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American water spaniel

The American Water Spaniel was developed in the Fox and Wolf river valleys of Wisconsin in the nineteenth century as a versatile hunting dog small enough to work from a skiff.

It is the state dog of Wisconsin and remains genuinely rare, with only a few hundred registered a year.

It stands 38 to 46 centimetres, weighs 11 to 20 kilograms and lives ten to fourteen years, with a dense curly or wavy liver-coloured coat that is water-repellent and slightly oily. It is an active, biddable gundog with a strong retrieving instinct, and it is more sensitive than most of the sporting breeds — it responds badly to harsh handling.

Origin
Wisconsin, United States, 19th century
Size
38–46 cm; 11–20 kg
Lifespan
10–14 years
Coat
Dense curly or wavy liver coat; water-repellent
Temperament
Biddable and eager, but sensitive to harsh handling
Health
Hip dysplasia, PRA, ear infections; a small gene pool

Related: American bulldog · American bully · American English coonhound · American eskimo dog · American foxhound

2 american water spaniel photos, newest first

  • Semolina IV, a american water spaniel

    Semolina IV

    Semolina IV was promoted to astronomer discovering that the moon is a cheese wheel; unfortunately, a paper fan unfolds across the floor.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Semolina IV, a american water spaniel

    Semolina IV

    The face Semolina IV makes when the walk ends.

    GentleFinch · 2 weeks ago

Living with a american water spaniel

The gene pool is small — this is a rare breed with few litters annually — so ask what a breeder does about diversity as well as about health testing.

Ask for hip scores and PRA testing.

The coat needs brushing weekly and should not be over-bathed; the natural oil is what keeps the dog dry in cold water, and stripping it repeatedly is counterproductive.

Ears are pendulous and the dog swims. Check and dry them after every session, because ear infections are the breed's most routine problem.

They are sensitive. Training works with encouragement, and shuts down under pressure. They also need real exercise — this is a working gundog, not a spaniel-shaped pet.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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