American Water Spaniel

The breed was developed in the Fox and Wisconsin river valleys in the late 19th century, when local hunters needed a mobile dog capable of working from flat-bottomed boats, withstanding cold water, and retrieving game from dense reeds. Breeders crossed the Irish Water Spaniel and the Curly-Coated Retriever, adding blood from the Field Spaniel and, according to some reports, smaller American land spaniels. The first breed club was formed in 1920, but the American Kennel Club only recognised it in 1940. Outside the US, its popularity remained minimal, although the FCI officially included the American Water Spaniel in Group 8 “Retrievers, Spaniels, Water Dogs”.

Forging the “Ideal” Hunter

In the 19th century, market hunting in the Great Lakes region was a tough business. Hunters needed more than just a dog; they needed a multifunctional tool. This dog had to be:

• Compact: To easily jump into a small boat without tipping it and not take up much space.
• Water-hardy: With a coat that protected against the icy waters of the Great Lakes.
• An effective retriever: To bring back shot game (ducks, geese) from the water.
• A good “flusher”: To drive game (pheasants, partridges) out of dense thickets on land.

None of the existing European breeds met all these requirements at once. Thus began the purposeful selection that combined the best qualities of water dogs and spaniels.

Doctor Pfeifer and Standardisation

The “father” of the breed is considered to be Dr F. J. Pfeifer of New London, Wisconsin. He was the one who began keeping studbooks and first documented the breed standard. He owned a famous dog named “Curly,” who is considered one of the founders of the modern American Water Spaniel line.

The Path to Recognition and the Risk of Extinction

Despite official recognition, the breed nearly vanished after the Second World War. With the rise of more popular retrievers, like Labradors and Goldens, the need for a “universal” spaniel diminished. The breed was on the brink of extinction in the 1950s and 60s. Only through the efforts of a small group of enthusiasts and the American Water Spaniel Club (AWSC) was the gene pool preserved. Today, the American Water Spaniel remains one of the rarest breeds registered with the AKC, ranking 167th out of 197 in popularity. This rarity, however, has helped preserve its working qualities, as the breed never became “fashionable” and was not split into show and working lines.

The American Water Spaniel is a compact athlete with a strong build and well-developed muscles in the chest and forelegs. It is a medium-sized dog, sturdily built but not bulky. Its appearance radiates power, endurance, and vivacity.

Head and Muzzle

The head is proportional to the body, with a moderately broad skull and a defined but not abrupt stop (the transition from forehead to muzzle). The muzzle is square and of medium length, allowing it to hold game comfortably. The eyes are medium-sized, round, and set fairly wide apart. Eye colour ranges from hazel to dark amber or brown, harmonising with the coat. The expression is inquisitive, intelligent, and friendly. The ears are long, pendulous, and set low (slightly above the eye line), covered in dense waves of fur.

Body and Silhouette

• Back: Short, straight, and strong. The topline is level or slightly sloping from the withers to the croup.
• Chest: Deep but not overly broad, with well-sprung ribs that are not barrel-shaped.
• Croup: Slightly sloping, which facilitates a powerful push from the hindquarters when swimming and jumping from water to shore.
• Tail: Medium length, thick at the base, tapering to a point. It is covered in fur and serves as a rudder when swimming. In motion, the dog carries it slightly below the line of the back. The tail is never docked; this is a disqualifying fault.
• Limbs: Parallel, with strong bone. The paws are “Scottish type” (thick, compact) with well-developed webbing between the toes, which is essential for a water dog.

The Coat: Double Protection

The coat is the breed’s main “calling card” and its primary working tool. It has a double layer: a dense, short undercoat that retains body heat, and an outer layer (guard hairs) that is oily to the touch. This oiliness (natural lanolin) makes the coat waterproof, preventing water from reaching the skin. In dry weather, the curls are springy, protecting the epidermis from branches and grass.

The coat texture can vary:

• Marcel: Uniform waves all over the body.
• Curly: Small, tight curls, similar to a Poodle’s coat.

Many dogs have a combination of both types. The fur on the head is typically shorter and smoother.

Coat Colours

The breed standard only permits three variations of solid dark colour:

• Liver
• Brown
• Dark Chocolate

Small white markings on the chest or toes are permissible but not desirable. The nose and paw pads should be dark, matching the coat (black or dark brown). The eyes should harmonise with the coat colour.

A study in contrasts: at home, obedient and calm; on the hunt, energetic and fired up with enthusiasm. The American Water Spaniel is known for its devotion to its family and a strong bond with “its” person. This is a very sensitive breed that reacts keenly to its owner’s mood and the atmosphere in the home.

A “Shadow Dog” at Home

Indoors, the American Water Spaniel is calm, provided it has had enough physical exercise. It tends to be a “Velcro dog,” following its owner from room to room. They thrive on human company and do not tolerate loneliness well. Left alone for long periods, they can develop separation anxiety, which may manifest as destructive behaviour or excessive barking.

Energy and Drive in the Field

Flip the “on” switch, and you’ll see a completely different dog. In nature, especially near water, the American Water Spaniel transforms into an energetic, focused whirlwind. They have high intelligence and a desire to work. Boredom is their worst enemy. Without a “job” (games, training, swimming), they will find their own entertainment, and you probably won’t like it.

The breed is known for its loud, but “deep” voice. They are prone to vocalisation: barking, whining, and sometimes letting out a characteristic “yodel” or “singing,” especially when excited. This helped hunters keep track of the dog in tall reeds.

Watchdog Qualities and Socialisation

The American Water Spaniel is an excellent watchdog, but not a guard dog. They will always alert you with a loud bark to a stranger’s approach. However, aggression towards people is completely atypical for them. They may be reserved or indifferent towards strangers, but become friendly once introduced. Early and positive socialisation is critical to ensure their natural reserve doesn’t turn into timidity. Their prey drive for small game (squirrels, birds) is strong, so introductions to cats must be early and supervised.

Like any breed, especially one so highly specialised, the American Water Spaniel has its unique advantages and challenges. It’s important to be honest about whether your lifestyle matches the needs of this energetic hunter.

The breed is considered relatively healthy, largely because it has never been overly popular, and selection focused on working qualities. However, due to the limited gene pool (a result of its rarity), there is a list of hereditary diseases that responsibe breeders monitor.

Vet’s advice: get a comprehensive blood panel and heart ultrasound done once a year; when choosing food, avoid high levels of peas and potatoes, which have been linked to a risk of DCM (cardiomyopathy). Always ask the breeder for the parents’ genetic test results (at least for PRA and DM) and hip scoring certificates (OFA/BVA).

The key rule – do not over-dry the skin or strip the coat’s natural oils. Avoid frequent shampooing (1-2 times every 6-8 weeks, or as needed, is sufficient). After swimming in a river or lake, rinse the coat with clean fresh water to wash away dirt and bacteria.

Grooming: The “Gold Standard”

The American Water Spaniel’s coat needs regular care, but it’s different from grooming a Poodle, for example. American Water Spaniels must not be shaved! This destroys the double coat’s structure and strips the dog of protection from sun and cold. Recommended care:

• Brushing (1-2 times a week): Use a metal comb with long teeth to reach the undercoat and prevent matting. A slicker brush can help smooth the top layer.
• Trimming (every 2-3 months): A light trim with scissors is recommended to give shape and remove excess fur, especially on the paws (between the pads), around the ear canal, and under the tail. Some owners lightly trim the coat on the back and neck to accentuate the silhouette.

Problem No. 1: The Ears

This is the breed’s Achilles’ heel. Their long, drooping, densely-furred ears create a perfect warm, dark, and moist environment for bacteria and yeast to grow. Add constant swimming to the mix, and the risk of otitis becomes extremely high.

1. Inspect the ears daily for redness, smell, or debris.
2. Thoroughly dry the ears (the inner part of the ear flap) with a towel after every swim.
3. Clean the ears 1-2 times a week with a special veterinary lotion that maintains the pH balance.
4. Regularly trim the fur around the ear canal for better ventilation.

Other Hygiene Aspects

Nail trimming – twice a month. Since the dog swims a lot and runs on soft ground, the nails don’t wear down enough naturally. Dental care – brushing 2-3 times a week with veterinary toothpaste to prevent tartar build-up.

60-90 minutes of intense exercise daily – this is the absolute minimum to keep an American Water Spaniel mentally balanced. For this breed, a walk on a lead is just a warm-up. They need a job. The exercise formula: ⅓ swimming, ⅓ running/fetching, ⅓ brain games.

Water is Not an Option, It’s a Necessity

The breed’s name says it all. The American Water Spaniel must swim. It’s embedded in their DNA. If you don’t have regular (several times a week) access to a safe body of water (lake, river, pond), this breed is not for you. Swimming is not only the best physical exercise but also the most important psychological release for them. Without water, teh dog will express its frustration through destructive behaviour.

Mental Stimulation

The American Water Spaniel’s high intelligence requires constant stimulation. 15 minutes of “nose work” tires them out more than an hour’s run. Use:

• Interactive toys and food puzzles.
• “Hide-and-seek” games with toys or treats.
• Teaching tricks and new commands.

Sports for the American Water Spaniel

They excel in any discipline related to water and scent:

• Dock Diving – this is their element.
• Hunt Tests – their primary purpose.
• Nose Work and search and rescue.
• Agility and Rally Obedience – to maintain contact with the owner.

Start the first phase of training (clicker training, name recall, positions) from 8 weeks. Introduce hunting commands from 6 months, when the natural “hold & carry” develops. Be sure to integrate silent whistle training – at long distances in the reeds, verbal commands are useless. The method should be operant conditioning with 100% positive reinforcement.

Overcoming Stubbornness

The breed demonstrates above-average IQ; according to Stanley Coren’s tests, the American Water Spaniel learns a command in 5-15 repetitions and performs it 90% of the time. However, their intelligence is combined with a certain “spaniel” stubbornness. If they are bored or don’t see the point of a command, they will simply “switch off.”

The key to success:

• Positive reinforcement only: They are extremely sensitive. Shouting, jerking the lead, or physical punishment is the quickest way to break the dog and lose its trust forever.
• Short and fun sessions: Keep training sessions short (10-15 minutes), dynamic, and game-like.
• High-value rewards: They work well for food, but even better for a favourite toy or the chance to jump into the water.

The Barking Challenge

The American Water Spaniel is a noisy breed. They bark when they’re happy, when they’re excited, when they’re bored, when someone approaches. Don’t try to “forbid” them from barking – it’s part of their nature. Instead, manage the barking. Teach a “Quiet!” or “Enough!” command, rewarding silence, as well as a “Speak!” command, so the dog understands when vocalisation is appropriate.

A P/F/C (Protein/Fat/Carb) ratio of 30% / 20% / 50% (on a dry matter basis) is optimal for working condition. Calorie intake should be 45 kcal/kg of body weight for moderate activity, rising to 60 kcal/kg during the hunting season. These are very active dogs that need high-calorie, quality fuel. Use foods with meat as the #1 ingredient, avoiding by-products and artificial preservatives.

Dietary Specifics for an Active Dog

1. Working Season: Switch to high-fat formulas (e.g., 30% protein / 20% fat). Add omega-3s (fish oil) to support joints and skin (30 mg EPA + DHA/kg of body weight).
2. “Off-Season”: Switch to a “lighter” ration (e.g., 26% protein / 16% fat) to avoid weight gain. Check weight every 10 days.
3. Raw Diet (BARF): This is an option but requires careful balancing of calcium and phosphorus (2:1) and adding vitamin supplements. Always consult a veterinary nutritionist.

Do not feed immediately before or after intense exercise: wait at least 90 minutes to avoid the risk of bloat (gastric torsion), to which deep-chested dogs are prone.

• Official State Dog: The American Water Spaniel has been the official State Dog of its home state, Wisconsin, since 1986.
• “Duck” Paws: The AWS has well-developed webbing between its toes, making them excellent swimmers.
• Rare Treasure: It is one of the few breeds developed entirely in the USA and remains extremely rare. The total global population is only a few thousand.
• First Registration: The first female registered with the AKC (No. F1) was “Curly Peggy” – most modern dogs are based on her lines.
• No Docking: Unlike many spaniels, the American Water Spaniel’s tail is not docked – it is forbidden by the standard.
• Natural Wax: The AWS coat contains a high percentage of lanolin – a natural wax that repels water, dirt, and even burrs.

How much does an American Water Spaniel puppy cost in the UK?

The breed is extremely rare in the UK and Europe. Most puppies are imported from US kennels.

Is the American Water Spaniel suitable for first-time owners?

Yes, but with reservations. They are suitable if the novice owner is prepared to immediately enrol in training classes (using positive reinforcement) and dedicate time to active walks and swimming. Their sensitivity does not forgive training errors.

Does the American Water Spaniel shed a lot?

Moderately. They are not hypoallergenic. They have a seasonal shed twice a year, during which the undercoat needs to be brushed out more often.

Do they have a “doggy” smell?

Surprisingly, no. Despite their oily, waterproof coat, with proper care (regular rinsing with clean water and drying) they have almost no odour.

Can you shave them in the summer?

No, absolutely not! Their double coat works like a thermos – it protects them not only from the cold but also from overheating and sunburn. Shaving destroys this mechanism.

How does the American Water Spaniel differ from the German Spaniel?

Both are versatile hunters, but the Wachtelhund (German Spaniel) is typically larger (48-54 cm), has a longer, more “pointer-like” nose, and often has white or roan markings. The American Water Spaniel is more compact, has a squarer muzzle, and a solid-coloured coat.