

The American Water Spaniel is a tough, water-loving retriever (retrieving dog)—bred to work from tippy boats in the icy waters of the Midwest. He brings the 'will-to-please' of a spaniel, but has significantly more of his own mind and guarding instinct than a Labrador.
Self-check
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the American Water Spaniel fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
10–14 yrs
Shoulder height
38–46 cm
Weight
12–21 kg
Practical
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a American Water Spaniel, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
The coat colors that occur in the American Water Spaniel — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Coat type
The real vibes check
An American Water Spaniel is like a 4x4 vehicle for wetlands: compact, robust, and always ready to dive into the flood. He is not a pampered couch potato, but a true worker in a curly coat who will stand faithfully by your side as long as you give him a job to do. If you share his passion for mud and dummies, you have an indefatigable partner by your side.
The American Water Spaniel (AWS) is a medium-sized dog with an impressive appearance. His muscular but compact stature, combined with his expressive eyes and curly fur, make him a real eye-catcher. The American Water Spaniel falls into the FCI group of spaniels, a group known for their water work and hunting skills. This breed has no specific distinction between show and performance lines as it is equally well suited to both roles. With their tightly curled hair, which is considered waterproof, they are truly a special breed.
The American Water Spaniel is an intelligent, friendly and adaptable dog. His intelligence is evident in his ability to learn and adapt to different environments and situations. He has a strong willingness to work and shows remarkable versatility in various tasks. Due to their history as working dogs, AWS are very energetic and require plenty of exercise and activity. However, they are not hyperactive and can adapt well as long as their physical and mental needs are met. This breed is known for its affectionate nature. They are very people-oriented and love being around their people. They are also known for getting along well with children and other dogs, making them great family dogs. Although they are very playful, they also have an independent side. They like to find their own entertainment when they are bored, which can sometimes lead to undesirable behavior if they are not given enough activity. That's why it's important to offer them enough playing and training opportunities. A special feature of the American Water Spaniel is its natural hunting instinct. They have a keen sense of smell and are very good at tracking down and retrieving prey. If you live in an area where there is a lot of wildlife, it is important to make sure that your American Water Spaniel does not follow his natural hunting instinct and run away. When it comes to staying alone, the American Water Spaniel is a dog that prefers to be in company. It's important to slowly get him used to being alone and make sure he gets enough mental stimulation when you're not there. Separation for too long can cause separation anxiety in this breed. American Water Spaniels are also very alert dogs. They are alert and have good hearing, making them good watchdogs. They tend to be wary of strangers and it is important to give them good socialization from a young age.
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
The American Water Spaniel is the official state dog of Wisconsin, USA!
Native to the lake areas of the Upper Midwest, the American Water Spaniel is a cheerful, outdoorsy sportsman who enjoys hunting and swimming. They are known for being cheerful, eager and charming, although they are reserved and a little stubborn around strangers.
The American Water Spaniel is happy both as a city dog and in the country as long as it gets enough exercise and activity. They generally get along well with children, but as with all dogs, interaction should be supervised. They are often wary of strangers, which means they may need some time when meeting new people. Compatibility with other pets, including cats, can vary from dog to dog, although early socialization is helpful.
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners.
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
The American Water Spaniel is intelligent and learns quickly, but he can also have an independent character. It is important to start training early and keep it positive and varied. Since they are originally hunting dogs, retrieving can be a great way to utilize their natural instincts. However, you should make sure that the dog does not become a “ball junkie” and directs all his energy and concentration solely towards it. The breed can also be prone to frustration when under-challenged. It is therefore important to challenge the American Water Spaniel mentally and teach him frustration tolerance and impulse control. This can be achieved through various training methods and games. Water sports, agility, and obedience training can also be great ways to keep the American Water Spaniel occupied while strengthening his bond with the owner.
The American Water Spaniel's diet should be balanced and high quality. Dry food, wet food or a combination of these can be used. Some owners also prefer a raw or homemade diet. Make sure the food contains all the necessary nutrients and adjust the amount depending on your dog's activity level. In terms of grooming, the American Water Spaniel has a dense undercoat that protects it in the water. The coat is medium long and curly and requires regular grooming to avoid matting. The climate in Germany is well suited to this breed as it was originally bred to work in cold water. Please note, however, that they can shed quite a bit while they are shedding their fur.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Solid
Health grade
In the American Water Spaniel, breed-specific risks exist for eye problems, hip dysplasia (HD), and degenerative myelopathy, complemented by skin disorders such as growth hormone- or sex hormone-responsive dermatosis (Alopecia X) and pattern baldness. A health-oriented breeder actively counters this and has the parent animals carefully examined prior to breeding. When purchasing a puppy, look for the results of an ophthalmological eye test with the result "clear" as well as an official X-ray evaluation showing HD A–B. For degenerative myelopathy, ask to see proof that the dog is clear or, as a carrier, was bred exclusively with a clear partner.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
With joint-friendly exercise in everyday life and regular veterinary check-ups for eyes and heart, you can keep many risks well under control.
Responsible breeders perform an ophthalmological eye exam, take X-rays for hip dysplasia (HD), and test for degenerative myelopathy to breed healthy American Water Spaniels.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
Tier 1 is the recommended health standard for this breed. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Recommended standard. These tests make up the recommended health standard for this breed — the baseline of any careful breeding program. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
A American Water Spaniel costs around ~€170 per month (€90 – €330, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€4,770 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (12 years) it comes to about ~€27,780.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€170 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€170
In the first year
~€4,770
Across the dog's life
~€27,780
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,200 – €2,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.

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Illustrative imageThe American Water Spaniel is one of the few dog breeds to have originated entirely within the United States. Its development began in the 19th century in the Great Lakes region, specifically in the state of Wisconsin. The breed emerged from the local hunters' need for a compact, robust dog that could easily fit into small boats like canoes or skiffs to retrieve downed waterfowl from cold waters. Although the exact lineage is not fully documented, the Irish Water Spaniel, the Field Spaniel, and the Curly Coated Retriever are considered highly likely ancestors. This versatile hunting dog was early on distinguished by its water-repellent, curly coat and tireless stamina when working in reeds and deep water. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated breeders, particularly Dr. Fred J. Pfeifer, who contributed significantly to its preservation and standardization, the breed was officially recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1920. The American Kennel Club followed two decades later with official recognition in 1940. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale currently lists the American Water Spaniel in Group 8 for retrievers, flushing dogs, and water dogs. Its historical and cultural significance to its home region was honored in 1985 when it was named the official state dog of Wisconsin.
The American Water Spaniel was bred for hunting and retrieving waterfowl, known for its swimming abilities.
USA
1800
Day to day, owners describe the American Water Spaniel as an affectionate, cheerful, easygoing companion at home. Once it has burned off its energy outside, it enjoys being close to its family and dozes contentedly on the couch or at its people's feet. With children, owners find it good-natured and playful. At the same time, they point out that it won't necessarily throw itself at every stranger: many of these dogs show a healthy reserve and are quick to alert to unfamiliar sounds or visitors.
Because the American Water Spaniel is so strongly attached to its people, being left alone often doesn't come easily. Several owners report that it needs to be introduced to alone time early and in small steps, or these dogs tend toward separation stress or persistent barking. Its high exercise needs are another everyday challenge, and they go well beyond ordinary walks: on-leash strolls alone aren't enough. It needs chances to run off-leash, sniff, and explore.
Sources:zooroyal.dereddit.comomlet.dediehundezeitung.compaw-champ.com
On training and activities, owners agree: this breed is a passionate, born worker with a strong desire to work and a strong retrieving instinct. Water is its element. Owners say puddles, lakes, and rivers draw it in like a magnet, and it swims happily in any weather. It takes to alternative activities such as dummy work, tracking, or mantrailing with real eagerness and picks things up quickly.
For all its willingness to cooperate, experienced owners stress that the American Water Spaniel isn't a dog that simply follows orders. It has an independent side and will question inconsistent handling. As a sensitive spaniel, it doesn't tolerate harsh training at all; it needs a calm, fair, and clear approach instead. Without meaningful mental work, the breed tends to find its own hobbies, which can show up as restlessness or as hunting on its own in the woods.
Sources:zooroyal.deomlet.dediehundezeitung.competbook.dehundeseite.de
Health-wise, owners generally see the American Water Spaniel as a weatherproof, hardy, and long-lived breed. Because the breeding population is small, though, they repeatedly stress how important it is to have parent dogs carefully screened for inherited problems such as hip dysplasia (HD) and eye diseases.
A recurring grooming topic is the combination of drop ears and a strong love of water. Owners need to check and dry the ears regularly, since moisture can quickly lead to stubborn infections. The dense, wavy to curly coat does an excellent job of protecting against cold and thorns, but after a romp through the underbrush it tends to collect burrs, dirt, and twigs. Owners therefore note that regular brushing and detangling should be a fixed routine after every walk.
Sources:omlet.depaw-champ.comdiehundezeitung.comsabinemiddelhaufeshundundnatur.netedogs.de
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
The American Water Spaniel is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
The average life expectancy of a American Water Spaniel is 10-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
American Water Spaniel grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The American Water Spaniel can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
The American Water Spaniel comes in these colors: Brown, Chocolate, Liver.
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred American Water Spaniel.