Sporting group
American Water Spaniel
A compact, curly retriever from the Great Lakes — keen in the marsh, devoted at home.
The American Water Spaniel is a rare, medium-sized hunting dog bred to retrieve waterfowl from small boats. It is affectionate and eager with its family, a little reserved with strangers, and happiest with an active owner who enjoys the outdoors.
- Height
- 15–18 in38–46 cm
- Weight
- 25–45 lb11–20 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–14 years
- Size
- Medium
- Group
- Sporting
- Origin
- Wisconsin, United States
Coat: Dense, waterproof coat from tight waves (“marcel”) to close curls. Colours: Solid liver, Brown, Dark chocolate.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
AWS are friendly, enthusiastic workers that bond closely with their people. They are sensitive to tone and respond best to calm, reward-based handling. Many are a touch wary of strangers at first and make good alert dogs without being guardy.
They can be vocal, and some are possessive of food or toys or selective with unfamiliar dogs. Given regular exercise and a job — retrieving, swimming, scent games — they settle nicely indoors and are adaptable house dogs.
Living with a American Water Spaniel
Exercise
About an hour of activity a day. Swimming and retrieving are ideal; they also enjoy hiking, dock diving and field work.
Grooming
Brush weekly to prevent mats and trim occasionally for tidiness. The oily coat should not be bathed too often. Dry and check the ears after swimming.
Training
Bright and willing but sensitive; harsh corrections backfire. Short, varied sessions and early socialisation with strangers and dogs work best.
Kids & other pets
Good with considerate children. Usually fine with other dogs when raised together; supervise with small pets because of hunting drive.
Time alone
Tolerates a few hours alone once exercised, but bored AWS may bark or chew. Leave a puzzle toy and build alone time gradually.
Home fit
Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.
Is a American Water Spaniel right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a American Water Spaniel matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a American Water Spaniel typically lives 10–14 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Hip dysplasia
The main orthopaedic concern; screened parents and a lean body weight reduce risk.
Eye disease
Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy occur; annual eye exams catch changes early.
Hypothyroidism
Causes weight gain and coat problems and is managed with daily medication.
Ear infections
Heavy, hairy ears and frequent swimming trap moisture. Dry and check them weekly.
Ask a breeder for
- Hip evaluation
- Eye examination by a veterinary ophthalmologist
- Cardiac examination
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: American Water Spaniel; American Water Spaniel Club. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
The breed developed in the mid-1800s in the Fox and Wolf River valleys of Wisconsin and Minnesota, where market hunters needed a small, hardy retriever that could work from a skiff and handle cold water and dense marsh. Its ancestors probably include Irish Water Spaniels, Curly-Coated Retrievers and old English water spaniels.
Dr. Fred J. Pfeifer of New London, Wisconsin, did much to establish the breed in the early 1900s. The AKC recognised it in 1940, and it became the state dog of Wisconsin in 1985. It remains uncommon outside the Midwest.
Did you know?
- The American Water Spaniel is the state dog of Wisconsin.
- It was bred small enough to be lifted in and out of a canoe or skiff with a single arm.
- The breed uses its tail as a rudder when swimming.
Library guides for American Water Spaniel owners
Grooming
Ear Cleaning
Ear care matters for this coat and ear type.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a American Water Spaniel.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
New Dog Owners
How to find a reputable dog breeder
What to ask a American Water Spaniel breeder about health screening.
New Dog Owners
The real cost of a puppy: what to budget before you bring one home
Budget for the first year and beyond.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are American Water Spaniels good family dogs?
- Yes, for active families. They are affectionate and adaptable but need daily exercise and gentle, consistent training.
- Do American Water Spaniels shed?
- Moderately. Weekly brushing controls loose hair and prevents mats in the curly coat.
- Are American Water Spaniels rare?
- Yes — they are one of the less common AKC breeds, and puppies often involve a wait list.