American Water Spaniel: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The American water spaniel is a medium-size sporting dog breed from the United States with a medium-length curly coat that doesn’t shed much. The breed is known for strong water retrieval skills.

This dog has a muscular, well-balanced build, a dense, water-repellant coat, and webbed toes. This allows them to navigate icy waters comfortably. In general, the American water spaniel is a cheerful and enthusiastic dog that loves being active with family. 

Learn more about the American water spaniel, from the dog’s history and care needs to their temperament and health.

Breed Overview

Group: Sporting

Height: 15 to 18 inches

Weight: 25 to 40 pounds (females); 30 to 45 pounds (males)

Coat: Medium-length, curly double coat

Coat Color: Brown, chocolate, liver

Life Span: 10 to 14 years

Temperament: Companionable, bright, even-tempered

Hypoallergenic: No

Origin: United States

Characteristics of the American Water Spaniel

American water spaniels generally have an attentive and happy personality with their family. However, they can be wary of strangers. And while they don't have an extremely energetic temperament, they still need lots of daily activity to thrive.

When an American water spaniel doesn’t get enough physical activity and mental stimulation, they can become destructive and/or bark excessively.

History of the American Water Spaniel

European settlers in the Great Lakes region of the United States wanted to develop a gun dog capable of navigating the cold waters. But the origin of the resulting American water spaniel is unclear. It’s likely that the Irish water spaniel, curly-coated retriever, and (now-extinct) English water spaniel played a role in this breed’s development. 

The American water spaniel not only was skilled at retrieving in the water, but also could hunt small game on land. However, as hunting transitioned from a means for survival to a sporting endeavor for many people, the breed’s numbers dropped. 

In the early 1900s, breeders worked to keep the American water spaniel alive. The American Kennel Club first recognized the breed in 1940, and it became the state dog of Wisconsin in 1985. Today, it is still a rare dog breed.

American Water Spaniel Care

The American water spaniel prefers an active, outdoorsy lifestyle. Their coat is fairly easy to care for, and they are known to be highly trainable.

Exercise

Aim for at least an hour per day of exercise for your American water spaniel. Some of the best activities for this breed include:

• Walks

• Jogging

• Hiking

• Swimming

• Energetic play sessions

In addition, dog sports, such as dock diving and agility, can challenge your dog’s body and mind. 

Puzzle toys can help to keep your dog occupied, but you’ll also have to make time to exercise them daily.

Grooming

Brush your dog weekly to remove any loose fur. A slicker brush can help to remove the dead fur from the breed’s dense undercoat.

Expect more shedding as the weather gets warmer and the undercoat thins, at which time you’ll likely have to brush a little more frequently. But overall the breed sheds minimally. 

Bathe your dog about once a month, depending on how dirty they get. Be sure to dry their ears well after baths and swimming, and check the ears at least weekly to see whether they need cleaning. Also, trim your dog’s nails every month or so, and brush their teeth daily.

Training

Begin training and socialization ideally when your American water spaniel is a puppy. This breed takes quite well to positive-reinforcement training methods, such as treats and praise.

In addition to obedience commands, aim to expose your dog to different people, other dogs, and various locations from a young age. Having lots of positive experiences can help to quell the breed’s sometimes aloof nature with strangers.

Common Health Problems

The American water spaniel is a generally healthy breed. But this dog is prone to some hereditary health issues1, including: 

• Hip dysplasia: This orthopedic condition impacts the development of the hip joint. Symptoms include mobility issues and pain, so it needs to be treated by a vet.   

• Eye diseases: This breed can be susceptible to eye ailments like cataracts (cloudy lens) and retinal dysplasia (abnormal retina development). If you notice symptoms of eye problems, have your dog checked by a vet.

• Heart problems: This breed can be prone to heart issues like mitral valve disease, patent ductus arteriosus, and pulmonic stenosis. Have your dog examined by a vet regularly, and keep an eye out for symptoms of heart problems like coughing, weakness, and changes in energy and behavior. 

• Degenerative myelopathy: Also known as DM, this causes the white matter of the spinal cord to break down, causing weakness in the hind limbs. Eventually, it causes paralysis.

Diet and Nutrition

Fresh water should always be available for your American water spaniel. And they should eat a high-quality canine diet with balanced nutrition, typically via two measured meals per day.

Discuss both the type of food and the amount with your veterinarian to make sure you’re meeting your dog’s individual needs. Dietary requirements can change based on age, activity level, and other factors.

Where to Adopt or Buy an American Water Spaniel

The American water spaniel is an uncommon breed but not impossible to find. So it’s worth checking local animal shelters and rescue groups to see whether there’s a dog in need of a home. Try to get your name on a breed wait list if possible.

If you’re looking for a puppy from a responsible breeder, expect to pay around $1,200 to $1,500 on average.2

For more information to connect you with an American water spaniel, check out:

• American Water Spaniel Club

• American Water Spaniel Rescue

American Water Spaniel Overview

The active American water spaniel can be your companion on every outdoor adventure. This dog is a great choice for active individuals and families who can give them the daily exercise they need. They also don’t have complicated grooming needs, and make affectionate pets.

Pros of American Water Spaniels

• Eager to please

• Good for outdoorsy lifestyle

• Sheds minimally

Cons of American Water Spaniels

• Can become vocal and destructive when left alone for too long

• Can have a stubborn streak

• Can be reserved around strangers

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

As with any dog breed, do thorough research on the American water spaniel before bringing one home to make sure they're right for your lifestyle. Talk to American water spaniel owners, reputable breeders, rescue groups, and veterinary professionals to learn more.

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Chesapeake Bay Retriever

• Irish water Spaniel

• Labrador Retriever

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!