American Water Spaniel
Quick Summary
Versatile sporting dogs ideal for active owners. Key traits include water love, trainability, and family compatibility. Best suited for homes with outdoor access and regular exercise opportunities.
Contents
Weight Range
25-45 lbs
♂ Male: 30-45 lbs
♀ Female: 25-40 lbs
Height Range
38-46 inches
♂ Male: 15-18"
♀ Female: 15-18"
Life Expectancy
10-14 years
Average lifespan with proper care and nutrition
Intelligence
Rank #85
Average Intelligence
Breed Group
Sporting Group
Originally bred for Developed in the Great Lakes region during the 19th century, these dogs excelled at waterfowl hunting in challenging conditions
Popularity
#166
Less common breed
Compatibility Ratings
Behavior & Training
Physical Characteristics
| Male Height | 15"-18" |
| Female Height | 15"-18" |
| Male Weight | 30-45 lbs |
| Female Weight | 25-40 lbs |
| Coat Length | 1/5 |
| Drooling Level | 1/5 |
Cost & Ownership
Cost Category
Initial costs include purchase price ($1000-$1500), supplies, and vaccinations. Monthly expenses cover quality food, regular grooming, and preventive healthcare. Consider insurance for potential health issues.
Training & Socialization
Training Difficulty
Displays eager-to-please attitude combined with independent spirit. Energy levels require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Social nature makes them good family companions, though some may be reserved with strangers.
Social Needs
Moderately social dogs requiring regular family interaction. Generally good with other pets and children. Can handle alone time if properly exercised, but prefer company. Need early socialization for balanced temperament.
Breed Overview
American Water Spaniels showcase a distinctive curly brown coat and muscular build, standing 15-18 inches at the shoulder. Their medium-sized, sturdy frame reflects their sporting heritage, while their expressive eyes and alert ears convey intelligence. These versatile dogs combine eager enthusiasm with a charming personality, displaying both working ability and companionable traits.
Key Highlights
Pros
- ✓ Excellent water retrievers
- ✓ Versatile hunting companions
- ✓ Good family dogs
- ✓ Moderate size
- ✓ Smart and trainable
Cons
- ✗ Requires regular grooming
- ✗ Can be stubborn
- ✗ Needs lots of exercise
- ✗ May be reserved with strangers
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Eager, Happy, Charming |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Trainability | Eager to Please |
| Grooming Needs | 2-3 Times a Week Brushing |
| Shedding | Infrequent |
Exercise & Nutrition
Exercise Requirements
Requires 60-90 minutes of daily exercise, including swimming, retrieving, and active play. Moderate to high intensity activities help maintain physical and mental stimulation. Best suited for varied exercise routines combining water work and land activities.
Diet & Nutrition
Requires 2-3 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. Active breeds need protein-rich diets. Consider supplements for joint health and coat maintenance. Monitor portion sizes to prevent weight gain.
Feed 2-3 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. Choose protein-rich formulas suitable for sporting breeds. Adjust portions based on activity level and age. Consider supplements for joint health.
Environment & Living Space
Living Requirements
Adapts well to both suburban and rural settings with adequate space for exercise. Thrives in homes with access to water. Tolerates various climates but prefers moderate temperatures.
Requires moderate living space with access to outdoor areas. Adapts well to suburban homes with fenced yards. Not suited for apartment living unless extensive exercise is provided. Needs secure outdoor space.
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
History & Origin
Developed by Dr. F.J. Pfeifer in New London, Wisconsin, during the late 1800s. Created to hunt effectively in the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes region, combining the skills of water retrievers with compact size.
Historical Purpose
Developed in the Great Lakes region during the 19th century, these dogs excelled at waterfowl hunting in challenging conditions. Their compact size suited them for small fishing boats.
Fun Fact
One of the few dog breeds developed in America specifically for hunting from small boats in rough water.
Grooming & Maintenance
Special Considerations
Regular grooming needed to maintain coat condition. Requires consistent exercise and mental stimulation. Prone to ear infections due to water activities.