American Water Spaniel
Known in French as Épagneul d’Eau Américain
- Height at the withers
- 38 to 46 cm
- Weight
- 11 to 20 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- Wisconsin, United States
- FCI group
- 8 · Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A versatile, medium-sized hunting spaniel with a curly or wavy liver or chocolate coat, bred to retrieve waterfowl from the cold waters and marshy banks of the Great Lakes region.
History and origins
Developed in the 19th century in the Fox and Wolf river valleys of Wisconsin as a compact, versatile hunter able to work from a small boat. Its ancestors probably include the Irish Water Spaniel and the Curly-Coated Retriever. Wisconsin’s state dog since 1985, it contributed to the creation of the Boykin Spaniel. The AKC recognized it in 1940; the FCI does not recognize it.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Hypothyroidism
- Alopecia (follicular dysplasia)
- Epilepsy
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, curly coat. Low shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
American Water Spaniel FAQ
How big does the American Water Spaniel get?
The American Water Spaniel stands 38 to 46 cm at the withers and weighs 11 to 20 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the American Water Spaniel shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs average care.
Can the American Water Spaniel live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the American Water Spaniel need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the American Water Spaniel good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the American Water Spaniel live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.
