American Water Spaniel Dog
Intelligent And Loyal!
The American Water Spaniel dog, as the name implies, is a water dog and considered an excellent and versatile hunter, being capable of flushing and retrieving and working both on the ground as well as retrieving from boats.
The AWS is an "all American" canine having been developed in the mid-western United States and more specifically rooted to Wisconsin and the Wolf and Fox River Valley region.
Subsequently it became the state dog of Wisconsin in 1985 and is considered a quite rare dog breed.
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 to its lineage.
Once known as the American Brown Spaniel, the AWS was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1920 and The American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1940.
Personality and Traits
The American Water Spaniel dog is classified along with other spaniels, retrievers, setters etc., in the sporting dog breeds category of the AKC, but he is second to none in his hunting abilities within this group!
He has a friendly and loyal disposition and being very people-oriented he makes an excellent family companion, as well as an alert watchdog.
This AWS is known for his high 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 tendency toward timid or
aggressive behavior.
He has been seen and known to do well in competitive hunting trials at dog shows.
Health Profile of the Breed
If the American Water Spaniel dog receives a nutritious diet and good care, most can be expected to live up to
13 years or even 14 years without a lot of health problems.
However, there are some health conditions associated with the breed to keep in mind. Among them are
diseases suspected of being inherited that relate to the eyes such as PRA (progressive retinal atrophy)
and cataracts. Prospective owners would absolutely want to ask breeders if tests have been done to screen
the parents for these conditions.
Some other issues that may affect the AWS include:
- Allergies
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes, and
- Glandular disorders.
Hip dysplasia - common in many breeds, is a relatively lower concern in the AWS. However the American Water Spaniel breed club does recommend screening for this along with eye disorders, and cardiac abnormalities, carried out in line with OFA and CERF protocols.
TIP: If you are looking to buy a healthy puppy,
locate a reputable breeder
by visiting the breed club which maintains a directory on their site. Above all, stay away from pet shops and online ads. By all means, look into dog health insurance which is more affordable the younger the pet.
If you are not committed to having a puppy, consider looking into adopting an adult spaniel through a breed shelter or a rescue group. One advantage of a mature AWS is that you would have a clearer picture of its health condition.
Interactive
Appearance, Coat And Care
Height: 15-18 inches
Weight: 25-45 lbs
Color variations: Solid liver, brown or dark chocolate
The American Water Spaniel dog is medium sized, attractive and sturdy.
He has a dense double coat, fully furnished long ears and a longish tail
that tends toward feathery.
The coat will be either densely curled or wavy and is seen in various rich shades of brown.
The coarse outer layer of the coat is both waterproof and protective
against rough terrain. Warmth is provided
by the inner layer. It has an oily texture and can be either wavy or
very curly and is quite dense.
Maintenance consists of a thorough brushing about two or three times a week. Shedding is moderate.
High quality brushes will make grooming easier on your AWS and you! To glide through the coat with ease, try this fusion brush. To remove dead hair and debris from the undercoat, this slicker brush will get the job done.
Lastly good comb is worth its weight in gold to have in your arsenal along with a pet dremel or clippers for grinding or clipping the nails.
How Active is the American Water Spaniel Dog?
The American Water Spaniel dog, like most sporting breeds, has inherited a strong desire to be active. There are many competitive canine events, some of which you can participate and enjoy with your spaniel. They include:
- Agility
- AKC Rally
- Fly-ball
- Hunt/Field Trials
- Obedience Trials
These events are great opportunities to exercise and mentally fulfill your dog's needs as well as to have fun with him.
The AWS deserves to be exercised on a regular basis, and if this can include an opportunity to swim, he will be even more delighted.
In return, owners will get to enjoy a more contented companion!
Ideal Living Environment
The AWS is not fussy about accommodations 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 for play time, training or additional exercise.
Suitability For Children
The American Water Spaniel dog loves attention and has a good reputation being with children.
Looking into a rescue may be an ideal way to introduce children to the breed and judge how well they interact.
The caution remains that interaction between dogs and children should always be supervised by an adult.
Senior or Sedentary Families
This breed is very loyal and would make a good companion for active seniors or even less active families as long as adequate exercise can be provided.
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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. You and your puppy progress at your own rate. Find everything from puppy kindergarten to the conditioned retrieve.
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