American Water Spaniel Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The American Water Spaniel is a rare, curly-coated sporting dog from the Great Lakes region, built to flush and retrieve from small boats. It is compact, energetic and devoted, and tends to bond closely with its family.

Origins and appearance

The breed developed in Wisconsin in the nineteenth century, likely from Irish Water Spaniels, Curly-Coated Retrievers and other spaniels. It was intended as a versatile hunting dog small enough for a canoe, able to work both land and water. American Water Spaniels are medium-sized and sturdy, with a dense, curly or wavy coat in liver or brown, and a double coat that resists cold water.

Temperament

They are intelligent, eager and affectionate with their families. Many are reserved with strangers and some are a little sensitive. They have lots of energy and curiosity. They are usually good with children and other pets when socialized early, and they can be one-person dogs. They enjoy having a job.

Exercise

They need an hour or more daily. They love swimming, retrieving, hiking and field work, and thrive on training games or sports. They need mental activity as much as physical. Use a secure fence or leash, since their hunting instincts can lead them astray.

Training

They are smart and quick to learn but sensitive. Use positive methods, variety and short sessions. Early socialization helps with shyness. Teach a reliable recall and a retrieve. They enjoy agility, nosework and obedience. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The curly coat needs brushing a couple of times a week and a trim every few months. Clean the ears weekly, since ears and water mix poorly, and trim nails. Avoid over-bathing, which strips the natural oils. They shed lightly to moderately.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Ear infections. See dog ear infections
• Eye conditions, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy
• Heart disease, including mitral valve disease
• Pyruvate kinase deficiency, with a DNA test
• Hypothyroidism

Living with an American Water Spaniel

They suit active families with space or access to water. They are less suited to long hours alone. Expect a wet dog after lakes and muddy paws.

A typical day

An American Water Spaniel wants a morning outing, some training and an afternoon play session or swim. Evenings are for relaxing near the family. Dogs with jobs, such as retrieving or agility, are usually more settled.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are active and curious. Begin socialization, handling and training early. Provide chew toys, and avoid heavy exercise while growing. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food, grooming supplies, ear care and vet care. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

The double coat copes with cold water, but they need shade and water in heat. They travel well and enjoy lake trips.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include underexercising, skipping ear care, long absences and neglecting socialization.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip, eye, heart and DNA tests and the parents' temperaments. Because the breed is rare, expect a wait.

Is it the right breed for you?

An American Water Spaniel suits active owners who want a devoted, compact water retriever. It may not suit those wanting a calm or very social dog. For a larger water spaniel, see the Irish Water Spaniel.

Where the breed shines

The American Water Spaniel is a versatile worker, and many owners find it excels at dock diving, retrieving trials, tracking and agility. It is small enough to fit in a car or canoe without trouble, yet sturdy enough for a long day in the field. Owners who give it a purpose often describe a devoted, intuitive partner. Without a purpose, the same dog may invent its own, which can include digging, barking or rearranging the laundry.

The takeaway

American Water Spaniels are curly, energetic and loyal, and they need exercise, training and ear care.