If your heart leans toward outdoor adventures and an active lifestyle, the American Water Spaniel (AWS) might be your ideal four-legged companion. Known for its versatility and intelligence, the AWS is a compact hunting dog with a strong drive to retrieve and a loyal, affectionate nature. Originally bred to work alongside hunters, this breed is now appreciated for its companionship and adaptability in family settings. However, they do have specific needs that potential owners should consider.
Before committing to an American Water Spaniel, learn about its origins, traits, and requirements to ensure this dog aligns with your lifestyle.
American Water Spaniel at a Glance
Here’s a snapshot of the key characteristics of an American Water Spaniel to help you quickly get a feel for the breed:
| Breed Summary | American Water Spaniel Quick Facts |
| Breed Purpose | Working gundog, companion dog |
| Breed Size | Small to Medium |
| Height | 15-18 inches (38-46 cm) |
| Weight | 25-45 pounds (11-20 kg) |
| Coat Type | Medium, tightly curled or wavy, dense double coat |
| Shedding | Moderate, twice a year |
| Common Coat Colors | Liver, brown, dark chocolate |
| Lifespan | 10-14 years |
| Temperament | Loyal, affectionate, reserved with strangers |
| Energy Level | High |
| Exercise Needs | 1-2 hours daily |
| Average Price | $1,200-$1,500 |
| Best For | Active individuals or families |
The American Water Spaniel’s History: Where Did It Come From?
The American Water Spaniel hails from the Great Lakes area in the 1800s. Originally bred as a versatile hunting dog, the AWS was created to assist with retrieving game both on land and in water. While its exact lineage remains a mystery, it’s believed to be a mix of the Field Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, Curly-Coated Retriever, and the now-extinct English Water Spaniel. By the 1920s, Dr. F.J. Pfeifer of Wisconsin played a critical role in preserving the breed, ensuring it gained official recognition from the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1920 and the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1940. Today, the AWS is especially popular in the Midwestern United States, with Wisconsin designating it as the official state dog in 1986.
Physical Appearance: What Does an American Water Spaniel Look Like?
The AWS is a small to medium-sized dog with a muscular build, webbed toes, and a double-layered, water-resistant coat that comes in shades of liver, brown, or dark chocolate. Its slightly rounded eyes can vary in color depending on coat hue, though the AKC breed standard discourages bright yellow eyes. Unique among types of Spaniels, the AWS’s tail is left natural, providing balance and acting as a rudder when swimming. The breed’s athletic build and webbed feet make it highly skilled in water retrievals, one of the traits that make it a preferred hunting partner.
For those curious about this breed’s adaptability to different climates and living environments, the American Water Spaniel’s coat is designed to protect it against harsh weather conditions, whether in dense woodlands or cold lakes.
Size and Living Requirements: How Big Do American Water Spaniels Get?
Standing between 15-18 inches tall and weighing 25-45 pounds, the American Water Spaniel is compact yet sturdy. While adaptable enough for apartment living, an AWS thrives in environments where it can engage in regular physical activity. Its moderate size also makes it a great fit for families, especially those with a yard or nearby outdoor space.
The AWS’s versatility extends to farm life, where it enjoys wide-open spaces. It’s a breed that would likely prefer rural or suburban areas over densely packed urban settings. Although they can adapt to apartment life, providing ample exercise and stimulation is crucial.
Coat and Grooming Needs: Do American Water Spaniels Shed?
The American Water Spaniel has a dense, water-resistant double coat that helps shield it from cold weather and harsh terrains. Its coat can vary from tight curls to wavy patterns, often called a marcel coat. AWSs come in solid liver, dark chocolate, or brown colors, with occasional markings on the toes. For inspiration on naming AWSs, here are some Brown Dog Names.
While they are not heavy shedders, they do shed lightly year-round, with increased shedding during seasonal changes. Weekly brushing is recommended to remove loose hair and prevent matting, particularly for dogs involved in hunting activities where their curly coat may attract debris like twigs and burrs. However, frequent bathing should be avoided, as it strips the coat’s natural oils, diminishing its water resistance.
Quick Grooming Tip: Ears should be cleaned weekly to prevent infections, a common issue in breeds with floppy ears. If you’re not comfortable with regular grooming, you may want to visit a professional groomer, especially during peak shedding seasons.
Temperament: Are American Water Spaniels Good Family Pets?
American Water Spaniels are known for their affectionate and loyal personalities, making them wonderful family pets. They are happiest when with their families and can form deep bonds with their owners. AWSs have a high level of trainability, making them suitable for a range of activities, from family companionship to service work. However, due to their strong bond with their human companions, they can experience separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
In terms of socialization, the AWS can be reserved with strangers but is generally friendly with proper training. Early socialization is essential for a well-rounded personality, ensuring they are comfortable with people, other pets, and various environments.
Training Tip: The AWS responds well to positive reinforcement. Consistent, varied training keeps them engaged, as they may lose interest if training sessions become too repetitive.
Exercise Needs: How Much Activity Does an American Water Spaniel Require?
The AWS is a high-energy breed with a strong need for daily exercise. Ideally, they should receive 1-2 hours of vigorous activity per day, which can include long walks, swimming, or retrieving games. Due to their hunting background, they excel in dog sports like agility and obedience trials, which also serve as mental stimulation.
Without enough physical and mental engagement, AWSs may turn to destructive behaviors to release pent-up energy. Activities that involve problem-solving, such as agility courses or scent-based games, can help keep their minds active and reduce boredom.
Interactive Element: Consider adding a simple “Can Your Dog Keep Up?” quiz on your website to help readers determine if they have the time and resources to meet an AWS’s exercise needs.
Feeding Your American Water Spaniel: Diet and Nutrition
An adult AWS typically requires 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dog food daily, split into two meals. The actual amount depends on age, weight, and activity level. Look for a balanced diet with sufficient protein to support their active lifestyle. High-quality dog food, tailored to medium breeds with high energy, is recommended for maintaining optimal health.
Regular monitoring of your AWS’s weight is essential to prevent obesity. Use the rib-check method: you should be able to feel, but not see, their ribs.
Health and Lifespan: How Long Do American Water Spaniels Live?
American Water Spaniels have a typical lifespan of 10-14 years, though some can live longer with proper care. They are generally healthy but can be prone to certain genetic health issues, such as:
- Hip Dysplasia: A hereditary condition that affects joint stability, potentially causing discomfort.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This condition affects vision, often leading to blindness over time.
- Degenerative Myelopathy: A neurological disorder affecting mobility in older dogs.
Routine vet check-ups and genetic screenings can help detect and manage these conditions early on.
Training Tips: Are American Water Spaniels Easy to Train?
AWSs are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, which makes them relatively easy to train. However, they do require consistent training and mental stimulation to keep them engaged. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, and enjoy learning new commands. However, due to their high intelligence, they may become bored with repetitive tasks.
Pro Training Tip: Incorporate games that require problem-solving, such as scent work, into their training routine to keep their minds active and prevent them from becoming disengaged.
How Much Does an American Water Spaniel Puppy Cost?
American Water Spaniel puppies are rare, with prices ranging from $1,200 to $1,500 depending on pedigree, breeder reputation, and location. Since they are an uncommon breed, finding an AWS puppy can take time. Some breeders may have waiting lists, and reputable breeders often screen potential owners carefully to ensure the puppy will go to a suitable home.
For those interested in adopting rather than buying, the American Water Spaniel Rescue and local shelters may occasionally have AWSs available for rehoming.
For more information on adoption and breeders, refer to the American Water Spaniel Club’s Breeder Directory or the AKC Marketplace for trusted sources.
Who Should Get an American Water Spaniel?
The American Water Spaniel is best suited for active individuals or families who enjoy outdoor activities and can dedicate time to training and exercising their pet. Due to their affectionate nature, they do well with children and adapt well to family life. However, they need regular companionship and should not be left alone for extended periods.
For an AWS, the ideal environment is a rural or suburban setting with access to outdoor spaces where they can play and explore. Their high energy level and need for stimulation mean that they are happiest in homes where they are regularly engaged in activities.
Conclusion: Is the American Water Spaniel Right for You?
The American Water Spaniel is a multifaceted breed known for its versatility, intelligence, and loyalty. From an active hunting companion to a beloved family pet, this dog can fit many roles when given the right environment and care. If you’re looking for a dog that can keep up with an active lifestyle, offers companionship, and brings joy to family life, the AWS might just be your perfect match.