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Breed Characteristics
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American Water Spaniel
| Other Names | American Brown Spaniel, American Brown Water Spaniel, Amerikanischer Wasserspaniel |
| Nicknames | AWS |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Weight | 25–40 lbs. (11–18 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 15–18 in. (38–46 cm) |
| Coat | The coat of the American Water Spaniel can fall in two different patterns, either tightly curled or in the "marcel pattern" where the fur falls in waves. The coat has a coarse outside layer which keeps water away and protects the dog from foliage such as briers. The inside layer provides insulation to keep the dog warm. The coat has an oily feel to it, which gives off a "doggy smell". |
| Colour | Shades of brown |
| Litter Size | Average of 4 - 6 puppies |
| Life Span | About 10-15 years. |
| Origin & History | Developed in the United States, the American Water Spaniel originated in the areas along the Fox River and its tributary the Wolf River during the early 19th century. Hunters needed a dog that could operate in both land and water for a variety of game while being compact enough to be transported in a small rowboat and able to stand the native cold water temperatures. Breeds involved in the creation of the American Water Spaniel are thought to have included the English Water Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, Curly Coated Retriever, native Indian Dogs, the Poodle, and either the Sussex Spaniel or a type of field spaniel. The breed of dog created was known at the time as the American Brown Spaniel, which weighed around 40 pounds (18 kg). It had a thick curly coat which protected it from the cold temperatures of the water and winter, and was used in hunting waterfowl, Ruffed Grouse, Greater Prairie Chicken and a variety of fur–bearing animals. Over the years however, the numbers of the breed began to dwindle due both to a reduction in the duck population through those valley areas, and because of a switch in hunting – from a means to gather food for survival to that of recreation. Additionally, following World War II, new types of dogs became available in Wisconsin such as setters, pointers and other spaniels, allowing additional specialization in hunting. Dr. Fred J. Pfeifer, from New London, Wisconsin, set up Wolf River Kennels in order to save the breed. Numbers held by the kennel fluctuated but at times went up to 132 dogs. He advertised the dogs widely across the country, selling male dogs for $25 and females dogs for $20. Part of a sales pitch that Pfeifer mailed to prospective dog owners read, "The American Brown Spaniel is distinctively an American production. Hunters have known this type for years and it was through their efforts that this dog was propagated.... For years we have bred only selective stock, breeding for gameness, stability, courage, intelligence, and beauty. They are dogs to admire and trust under all conditions whether in the home circle or in the field with the outdoor man." Due to Pfeifer's work, the breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) as the American Water Spaniel in 1920, and by the Field Dog Stud Book in 1938. Dr. Pfeifer's own dog, named "Curly Pfeifer" was the first American Water Spaniel to be registered with UKC. John Scofield of Missouri and Thomas Brogdan of Rush Lake, Wisconsin worked together with the American Water Spaniel Club (AWSC), gaining the breed recognition with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1940. Prior to recognition by the AKC, the breed had not been shown in the show ring before. The breed has links to the Boykin Spaniel, and is thought to have been the main breed used to develop the Boykin. The differences between the Boykin and the AWS are negligible with some dog historians suggesting that the original Boykin, called "Dumpy", who was found on the streets of Spartanburg, South Carolina, was actually an American Water Spaniel who had been misplaced in transit. However the breed clubs for the Boykin do not agree with this account. The breed was made the state dog of Wisconsin in 1985. The American Water Spaniel remains a rare breed. During 1998 only 233 puppies were registered with the AKC, with an estimated 3,000 dogs being in existence mostly around the Midwestern United States, in particular in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan. In 2010, the breed was ranked 143rd most popular breed in the United States, out of 167 breeds. This is a decrease since 2000, when the breed was ranked 125th. |
| Personality | The American Water Spaniel is intelligent and very trainable. It is eager to learn and very enthusiastic about its work. It is used, above all, for hunting quail, duck, pheasant, grouse and rabbit. It also makes a good guard dog and companion. Friendly, energetic, confident persistent and obedient, the American Water Spaniel is a pleasant, willing dog that is highly sensitive, so obedience training should be calm, firm, quiet and persuasive, rather than demanding or sharp. He is an easy going, loving companion that is usually excellent with children. If this dog believes he is, or that he could be, in an alpha position over humans he could snap defensively if startled or harshly disciplined. The American Water Spaniel is very willing and responsive, therefore heavy-handed training methods are not necessary, instead be sure to be firm, but calm, consistent and confident. Be authoritative but in an even-tempered, stern way. Dogs do not respond well to harshness or anger. Socialize this breed well at an early age to avoid timidity and potential dog aggressiveness as an adult. They usually get along with non-canine pets. It loves attention, but can entertain itself. Some American Water Spaniels snore. If the dog is lacking in daily mental and/or physical exercise it will tend to bark and whine and can sometimes be hyper or over-excited. It is an enthusiastic swimmer and makes a wonderful hunter in difficult waters, in the woods and over uneven terrain. This breed likes to roam. Some may drool. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Pack breeding early in its development led to a level of genetic variation, so the hereditary conditions of more popular breeds are not common in the AWS. The breed however is known to suffer from eye issues including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Inheritance is suspected in both conditions, with the average age of cataract onset at under one year old. Additional concerns are hypothyroidism, allergies, epilepsy, diabetes and glandular disorders which may cause baldness. The hair loss occurs at around six months of age, affecting the neck, thighs and tail; however the frequency has been reduced through work conducted by the breed clubs. Hip dysplasia is seen in around 8.3% of the breed, according to surveys conducted by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals over a twenty five year period between 1974 and 1999. This was one of the lower results of the sporting breeds, with Greyhounds coming lowest with 3.4%, and the related Boykin Spaniel coming in second highest at 47%. |
| Grooming | The oily coat of the American Water Spaniel needs a thorough brushing twice a week. Bathe only when necessary as bathing removes the natural oils in the coat and can dry out the skin. The coat may have a strong smell due to the oil. This breed is a light shedder. |
| Exercise | The American Water Spaniel should have a lot of physical exercise, which includes long daily walks. |
| Other Considerations | American Water Spaniels will do okay in an apartment as long as they get enough exercise. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. Like to roam in search of quarry. |
