American Water SpanielWisconsin's curly-coated hunting companion

History and Origin

The breed took shape in the 19th century along the Fox and Wolf River valleys of Wisconsin. Market hunters needed a dog small enough to ride in a canoe or skiff, tough enough for icy water, and able to retrieve and flush game. Irish Water Spaniels, Curly-Coated Retrievers and English water spaniels are thought to be among its ancestors.

Dr. Fred J. Pfeifer of New London, Wisconsin, did much to establish the breed in the early 20th century. The AKC recognized it in 1940, and it became the state dog of Wisconsin in 1985. It is still rare outside the Midwest.

Size, Coat and Color

The American Water Spaniel is a medium-sized, sturdy gundog that is slightly longer than tall. Adults stand 15 to 18 inches at the shoulder and weigh 25 to 45 lb. Males are generally larger and heavier, with females often in the lower half of the weight range.

The coat is one of the breed's defining features. It ranges from uniform waves, called marcel, to tight, closely packed curls, with a dense undercoat that protects against cold water. The ears are long and covered in curls, and the tail is moderately feathered and carried with a slight curve.

The only accepted color is solid liver, brown or dark chocolate. A small amount of white on the toes and chest is permitted. Eye color should harmonize with the coat, ranging from light brown to hazel; yellow eyes are a fault. The overall look should suggest a practical hunting dog, built for retrieving rather than show-ring exaggeration.

Temperament and Personality

American Water Spaniels are cooperative, cheerful and keen to work with their people. They are affectionate with family and can be somewhat reserved with strangers until they get to know them.

They generally do well with children and other dogs when socialized. Some can be a little possessive of food or toys, so teach good manners early. They are alert and will bark to announce visitors.

Many AWS have a broad repertoire of yodels and grumbles and use them to communicate. They are sensitive to tone of voice, so calm, encouraging handling gets the best results.

Are American Water Spaniels Good for First-Time Owners?

Yes, American Water Spaniels can be a good choice for first-time owners who are active and ready to train consistently.

They are eager to please and learn quickly, which makes them forgiving of beginner mistakes. The main challenges are their exercise needs, vocal tendencies and occasional possessiveness over food or toys. Owners should plan daily activity, including swimming or retrieving if possible, and teach good manners early. Since the breed is rare, first-time buyers should contact the national breed club for breeder referrals and support.

Can American Water Spaniels Live in an Apartment?

An American Water Spaniel can live in an apartment if it gets plenty of daily exercise and mental work, but a house with a yard is easier.

The breed is compact enough for small spaces, but its energy level is high. Without at least an hour of exercise, including running and retrieving, it may become restless and vocal. Barking, yodeling and grumbling can bother neighbors. Access to parks, lakes or dog-friendly beaches makes apartment life much easier. Rinse and dry the coat after swims to avoid odor in small spaces.

Can American Water Spaniels Be Left Alone?

Adult American Water Spaniels can handle a few hours alone, but they dislike long periods without company.

This breed was developed to work closely with its hunter, and it bonds strongly with its family. Left alone too long, it may bark, chew or dig out of boredom. Build up alone time gradually from puppyhood and provide a good walk or retrieving session before you leave. Food puzzles and chews help. For people who work long days away from home, a dog walker or daycare is recommended.

Exercise and Training

This is an active sporting dog that needs at least an hour of exercise daily. Swimming, retrieving games, hiking and dog sports such as dock diving or hunt tests are ideal.

• Training is usually straightforward: AWS learn quickly and respond well to praise and treats.
• Keep sessions varied to avoid boredom.
• Provide mental work too, such as scent games or puzzle feeders.
• Do not leave it alone for long; boredom can lead to barking or chewing.

The breed matures fairly slowly. Teach a solid retrieve, steady recall and calm behavior around water from an early age, and introduce swimming gradually in safe conditions.

Grooming and Shedding

The coat ranges from tight curls to waves (called marcel) with a dense undercoat. Brush weekly, more often during seasonal sheds, and trim around feet and ears. Rinse after swims in salty or muddy water and dry the ears. The coat sheds less than many breeds and some allergy sufferers tolerate it, but it is not hypoallergenic. It can have a natural oily odor.

Feeding and Nutrition

American Water Spaniels are active, but their energy needs vary a lot between a working hunting dog in the fall and a family pet in summer. Adjust portions to the dog's activity level and body condition rather than following a fixed amount. You should be able to feel the ribs easily and see a defined waist.

Dogs that swim in cold water burn more energy and may need slightly more food during hunting season. Reduce portions again when activity drops, as the breed can gain weight easily.

• Feed two meals a day for adults, and three or four for young puppies.
• Avoid heavy exercise right after meals, especially swimming.
• Use food rewards for retrieve and recall training, and count them in the daily ration.
• Food sensitivities sometimes show up as skin or ear problems; ask your vet before changing diets.

Fresh water should always be available after swimming in salty or dirty water.

Estimates use the resting energy formula veterinarians work with (70 × body weight in kg^0.75) and standard activity factors. Use the feeding guide on your food as a starting point and adjust to body condition. Puppies, seniors, pregnant animals and pets that need to lose weight have different needs, so ask your vet.

Health and Lifespan

AWS typically live 10 to 14 years. The breed club recommends screening for hip dysplasia, eye disease and heart conditions. Other reported issues include:

• Epilepsy
• Hypothyroidism
• Degenerative myelopathy
• Pattern baldness (hair loss on certain body areas)

The breed also tends to gain weight easily, so measure food and keep it active. Ask breeders for health clearances on both parents.

American Water Spaniel Price and Cost of Ownership

Typical breeder price in the US$1,000 to $2,500

An American Water Spaniel puppy from a reputable US breeder typically costs about $1,000 to $2,500. Prices vary by breeder, region and lines, and most breeders are in the Midwest. Responsible breeders screen for hip dysplasia, eye disease and heart conditions.

Rescue placements are rare, but breed clubs sometimes help rehome adults.

Breed-specific ongoing costs include:

• Coat trimming and grooming supplies for the curly coat.
• Ear cleaning after swimming to prevent infections.
• Hunting gear, training dummies and hunt test fees for working dogs.
• Pet insurance for hip problems and eye conditions.

Food costs are moderate for a dog of 25 to 45 lb.

Is the American Water Spaniel Right for You?

The AWS fits hunters, outdoor families and people near water who want a medium-sized, trainable dog. It can manage in a smaller home if it is well exercised.

It is less suited to owners who are out all day or who want a low-energy dog. If you want a Labrador-like work ethic in a smaller, curlier package, it deserves a look.

Ask breeders about hip, eye and heart screening, and meet the parents if possible to see their temperament around strangers.