A little look at life together.
Getting to know the American Water Spaniel
Developed around the Great Lakes, this brown, curly or wavy spaniel combines retrieving work with an enthusiasm for water. Plan shared outdoor activity; a small body does not make this working spaniel a low-exercise companion.
An everyday routine
Make space for substantial daily activity and short learning sessions. A busy weekend cannot replace a dependable weekday routine.
Coat care to plan for
Set aside time each week for coat care, checking through the hair rather than only brushing the surface. Shedding periods or longer furnishings may need extra attention.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
American Water Spaniel questions
Do American Water Spaniels shed?
Lightly. There is still a shedding season when a slicker brush is needed to clear dead undercoat. The curly or wavy double coat needs grooming about once a week.
How big does a full-grown American Water Spaniel get?
Adults stand 15 to 18 inches tall. Males weigh 30 to 45 pounds and females 25 to 40 pounds.
How long do American Water Spaniels live?
Life expectancy is usually 10 to 14 years, and a well cared for dog may be around for 12 to 15 years. Both are breed-wide figures, not a prediction for one dog.
What were American Water Spaniels bred for?
Hunting from small boats. The breed was developed in the mid-1800s in the Fox and Wolf River valleys of Wisconsin, where market hunters wanted a dog small enough to ride in a skiff and fetch waterfowl. The waterproof coat and webbed toes suit that work, and the breed also flushes upland birds.
How rare is the American Water Spaniel?
Very. Only about 3,000 are estimated to exist at any one time, and most owners and breeders are still in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and nearby states. It is the official state dog of Wisconsin, and anyone interested should expect the breed to be scarce.
Are American Water Spaniels good family dogs?
They can be. With proper socialization and supervision the breed is good with children, and with other animals, including cats, when introduced early. These dogs tend to bond most closely with one person and are reserved with strangers. Family affection and ease with young children fall in the middle of the range.
How much exercise does an American Water Spaniel need?
Daily, and more than its size suggests. Vigorous play every day is the minimum, and an underexercised dog can become barky and destructive. The breed craves company and suits homes where someone is around during the day. Swimming, field work and dog sports are natural outlets.
Are American Water Spaniels easy to train?
Mostly. They are highly trainable and want to please, with a touch of stubbornness in some. They are also smart and capable of finding mischief, so owners need to put real work into obedience and house rules.
