Dog class - Sporting
Average height - 15 to 18 inches
Average weight - 25 to 45 pounds
Size - Medium
Coat - Varies from wavy to dense curls. Water and weather protective undercoat.
Average life span - 10 to 14 years

The American Water Spaniel is a active, muscular dog of medium size. These dogs stand about 15-18 inches at the shoulder and weigh 25-45 pounds. Females are typically slightly smaller than males in this breed. The coat of the American Water Spaniel varies from uniform waves to close curls. The undercoat of this breed provides warmth in cold weather and in the water. Oil in the coat provides additional protection in the water, but may give the American Water Spaniel a strong odour. The color of the coat is either solid liver, brown, or dark chocolate. American Water Spaniels are active dogs, and without sufficient exercise, behavioral problems may arise. This breed has somewhat of a tendency to not be sociable with strangers or children, this is not true when properly socialized as a puppy. The American Water Spaniel tends to be sensitive and slow to mature, a patient and gentle trainer/owner will get the best results.

Developed in the mid-western U.S. as a hunting dog sometime in the early 1800's. This breed is a good waterfowl and upland hunting companion.

Most American Water Spaniels enjoy activities like retrieving, swimming, and other hunting type activities. There are numerous hunting tests that an American Water Spaniel can compete in. There are special hunt tests only open to water spaniels, as well as NAHRA, UKC, and AKC hunt tests. Some American Water Spaniel are very versatile and enjoy doing a wide variety of activities or competitive competitions.

American Water Spaniels tend to be very friendly and outgoing as long as they are socialized extensively as a puppy. As most sporting breeds, the American Water Spaniel is an active dog that enjoys and needs plenty of exercise, they especially enjoy swimming. If you are looking for a hunting companion, the American Water Spaniel does equally well as an upland or waterfowl hunter, but is not specialized for either one.

As with most dogs this size, hip dysplasia and eye problems are a concern. Only buy a pup if both parents have been checked and cleared by OFA and CERF. Skin conditions are also a problem in this breed.

The American Water Spaniel is a late maturing dog as well as a sensitive one. A very patient and very soft trainer will get the best results in training. The American Water Spaniel does not respond well to punishment, so luring/guiding techniques are needed to get the desired results. If force, pressure, or pain is used, the American Water Spaniel may develop a number of serious behavior problems. The trainer/owner of this breed should be creative enough to think of gentle ways to get good results. Formal obedience training is strongly recommended. An American Water Spaniel also needs a place where it can go for an off-leash run or swim to get the exercise it needs. Behavior problems are very likely to develop if sufficient exercise is lacking. The coat of the American Water Spaniel needs more attention than short-haired dogs and they are moderate shedders. The oil in their coat may give the dog a foul odour.

This is a rather primitive breed, and does not excel at hunting test, trials, and other competitions like some of the more popular breeds. However, this does not mean the American Water Spaniel is not as good as those other breeds, it just means he is different. Make sure you research this breed before buying, to ensure you know what you are getting.

Further American Water Spaniel Dog Resources