American Water Spaniel

For people who enjoy company and adventure, the American Water Spaniel is a charming and adaptable breed. These dogs, who were first bred in the Midwest, are renowned for their extraordinary abilities in both fields and streams. They were bred specifically for hunting and retrieving in the water. They are excellent companions for active families and outdoor enthusiasts due to their intelligent and gregarious nature.

The adaptability of the American Water Spaniel is one of their most endearing characteristics. As long as they receive enough exercise, they adapt well to a variety of living conditions, including cozy apartments and homes with large yards. They are great with children because of their playful nature, and they frequently like swimming or fetch games.

They do, however, require constant socialization and training if they are to develop into well-rounded dogs. These furry friends are eager to please and eager to learn, so all you need to do is be patient and understanding. All things considered, the American Water Spaniel is a delightful blend of intelligence, energy, and loyalty, making them an excellent addition to any household.

Breed Name	American Water Spaniel
Size	Medium
Weight	30-45 lbs
Coat	Wavy and waterproof
Color	Chocolate, liver, or brown
Temperament	Friendly and energetic
Exercise Needs	High
Good with Kids	Yes
Training	Responds well to positive reinforcement
Life Span	12-15 years

General characteristics of the breed

Wisconsin is where this breed was developed in America to hunt hares and other feathered game. Breeders succeeded in producing a resilient dog that swims well and is not afraid of the cold. It doesn’t get wet when it retrieves birds from the water. The dog can hunt small game and birds on land. By the close of the twentieth century, the breed had come to represent Wisconsin.

American spaniels are loyal, gentle, intelligent, and calm. They make great companions and guard dogs, and they get along well in both private homes and city apartments. They perform well in a variety of dog sports and are robust and active.

Parameters	Characteristics
Breed name	American water spaniel (English. american water spaniel)
Country	USA
FCI classification	Retrievers, spaniels and water dogs
Application	Hunter, guard, companion
Life expectancy	10-14 years
Height	38-46 cm
weight	11-20 kg

Pros

The American Water Spaniel is a versatile and proficient hunter; it can assist with small game gun hunting, including the retrieval of shot birds. Due to its many benefits, this dog is also frequently kept as a companion:

• attractive appearance;
• balanced temperament;
• friendliness, lack of aggression towards people;
• devotion, affection for owners;
• activity, endurance, efficiency;
• cheerfulness, playfulness;
• high intelligence, good trainability;
• obedience, compliance, desire to please the owner;
• does not require serious care;
• peaceable attitude towards children and other pets;
• wool almost does not shed;
• good health.

Cons

The drawbacks of American Water Spaniels are minimal. Even so, the breed is primarily popular in the US and is best suited for active owners. These dogs have a number of drawbacks:

• they need physical activity and long walks;
• do not tolerate loneliness and idleness, because of this they become uncontrollable;
• prone to escape;
• can be stubborn.

Similar breeds

The American Water Spaniel is easily confused with certain other dogs belonging to the same group by an inexperienced dog breeder. They genuinely do resemble some other dogs, such as Curly Coated Retrievers and Irish Water Spaniels. The image illustrates how comparable breeds vary from American Water Spaniels:

• Irish Spaniel;

• Curly Coated Retriever;

• German Wachtelhund;

• Field Spaniel;

• Chesapeake Bay Retriever;

History of Origin

Wisconsin dog breeders developed tiny hunting dogs in the middle of the 19th century so they could easily fit in a boat and retrieve birds from the water. The precise breeds that were used in the selection process are unknown. It is thought by researchers that Irish Water Spaniels were bred with smaller varieties of spaniels and infused with the blood of poodles, which are retrievers with both curly and straight coats.

These dogs gained popularity among American hunters very quickly. A group of enthusiasts led by Dr. F. J. Pfeiffer made the decision to develop the breed. In 1920, it was registered with an American cynological organization. Next, a breed club was established, and a standard was worked out. The AKC first recognized American Water Spaniels in 1940, and the FCI followed suit in 1979.

Appearance

The American Water Spaniel is a muscular, medium-sized dog with a balanced, harmonious build. It has big hanging ears and curly brown or chocolate hair. These dogs’ standard features include the following aspects of their appearance:

• the head is proportional to the body, conical in shape;
• the skull is wide and convex, the muzzle is not pointed, almost square;
• the stop is weakly defined, the nose is large, black or brown;
• the lips fit tightly, the jaws are strong;
• the ears are quite large and soft, set high, hanging down on the sides of the head;
• the eyes are small, round, brown in color, set wide apart, the look is confident and attentive;
• the body is strong, muscular, rectangular in format;
• The neck is of medium length, powerful, without dewlap, the back is straight, the croup is sloping;
• chest is not voluminous, deep to the elbows;
• tail is of medium length, low set, does not rise above the line of the back;
• limbs are straight, strong;
• paws are compact, toes are collected, with thick elastic pads and membranes;
• movements are balanced, with a good push, legs move parallel;
• coat is dense, hard, curly or wavy, consists of small curls, does not get wet in water and protects the dog from the cold;
• coat length is average, on the chest, thighs and tail there are feathers, ears are covered with long hair on both sides, on the head and front surface of the legs the hair is shorter;
• color from light brown to chocolate, can be liver.

Photos add context to the appearance description:

The American Water Spaniel is a versatile and lively breed known for its friendly nature and love of water. This adaptable dog excels in hunting, especially in retrieving waterfowl, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. With its playful spirit and strong work ethic, the American Water Spaniel makes a wonderful family pet while also being a loyal companion for active individuals. Understanding their unique traits and needs can help potential owners appreciate why this breed is so special.

Character and education

The owner and other family members of the American Water Spaniel are very important to the dog. This dog readily makes friends with everyone and adjusts to any living situation. It is amiable and welcoming rather than hostile toward visitors and the owners’ friends. However, it is simple to train him to be a guard dog; once that is done, he will defend his owner’s property and territory from intruders.

The breed’s balanced temperament is what makes it unique. This dog is lively, lively, and inquisitive. However, if you properly train him and give him a daily chance to let off some steam, he won’t cause any trouble. He is quiet, submissive, and unobtrusive at home. Even though he dislikes talking to small children, he acts patiently around them and can even end up being a teenager’s best friend because he enjoys playing with them.

The American Water Spaniel attempts to win over his one chosen owner. This dog is happy to obey commands, obedient, and simple to train. However, there are moments when he tries to dominate, acts independent, and is obstinate. Thus, it’s critical to establish authority from the moment the puppy moves into the house. Finding a way to interact with the dog requires the owner to be patient, loving, and yet somewhat strict and demanding.

This spaniel should begin training at a young age. Classes ought to be brief and consistent. It’s best to treat them like a game, assigning the pet a variety of engaging tasks. Spaniels enjoy swimming, bringing and searching for various objects, and playing catch.

The American Water Spaniel is a laid-back dog that gets along well in both private homes and urban apartments. Just make sure to take it for walks twice a day for a minimum of one and a half hours, spend more time outside, and allow the pet to swim. This dog never sits still and works very hard. If you aren’t using it for hunting, you should think of something else to do, like intellectual games, sports training, or security.

American Spaniels are easy to care for. What you must do is

• comb the coat with a brush a couple of times a week;
• bathe with shampoo 3-4 times a year is enough;
• keep the eyes clean, wipe as needed;
• clean the ears every week, you can cut the hair inside the auricle;
• if the claws are not worn down, trim them with a claw cutter;
• feed 2 times a day after a walk, high-quality industrial food or natural food with a high meat content will do.

These dogs live an average of 10 to 14 years, and their health is fairly good. They occasionally experience skin conditions, allergies, and as they age, heart, vision, and joint issues arise.

Video about the American Water Spaniel breed

A fascinating video about this breed of dogs:

Watch video: Dog breed: American water spaniel. Every breed feature and piece of information regarding American water spaniels

American water spaniel in video.

How to buy an American water spaniel puppy

The USA is the country where the breed is most common, but there are also lone breeders in France, Germany, and a few other nations. It’s best to get in touch with official nurseries if you want to purchase a purebred puppy. In America, a dog costs approximately $500, while in Europe, it costs 800 euros.

Puppy American Spaniels can be seen in the picture:

One breed that really stands out for its charm and versatility is the American Water Spaniel. These dogs, who are renowned for thriving both on land and in the water, make excellent hunters in addition to being wonderful companions. They form strong bonds with kids and other animals, which makes them the perfect family pet.

Taking care of an American Water Spaniel can bring great satisfaction. To keep them happy and healthy, they require regular exercise, which can be provided by going for walks, playing, and swimming. Although grooming is crucial, their coat doesn’t require a lot of upkeep. Regular brushing will keep their fur in excellent condition.

Because of their eagerness to please, these dogs can be fun to train. They react favorably to praise, which contributes to the development of a closer relationship between you and your pet. It’s possible to teach them a range of commands and tricks with the appropriate approach, which will turn them into well-mannered and entertaining companions.

To sum up, the American Water Spaniel is a special breed that enriches many homes with happiness and companionship. You’ll find a devoted and caring friend willing to join you on your travels if you’re thinking about expanding your family. This breed will fulfill your needs and surpass your expectations, whether you’re looking for a cuddly companion or a hunting partner.

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