American Water Spaniel: Pet Profile

The American Water Spaniel is known for its fluffy brown coat, athleticism, and loving nature. One of only five breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club that originated in the United States, this dog is the true “All-American” breed.¹ Hunting, retrieving, swimming—this dog does it all!

Read on to learn all about the American Water Spaniel, or use the links below to jump to a specific section. 

History & Origin of American Water Spaniels

Known as the “all-purpose hunting dog”², the American Water Spaniel has a rich history in the American Midwest dating back to the early 1900s. 

Originally prized by hunters for their compact size, these dogs were keen retrievers and small enough to ride in hunting boats called “punts,” making them ideal for waterfowl hunting.

Thanks to Doctor FJ Pfeifer, the American Water Spaniel graduated from hunting buddy to distinguished show dog in 1940, and has since been an AKC recognized breed. 

Physical Attributes of American Water Spaniels

Of course, each dog is different, but generally, American Water Spaniels share the following characteristics: 

• Size: Known for their compact size, the American Water Spaniel typically reaches around 15 to 18 inches tall. 

• Weight: Depending on the dog, an adult American Water Spaniel can be between 25 and 45 pounds. 

• Coat: The AWS comes in a variety of different shades of brown, from liver to chocolate, and has what is known as a double layered coat. Their shaggy coat has an undercoat of short hair and a top coat of longer, curly or wavy hair. Their top coat is water resistant—part of what makes them such good water dogs! 

• Lifespan: An American Water Spaniel is a mid-sized dog with a medium lifespan. They typically live between 10 and 14 years. 

Behavioral Characteristics of American Water Spaniels

Wondering if an American Water Spaniel has the right temperament for your family? Like humans, every dog has their own personality, strengths, and tendencies. That said, you may be able to expect the following from the American Water Spaniel breed: 

• Lots of energy: These animals were originally revered for their stamina and persistence in hunting. That’s because they tend to be extremely energetic dogs, like most spaniel breeds. If you do bring one into your home, whether it’s an American Water Spaniel puppy or full grown adult, you may want to plan for some serious exercise each day to work off some of that energy. An American Water Spaniel with tons of energy and no way to use it may get up to mischief. Daily playtime and regular walks are a must with this breed. 

• Loyal to family: American Water Spaniels are often extremely loyal to their family, typically bonding most with one member. While they may be a bit slower to warm up to strangers, they’re generally quite friendly dogs and can be a great breed for families with children. The breed may also get along with other animals when socialized correctly.

• Quick learner: Spaniels are known for their sharp minds and the American Water Spaniel is no different. These dogs can be fast learners and extremely methodical. Show them how to do something once and they tend to catch on quickly. Because of this, it’s a good idea to add structure to their lives with training, rule-setting, and more. 

• Water lovers: In the early 20th century, American Water Spaniels were known for their willingness to jump straight into the water and skillfully retrieve a hunter’s waterfowl. The breed can be good swimmers, fearless in water, and have excellent stamina. This is thanks in part to their water-repellant, double-layered coat, which can help maintain their core temperature in and out of the water. 

American Water Spaniel Health Risks

Just like humans, all dogs are susceptible to unexpected diseases and health issues regardless of their breed. That said, American Water Spaniel dogs are generally quite healthy dogs. 

It’s recommended that owners of the American Water Spaniel dog keep an eye out for the following diseases. 

Eye Disorders

The breed can be susceptible to a few different eye conditions, primarily progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). This is a disease that affects a dog’s photoreceptor cells, the cells in their eyes that respond to light. Over time, these cells begin to deteriorate, first affecting their night vision, and progressively can lead to total blindness.

While there is no cure for PRA, it doesn’t cause any pain. Fortunately, American Water Spaniels can have a strong sense of smell and often manage well without eyesight. 

Hair Loss 

Some American Water Spaniel puppies can experience hair loss, known as alopecia, at under a year of age. This typically occurs on the tail, neck, face, or back of the legs. In most cases this hair will grow back on its own. If it doesn’t, there are a few vet-recommended protocols that may help, such as medicated shampoos, supplements, or specific dietary changes.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Perhaps the most serious of the American Water Spaniel’s health risks, degenerative myelopathy is a canine disease that’s similar to Lou Gehrig’s disease. It’s a progressive disease that causes degeneration of the central nervous system, ultimately leading to a dog’s inability to use their hind quarters, incontinence, weakness in their front legs, and difficulty swallowing.³

Signs of degenerative myelopathy may include: 

• Difficulty getting up from a lying position 
• Poor balance, often swaying or wobbling when standing still 
• Hair loss on the top of the back feet from dragging on the ground 
• Knuckling or rolling of back paws, especially when turning 

If your dog is showing signs of degenerative myelopathy, it may be time to talk with a vet. 

While there is no cure for degenerative myelopathy, there may be ways to slow the progression of the disease. Keeping your dog mobile can be key, as it maintains muscle strength. It can also be helpful to work with a rehabilitation specialist to strengthen legs, core, and maintain your dog’s mobility as long as possible. 

Degenerative myelopathy can be a scary diagnosis, but the good news is that it isn’t painful for your dog. With the proper help, American Water Spaniels with degenerative myelopathy can live happy lives.

Mitral Valve Disease

Mitral valve disease is a heart issue that causes degeneration of the heart’s mitral valve. In a properly functioning heart, blood flows in a single direction between the chambers of the heart. Mitral valve disease causes blood to flow backwards, forcing the heart to work harder than usual to pump blood in the correct direction. This can lead to heart murmurs, fainting, and may ultimately lead to heart failure. 

Caring For an American Water Spaniel

Just like all dogs, American Water Spaniels require regular grooming, including nail trimming, oral care, and bathing. Their dense coats require regular brushing, but they are not too high maintenance. Plus, they tend to shed less than other dogs.

Ear care is also a concern with American Water Spaniel dogs, especially if they swim regularly. Talk to your vet about an ear cleaning solution to keep them free of infection. 

Because the American Water Spaniel is a working dog, these dogs do need a lot of exercise and training to keep them happy and out of trouble. Daily playtime and strong routines are a must. 

FAQs

Are American Water Spaniels rare?

The American Water Spaniel is a rare breed. In fact, there are only about 3,000 in existence. This number has grown from the late 20th century; as of 1998, only 233 American Water Spaniels were registered with the AKC.2

Do Water Spaniels shed a lot?

Despite their long hair, American Water Spaniels do not tend to shed much when properly cared for. While they’re not a hypoallergenic breed, this may make them more friendly to those with allergies. 

Are American Water Spaniels hard to train?

American Water Spaniels are very quick learners, part of what makes them such good hunting dogs. These dogs thrive with proper training that’s maintained throughout their lifetime.

Get the Best Care for Your American Water Spaniel With Dutch

An American Water Spaniel may be a great addition to your family. Their sharp mind, boundless energy, and friendly nature can make them a great choice for an active family, adventurous couple, or a disciplined routine-lover. 

Your American Water Spaniel will be forever loyal to you. Show it the same love and care with a membership plan from Dutch. Dutch is your one-stop shop for your dog’s wellness needs. Plus, Dutch members get unlimited vet visits and free shipping from Dutch’s online pet pharmacy. Join Dutch today.