American Water Spaniel
🧠 Temperament & character
This breed is regarded as intelligent, eager to work and very people-oriented. The American Water Spaniel is closely attached to his family, learns willingly and quickly and is easy to handle. Towards strangers he can be reserved at first, but soon thaws. Some individuals tend to 'talk' and bark a lot and need clear, friendly boundaries.
📜 Origin & history
The American Water Spaniel emerged in the 19th century in the river valleys of Wisconsin, where hunters sought a compact dog that could retrieve ducks from a small boat. His breeding probably included Irish Water Spaniel, Curly Coated Retriever and old English water spaniels. Today he is the official state dog of Wisconsin, but remained a rather rare breed even in the USA.
✂️ Grooming, care & training
The dense, water-repellent curly coat needs regular brushing and occasional combing out to avoid matting; the pendulous ears should be kept dry and clean. As a hunting dog the American Water Spaniel needs plenty of exercise, preferably with water and retrieving work. Mental exercise through scent and search games is just as important. Thanks to his eagerness to learn he is easy to train, provided he is trained in a varied and positive way.
🩺 Health
The American Water Spaniel is regarded overall as robust and long-lived with a life expectancy of around 12 to 14 years. Breed-typical conditions can include hip dysplasia, eye diseases such as cataract and PRA, and hypothyroidism. Reputable breeders have the hips and eyes examined and pay attention to the thyroid values of the parent animals.
🏡 Who is this breed right for?
As an active, affectionate dog the American Water Spaniel suits exercise-loving families and individuals who challenge him mentally and physically. He is suited to a house with a garden as well as to active apartment living, as long as he gets enough exercise. For outright homebodies he is less suitable. In Switzerland he is hardly ever encountered – anyone interested in him usually has to search abroad.