American Water Spaniel

25-35 lbs
15-18"
United States
Brown Water Spaniel

The American Water Spaniel is a small brown breed of Spaniel developed in the Midwestern region of the United States as early as the 18th century.  Used primarily as a hunting companion for waterfowl, pheasants, and rabbits, the American Water Spaniel is known for its energy and self-confidence on the field but can be shy and timid among people.  The American Water Spaniel has a double coat that is water resistant and has webbed feet so naturally, this breed loves the water but requires frequent brushing to keep its coat healthy and clean.  Under the thickly coated curls lies a muscular form with excellent agility.  The American Water Spaniel is known to be capable of jumping in and out of a small skiff or canoe without rocking the boat.

purpose Purpose
bird flushing, retrieving
history Date of Origin
1800s
ancestry Ancestry
spaniel, retriever

American Water Spaniel Health

Sketch of American Water Spaniel
Average Size
Male American Water Spaniel size stats
Height: 15-18 inches Weight: 30-45 lbs
Female American Water Spaniel size stats
Height: 15-18 inches Weight: 25-35 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Mitral Valve Disease
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
Minor Concerns
  • Distichiasis
  • Lenticular Opacities
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Heart Disease
Occasional Tests
  • Hip X-Rays
  • Heart
  • Eye Examination

American Water Spaniel Breed History

The American Water Spaniel has an unknown history but was most likely derived from the smaller Irish or English Water Spaniels and possible the Curly-coated Retriever dating back to the 18th century in the United States.  However, it was not until the mid-1800s that detailed records of the breed were kept. The American Water Spaniel developed in the midwestern region of the United States as a gun dog and hunting companion.  Her ability to flush out birds and retrieve fallen game in all terrains from marshes and river lands to uplands made her an excellent companion.  When larger retriever breeds became more popular, the smaller American Water Spaniel fell out of favor with hunters.  If not for Doctor F.J. Pfeifer of New London, Wisconsin who is credited with saving the American Water Spaniel, this breed would have faced extinction. Pfeifer bred and sold American Water Spaniels for the breed club, and helped develop the standard on how this dog should look.  Pfeifer’s efforts made breed recognition possible and the American Water Spaniel was first accepted by the United Kennel Club in 1920, the Field Stud Book in 1938, and gained American Kennel Club acceptance in 1940.  “Curly Pfeifer” was the first registered American Water Spaniel, and the state of Wisconsin designated the American Water Spaniel as its official state dog in 1986. Today, the American Water Spaniel remains a rare breed with less than 3,000 total individuals in existence.  However, the rarity has most likely prevented this breed from splitting once again into two classes; one used for show competitions and the other as a hunting companion. 

American Water Spaniel Breed Appearance

The American Water Spaniel is a medium sized muscular dog and a marcel (uniform waves) to curly coat over a dense undercoat.  The undercoat helps protect the American Water Spaniel from colder weather and water, making the coat snow and water resistant.  Female American Water Spaniels tend to be slightly smaller than males, and both sexes are slightly longer than they are tall. The American Water Spaniel’s head is in proportion with the rest of its body, and it possesses an alert, intelligent, and confident expression in its face.  Its eyes are slightly above the eye line and are long and wide.  The American Water Spaniel has well-developed nostrils designed for scenting. The forelegs are of medium length and just long enough to field through tall brush with ease.  The front toes are webbed and well-padded for the wetter terrain.  The American Water Spaniel has strong-developed hips and thighs for strength and drives through the wet terrains it was intended to hunt.

Appearance of American Water Spaniel
Eye Color Possibilities
hazel American Water Spaniel eyes
Hazel
brown American Water Spaniel eyes
Brown
amber American Water Spaniel eyes
Amber
Nose Color Possibilities
black American Water Spaniel nose
Black
brown American Water Spaniel nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
black American Water Spaniel coat
Black
brown American Water Spaniel coat
Brown
red American Water Spaniel coat
Red
sable American Water Spaniel coat
Sable
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
American Water Spaniel wavy coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

American Water Spaniel Breed Maintenance

The curly coat of an American Water Spaniel requires weekly grooming to prevent matting and to help condition the breed's coat and skin with natural oils.  You can use a slick brush to remove the undercoat and a rubber-tipped pin brush to groom the summer coat.  The American Water Spaniel has long ears that may trap moisture, becoming a possible breeding environment for bacteria.  You should consult with your veterinarian or grooming specialist on the best methods for cleaning your American Water Spaniel’s ears to prevent possible infections. The natural oils of your American Water Spaniel may produce a “doggy odor” but be mindful of bathing.  Frequent bathing and shampooing can strip the oil and lead to irritated, uncomfortable skin.  The best care you can give to combat the dog odor is weekly grooming to help distribute oil and remove dead hair and skin. The American Water Spaniel is a sporting dog and requires a lot of physical activity.  She loves to jump in the water and swim as well as run, so apartment and urban living are not well-suited for this breed though they may adapt well enough in an apartment if she gets plenty of exercise outside.

Brushes for American Water Spaniel
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Dematter
Dematter
Comb
Comb
Deshedder
Deshedder
Clipper
Clipper
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
American Water Spaniel requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

American Water Spaniel Temperament

The American Water Spaniel is intelligent and trainable.  This breed is responsive to training and learning so firm, yet calm methods work best.  Harshly spoken words can negatively affect these sensitive dogs.  American Water Spaniels tend to be timid and shy, so socialization with other dogs, people, and experiences at an early age is also important for their development. Overall, the American Water Spaniel is an affectionate dog and perfect for families with children but does not do well when left alone.  This breed can develop separation anxiety and will over vocalize for attention.  The American Water Spaniel is good with other dogs and pets but needs socialization at an early age to prevent timidity or alpha behavior towards other dogs. Overall, this sweet and charming breed can be slightly aloof but is otherwise a very active and upbeat dog eager to please its people.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
8 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

American Water Spaniel Popularity

Popularity ranking
#156

American Water Spaniel Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2.5 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.75 - $2.25
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$52.50 - $67.50
food bag monthly cost

American Water Spaniel Height & Weight

6 Months
Sketch of American Water Spaniel at six months
Male American Water Spaniel size stats at six months
Height: 12.0 inches Weight: 18.5 lbs
Female American Water Spaniel size stats at six months
Height: 12.0 inches Weight: 16.5 lbs
12 Months
Sketch of American Water Spaniel at 12 months
Male American Water Spaniel size stats at 12 months
Height: 14.0 inches Weight: 25.0 lbs
Female American Water Spaniel size stats at 12 months
Height: 14.0 inches Weight: 23.0 lbs
18 Months
Sketch of American Water Spaniel at 18 months
Male American Water Spaniel size stats at 18 months
Height: 16.5 inches Weight: 32.5 lbs
Female American Water Spaniel size stats at 18 months
Height: 16.5 inches Weight: 30.0 lbs

American Water Spaniel Owner Experiences

Jess
1 Year
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
my water spaniel is a bit aloof and cranky but she is one of the first dog i'v own i own a lot of dogs in my home so yeah
1 year, 11 months ago
3 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
The American Water Spaniel is a very high energy and focused dog. When walking the American Water Spaniel it's always good to keep in mind of you're surroundings because when they spot something moving about they'll definitely focus in on what it is before trying to sprint for it's target. Luckily they are great for commands so calling out for them will regain their focus on you and make it possible to continue your walk without having to tug them along. They love squirrels, lizards, ducks and pretty much anything that moves away fast enough to set in that prey effect. Due to the amount of wavy to curly fur they have they do require a bit of maintenance if you don't want a pup with dreads. Overall they are great dogs both for the family and for hunting. Whichever way you choose to own this breed it's always good to start their training while they're still young.
5 years, 9 months ago
1 Month
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Swim
Walk
Run
American Water Spaniels are an amazing breed, I have owned a few throughout my life and they are wonderful companions!
5 years, 9 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd