American Water Spaniel

The American Water Spaniel is a dog that enjoys being outside and loves to swim. They are friendly and delightful but may act distant around new people. Originating from the Upper Midwest, they have a strong sense of independence, although they want to make their owners happy. Their coats are brown, either wavy or tightly curled, and are designed to repel water. With their thickly padded feet and webbed toes, they are great swimmers. These dogs can be quite vocal, especially when they have nothing to do. The American Water Spaniel is recognized as the state dog of Wisconsin.

Quick Info

Size
Medium
Colours
Brown, chocolate, or liver
Lifespan
10 to 13 years
Height
15 to 18 inches
Type
Sporting
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
25 to 45 pounds
Family
Gun Dog

Personality

The American Water Spaniel is a cheerful and enthusiastic dog, known for its love of water, as suggested by its name. This breed is a faithful and loving companion to families and tends to get along with most people and other animals. They bark to let you know when something is happening.

History

The American Water Spaniel probably comes from the Irish Water Spaniel and was originally developed in the Midwest. These dogs were once skilled at searching through dense bushes and bringing back game, but today they are more commonly family pets, especially for those who live close to water. This breed is quite uncommon and holds the title of the state dog of Wisconsin.

Ideal Owner

If your family loves to stay active, lives close to water, and enjoys outdoor activities, the American Water Spaniel could be a great fit. It's important for owners to be patient and steady during training and to offer plenty of exercise to keep these dogs mentally and physically engaged.

Exercise Needs

Full of energy and enthusiasm, the American Water Spaniel is always up for an outdoor escapade, particularly if it includes a swim. These dogs thrive on physical activity and may become restless and noisy if they don’t get enough. Active playtime can help wear them out. They enjoy having tasks to complete, such as obedience training, agility challenges, or swimming.

Space Requirements

The American Water Spaniel is a flexible breed that can adjust to various living situations, as long as they can go outside. However, they do best in large areas where they can enjoy open spaces and have access to water.

Training

American Water Spaniels are eager to make their owners happy, which makes training them fairly straightforward. They thrive on different activities and have a strong desire to learn. Being very energetic, they require training to behave properly. They can pick up bad behaviors quickly, so it’s important to use positive reinforcement and emphasize good habits. It's crucial to socialize American Water Spaniel puppies and adults early and regularly.

Grooming

The fur of the American Water Spaniel has an oily texture and should be brushed often. It is thick and repels water, with a curly or wavy appearance. During the summer, these dogs need grooming less often.

Suitability for Family Life

The American Water Spaniel is a cheerful and loving dog, making them great companions for families. They are quite energetic, so they are better suited for active households with older kids or no kids at all.

Did You know?

Wisconsin has chosen the American Water Spaniel as its official state dog.

Similar Breeds

English Springer Spaniel
Field Spaniel
Irish Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog

Need to Know

Dog suitable for owners with some experience
Extra training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys vigorous walks
Medium dog
Some drool
Requires grooming
Barks and alerts to visitors/anything unusual