American Water Spaniel

Moderate Maintenance: Expect to comb and brush this breed’s curly double coat two or three times a week. Comb it first to prevent or remove mats and tangles. Do this every time your dog has been outside and picked up burrs or other debris. Use a slicker brush to remove dead hair. You may need to trim the coat every once in a while to give it a neat appearance. The AWS rarely needs a bath, but be sure to give him a thorough freshwater rinse after he has been in saltwater or a lake or pond with algae.

The American water spaniel packs a lot of ability into a comparatively small dog. Its muzzle is long and strong enough to carry a large goose, and it has strong quarters to propel it through water and over land. It is slightly longer than tall, solidly built and muscular. The coat can range from uniform waves (marcel) to close curls, with a dense undercoat. This combination provides protection against weather, water or briars. The ears are well-covered with hair, which should not grow into the ear canal. The gait is balanced, with reach and drive.

As its name implies, the American water spaniel is a natural lover of water. Not only is it a skilled retriever and versatile hunter, but it is also a tractable fun-loving family dog — as long as it gets regular physical and mental exercise. It is sensitive and willing to please. Some can be timid. Generally good with other dogs in the household, some are aggressive toward strange dogs. Barking can be a definite problem; some also whine or drool.

Since the 18th century, the American Water Spaniel has been an all-around farm and hunting dog. The exact knowledge regarding the origin of this breed does not exist, but it was developed in the United States around Wisconsin and Minnesota, primarily in the Great Lakes area. The breed’s ancestors include both the Irish Water Spaniel and Curly-coated Retriever. It was the first breed developed in the United States that could retrieve from boats and also hunt. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1940 and most likely would have been sooner if it were not for breed enthusiasts who were afraid it would ruin the breed's reputation as an excellent hunter. The AWSs have a gentle mouth and a fine nose making them excel as an outstanding bird dog in the woods, swamps, lakes and rivers. The breed can point out squirrels in trees by barking and works well both flushing game and retrieving. An excellent swimmer he uses his tail as a rudder, swimming well even in turbulent waters. The AWS is considered a rare breed. Only about 270 were registered with the AKC in 1940, but it is believed that there were more born to hunting lines that were not registered, not to mention those that were registered with other clubs besides the American Kennel Club. It is the state dog of Wisconsin.