American Water Spaniel
Breed summary
The American Water Spaniel was developed in the United States as an all-around hunting dog, bred to retrieve from skiff or canoes and work the ground with relative ease. This breed is an active muscular dog, medium in size, with a marcel to curly coat. Their head is medium and must be in proportion to the overall dog. The eyes are medium in size and set well apart. Their skull is broad and full and ears are lobular, long, and slightly above the eye line but not too high on the head.
Country of Origin: USA
AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 166 of 196
AKC Classification: Sporting
UKC Classification: Gun Dog
Exercise Requirements: 20-40 minutes/day
Height: Female: 17 inches; Male: 18 inches
Weight: Female: 25-40 lbs. Male: 30-45 lbs.
Physical traits: Muscular, Medium-sized, Double coated
Coat: Length: Medium
Characteristics: Double coat, curly
Colors: Solid liver, brown, dark chocolate
Overall Grooming Needs: Low
Personality traits/Temperament: Eager, Happy, Charming
Energy Level: Average
Tendency to Drool: High
Tendency to Snore: Low
Tendency to Bark: High
Tendency to Dig: Low
Social/Attention Needs: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Health
American Water Spaniel is a healthy breed with above-average life expectancy. As with all breeds, most American Water Spaniels will live long when given proper care and regular veterinarian visits. The American Water Spaniel lives for 10 to 12 years. One of its major health problems is mitral valve disease. A responsible breeder will test breeding stock for health concerns such as hip dysplasia, pulmonary stenosis, eye disorders, cardiac abnormalities, and degenerative myelopathy.
Nutrition
The American Water Spaniel should do well on high-quality dog food, whether manufactured commercially or home-made. Add a high quality multivitamin to complete the nutritional circle. A different diet should be given at different stages of dogs (puppy, adult, or senior). According to the National Research Council of the National Academies, an active adult American Water Spaniel weighing 40 lbs requires an average daily caloric intake of 1109 kcal. Dogs that have been spayed/neutered, or that are older, may need slightly fewer calories. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.
Training
American Water Spaniel respond well to training. But harsh training will eventually screw with their attitude development. The American Water Spaniel with poor behave may even bite out of fear. They require early socialization puppy training classes like other breeds. This will expose the puppy to a wide variety of people, places, and situations between the ages of about 7 weeks and 4 months and help to become a well-mannered adult. American Water Spaniels are happy creatures who want nothing more than to please their owners.
Exercise
American Water Spaniel breeds are active and require daily exercise. A regular one to two hours of walking, running, or fetching is enough for them. Use paw balm to protect their feet. They are outdoorsy athletes who love hunting and swimming, so they need ample exercise. Without sufficient activity, they may express their pent-up energy with recreational barking and excessive chewing. You can break up exercise periods throughout the day — an hour here, a half-hour there. Participating in field trials or obedience, or dock diving events will give this breed a chance to burn off all that excess energy.
Fun Facts
They are the Wisconsin state dog
They are skilled swimmers
They love bananas
