American Water Spaniel
Veterinarian Reviewed on December 22, 2007 by Dr. Janice Huntingford
Physical Characteristics
Breed Group:
Sporting Group.
Weight:
25-45 pounds (11-20 kilograms).
Height:
15-18 inches (36-46 cm) at the shoulder.
Color(s):
Possible colors include liver, brown, and chocolate.
Coat:
This breed has a dense, water-resistant coat with moderately long curls.
Overview
Character:
American Water Spaniels love water. They are friendly and affectionate animals that get along well with both people and other dogs. However, these spaniels do require obedience training in order to prevent possessiveness and excessive barking.
Country of Origin:
USA.
History:
The American Water Spaniel was created by crossing Irish Water Spaniels with Curly-Coated Retrievers. This breed originated in the USA during the late 1800s and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1940.
Name:
American Water Spaniel. No additional names.
Temperament:
These dogs are intelligent and are natural retrievers. Although enthusiastic and eager to please, sometimes these dogs will have a mind of their own.
Care
Training:
Due to their intelligence, American Water Spaniels are highly trainable. These dogs are very competent at flushing and retrieving and are very enthusiastic hunters.
Activity:
These dogs are very active and require plenty of exercise and outdoor time.
Ownership:
American Water Spaniels are excellent with children and get along very well with other animals. They make friendly, affectionate companions. Since they tend to be quite noisy and bark a lot, these dogs make good watchdogs. A tendency toward excessive barking and food possessiveness can be successfully dealt with through proper training.
Breeders
No breeders listed at this time.
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Our Expert

Janice Huntingford, DVM, has been in veterinary practice for over 30 years and has founded two veterinary clinics since receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. She has studied extensively in both conventional and holistic modalities. Ask Dr. Jan