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Background and Description:
The American Water Spaniel, as the name implies is a water dog and considered a versatile hunter, being capable of working both on the ground and retrieving from boats.The development of the breed is subject to speculation, but based on its physical appearance, many authorities have concluded that various water spaniels, including the Irish and Old English water spaniels, as well as the Curly Coated Retriever, are likely contributors.
The AWS is an attractive and sturdy looking dog of typical spaniel appearance. His coat can be wavy or very closely curled.
Appearance:
Height: 15-18 inches Weight: 25-45 lbs
Color variations: Solid liver, brown or dark chocolate
Coat and Care:
The waterproof and weather resistant coat is either wavy or very curly and quite dense. It has an oily texture and needs to be thoroughly brushed about two or three times a week. Shedding is moderate.
Personality and Traits:
The American Water Spaniel has a friendly and loyal disposition. He is very people oriented and makes an excellent family companion, as well as an alert watchdog.
This breed is known to have good intelligence and is considered to be very trainable. Although he is an enthusiastic learner, his temperament is rather sensitive and he won't respond well to anything approaching harshness. Training will go a lot more smoothly if carried out with a gentle hand. Early socialization is also very desirable and helpful in encouraging a well-balanced demeanor and to diffuse any sign of timidity or aggressive behavior.
Activity Level:
The American Water Spaniel, like most sporting breeds, has inherited a strong desire to be active. He deserves to be exercised on a regular basis, and if this can include an opportunity to swim, he will be even more delighted.
Space Needs:
The AWS is not fussy about accomodations as long as he has frequent opportunities for exercise. Being of a modest size he can do well in an apartment, although a yard is always a plus.
Children:
The American Water Spaniel loves attention and has a good reputation with children. However, the caution remains that interaction between dogs and children should always be supervised by an adult.
Elderly:This breed is very loyal and would make a good companion for the elderly as long as adequate exercise is provided.
Book Recommendations:
RETRIEVER TRAINING FOR SPANIELS
A book designed for training the hunting spaniel, which takes into account that Spaniels differ in temperament from Labrador Retrievers and require gentler techniques to train them. Achieve amazing results with your pup through positive reinforcement and clicker training. Forget about time-lines and schedules. You and your puppy progress at your own rate. Find everything from puppy kindergarten to the conditioned retrieve. Features the Boykin Spaniel.
AMERICAN WATER SPANIEL, A COMPLETE AND RELIABLE HANDBOOK
Current information and helpful resource on breed history, characteristics and pet attributes, breed standard, grooming, puppy care, housetraining, nutrition, basic obedience training, proper health care and the potential and acquired disorders that may concern the breed.
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