their undercoats are thick and dense, which gives them protection against water, weather, and other outside elements.The length of their coats varies across the body, with the neck, throat, and rear well-covered, while the other areas are moderately covered.

The coat of an American Water Spaniel comes in three colours; brown, liver, and chocolate. It’s worth noting that some dogs may have white on their toes and chest, which is allowed under the breed standard. The colour of their eyes should balance with the colour of their coat and must not be yellow.

Personality

The American Water Spaniel is alert, friendly, obedient, and lively if given consistent and fair training and socialisation. However, they can be aloof with strangers and also have a bit of a stubborn streak. Remember that these dogs love to be on the move because they were bred to hunt.

These active dogs adore human companionship. So, they can quickly get bored and frustrated if left alone for long periods. They make excellent family pets, but they do tend to be closer to the family member who gives them the most attention, affection, and time.

Because of their liveliness, these dogs are best suited to active families with large homes and gardens. You need to make sure you can provide plenty of playtime and stimulation to ensure these dogs remain happy. The American Water Spaniel is a country dog at heart, so they love long roams in open spaces to allow them to burn off some of their excess energy.

These dogs make good watchdogs because they tend to bark at unfamiliar sounds and movements. They may also bark when excited, bored, or even when they are hungry.

Trainability

American Water Spaniels are intelligent and highly trainable. They respond best to brief, motivational training sessions and positive reinforcement. Do not use heavy-handed or harsh techniques as this can make them withdrawn or stubborn. Also, it is worth noting that they best respond to being trained by their human companion rather than an unfamiliar trainer. Consistent leadership is essential with this breed. In addition, you may want to consider crate training, as long as they are not left in the crate for long periods. Remember to never use a dog crate as a punishment. It should only be seen as a safe place or den by your canine companion.

We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to train and socialise your dog from an early age. This will ensure your dog grows up to be a well-rounded and well-mannered family pet.

In addition to training, ensure you play regular interactive games with your American WaterSpaniel to keep their strong bodies and minds stimulated, as well as regular runs in the country.A swim every now and then will also be appreciated!

Coat & Care

Known for their dense double coats, the American Water Spaniel is a unique dog breed with a curly coat. They need to be brushed with a slicker brush at least twice a week to ensure they remain in good condition. It’s important not to bathe your American Water Spaniel too often because this can strip the coat of its natural oils. Once every couple of months is more than sufficient.

These beautiful dogs do shed in the spring. So, you may need to brush the coat more often during this time to prevent the buildup of mats, tangles, and dead hair.

All dogs with hanging or pendant ears, such as the American Water Spaniel, are prone to developing ear infections. Clean their ears weekly with a moistened cotton ball and an ear cleanser recommended by your veterinarian. Remember to never push cotton swabs inside the ear canals because this can cause damage. If you notice any foul odour, swelling, tenderness, or redness, or they frequently shake their head, consult your vet because these are potential signs of an infection.

For their dental health, everyday brushing is still best to avoid tooth and gum disease and bad breath. However, brushing at least twice a week is enough to remove any bacteria and tartar buildup. Ask your vet which dental products are best for your American Water Spaniel to effectively clean their teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth

Check and clean their nails once or twice a month or as needed. This way, you can keep their paws healthy and in tip-top condition. Keep in mind that very long nails can be painful for your AWS as they can cause splitting, tearing, and other health issues. Don’t hesitate to ask for tips from your vet or a professional groomer if you are not sure how to cut your dog's nails.

As you groom your American Water Spaniel, examine their body for sores, rashes, and other signs of infections such as redness, tenderness, and swelling. Their eyes must be clear without any discharge or irritation. All these regular checks will help you to pick up on any potential health issues early on.

Health

Like all breeds, American Water Spaniels are prone to certain health issues. To reduce the likelihood of any health risks, make sure you purchase any puppy from a licensed breeder to ensure they have been well cared for and appropriately weaned. Your breeder will also be able to perform DNA tests on your puppy and their parents to check for any underlying health conditions.

Some of the more common health issues found in American Water Spaniels include:

Hip Dysplasia – A hereditary condition in which the thighbone does not fit neatly into the hip joint. Some American Water Spaniels exhibit pain and lameness on one or both of their back legs, but some do not display visible signs of pain.
Mitral Valve Disease – This is a form of heart disease that is caused by a faulty heart valve. Typical symptoms include coughing, lethargy, and breathlessness. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease, however, it can be managed with medication.
Hypothyroidism – A health condition of the thyroid gland. It is thought to be accountable for other health conditions such as epilepsy, hyperpigmentation, alopecia, lethargy, obesity, pyoderma, and other skin conditions. It is treated with a proper diet and medication.
Degenerative Myelopathy – This affects the spinal cord in dogs. It causes progressive degeneration and weakness, which can lead to a loss of coordination.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – A family of eye conditions that includes the gradual deterioration of the retina.
Retinal Dysplasia – An eye condition where there is an abnormal development of the retina, which results in retinal folds. This can lead to many vision problems ranging from a small blind spot to total blindness.
Epilepsy – A health disorder that causes seizures in dogs. This condition cannot be cured. However, a dog can live a full and healthy life with appropriate management of this genetic disorder.

Children & Other Pets

These playful and high-spirited dogs are known to be excellent family pets. They are generally great with children because they are tolerant, and patient, and will put up with boisterous kids. However, it is essential to teach your children how to appropriately approach and interact with a dog to avoid any injuries or aggression. All interactions between a child and a dog should be supervised by an adult.

Remember that some American Water Spaniels can be territorial with strange dogs, but they commonly get along well with family dogs and cats. These dogs have a strong hunting instinct, so they are not suitable for homes with smaller pets such as rodents or birds.