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American Water Spaniel

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American Water Spaniel (Chocolate, Muzzle)
Chocolate, Muzzle

Breed Information

Popularity

2022: #166

2021: #166

2020: #158

2019: #164

2018: #166

2017: #167

2016: #156

2015: #157

Name American Water Spaniel
Other names AWS, American Brown Spaniel, American Brown Water Spaniel
Origin United States
Breed Group

Sporting (AKC:1940)

Gun Dog (UKC)

Size Small to Medium
Type Purebred
Life span 10-13 years
Temperament

Energetic

Friendly

Intelligent

Obedient

Protective

Trainable

Height 15-18 inches (36-46 cm)
Weight 25-45 pounds (11-20 kg)
Colors

Brown

Chocolate

Liver

Litter Size 4-6 puppies
Puppy Prices

Average $1200 - $1500 USD

The American Water Spaniel remains a rare breed. In general, the average price for an American Water Spaniel pup from a responsible, reputable and knowledgeable breeder is between $1,200 - $1,500.

Breed Characteristics

Adaptability

5 stars

Apartment Friendly

5 stars

American Water Spaniels will do okay in an apartment as long as they get enough exercise. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. Like to roam in search of quarry.

Barking Tendencies

3 stars

Occassional

Cat Friendly

3 stars

Child Friendly

5 stars

Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them.

Dog Friendly

2 stars

Exercise Needs

5 stars

The American Water Spaniel should have a lot of physical exercise, which includes long daily walks.

Grooming

3 stars

Moderate Maintenance: Expect to comb and brush this breed’s curly double coat two or three times a week. Comb it first to prevent or remove mats and tangles. Do this every time your dog has been outside and picked up burrs or other debris. Use a slicker brush to remove dead hair. You may need to trim the coat every once in a while to give it a neat appearance. The AWS rarely needs a bath, but be sure to give him a thorough freshwater rinse after he has been in saltwater or a lake or pond with algae.

Health Issues

3 stars

Hypoallergenic: No

Intelligence

4 stars

Ranking: #44 Full Ranking List

Playfulness

5 stars

Shedding Level

1 stars

Minimal Shedding: This dog will shed a negligible amount. Recommended for owners who do not want to deal with dog hair in their cars and homes.

Stranger Friendly

5 stars

Trainability

4 stars

Moderately Easy Training: Training won't require too much attention and effort, though it won't be easier than other breeds. Expect results to come gradually.

Watchdog Ability

4 stars

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American Water Spaniel Puppy (Chocolate, Face)
Chocolate, Face

American Water Spaniel Names

Rank Boy Names Girl Names
01 Max Bella
02 Charlie Lucy
03 Jack Chloe
04 Milo Coco
05 Rocky Bailey
06 Oliver Stella
07 Buster Roxy
08 Sam Gracie
09 Lucky Stella
10 Leo Luna
100 Cute Puppy Names ›

Overview

The American water spaniel packs a lot of ability into a comparatively small dog. Its muzzle is long and strong enough to carry a large goose, and it has strong quarters to propel it through water and over land. It is slightly longer than tall, solidly built and muscular. The coat can range from uniform waves (marcel) to close curls, with a dense undercoat. This combination provides protection against weather, water or briars. The ears are well-covered with hair, which should not grow into the ear canal. The gait is balanced, with reach and drive.

As its name implies, the American water spaniel is a natural lover of water. Not only is it a skilled retriever and versatile hunter, but it is also a tractable fun-loving family dog — as long as it gets regular physical and mental exercise. It is sensitive and willing to please. Some can be timid. Generally good with other dogs in the household, some are aggressive toward strange dogs. Barking can be a definite problem; some also whine or drool.

History

Since the 18th century, the American Water Spaniel has been an all-around farm and hunting dog. The exact knowledge regarding the origin of this breed does not exist, but it was developed in the United States around Wisconsin and Minnesota, primarily in the Great Lakes area. The breed’s ancestors include both the Irish Water Spaniel and Curly-coated Retriever. It was the first breed developed in the United States that could retrieve from boats and also hunt. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1940 and most likely would have been sooner if it were not for breed enthusiasts who were afraid it would ruin the breed's reputation as an excellent hunter. The AWSs have a gentle mouth and a fine nose making them excel as an outstanding bird dog in the woods, swamps, lakes and rivers. The breed can point out squirrels in trees by barking and works well both flushing game and retrieving. An excellent swimmer he uses his tail as a rudder, swimming well even in turbulent waters. The AWS is considered a rare breed. Only about 270 were registered with the AKC in 1940, but it is believed that there were more born to hunting lines that were not registered, not to mention those that were registered with other clubs besides the American Kennel Club. It is the state dog of Wisconsin.

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