Discover Everything About American Water Spaniel
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
American Water Spaniel overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The American Water Spaniel is classified as healthy, as its genetic predisposition is within the average range and is well-managed through mandatory health tests. The primary focus is on hip dysplasia (HD) and various eye conditions, which are established as mandatory tests for this breed. Prospective buyers should consistently request the test results of the parent dogs to effectively minimize the risk of these conditions.
Lifespan
10–14 yrs
Height
38–46 cm
Weight
12–21 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Curly, medium length, with undercoat
- Origin: USA
Typical coat colors
- Brown
- chocolate
- liver
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 →Is the American Water Spaniel right for you?
The American Water Spaniel is a tough, water-loving Apportierhund (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.
Perfect for you if:
- You want to incorporate daily dummy work, retrieving, or scent games—this dog was bred for endurance work and will wither away with just simple walks.
- You ideally live in a rural area and can offer him regular access to bodies of water, no matter the weather.
- You offer clear, friendly leadership, as he is sensitive but likes to test whether you really mean your own rules.
- You are looking for an active companion who bonds closely with his primary person and prefers to be everywhere you are.
Less ideal if:
- You expect him to love every stranger immediately—as a dog that was also meant to guard his hunter's boat, he has a guarding instinct that needs to be managed.
- You live in an apartment with thin walls and cannot tolerate barking.
- You keep a meticulously clean household and don't want a dog that comes back wet, muddy, and full of burrs in his dense, curly coat after every walk.
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.
Breed Profile
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.
| Height | 38 - 46 cm (Female), 38 - 46 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 12 - 18 kg (Female), 14 - 21 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 10 - 14 years |
| Character | Intelligent, friendly, adaptable |
| Coat | Curly, medium length, with undercoat |
| Coat Color | Brown, chocolate, liver |
| Price | 1200 - 2500 € |
History
The 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
Character & Temperament
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.
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
| 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!
What Awaits You
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.
Housing & Care
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.
| Family Friendly Lives for its family — the born family companion. | Ideal family dog |
| Child Friendly Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride. | Patient with children |
| Dog Friendly Usually gets on fine with other dogs. | Generally tolerant |
| City Friendly Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners. | Difficult in cities |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
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.
Nutrition & Care
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 Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid
Health grade
The American Water Spaniel is classified as healthy, as its genetic predisposition is within the average range and is well-managed through mandatory health tests. The primary focus is on hip dysplasia (HD) and various eye conditions, which are established as mandatory tests for this breed. Prospective buyers should consistently request the test results of the parent dogs to effectively minimize the risk of these conditions.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly exercise in everyday life and regular veterinary check-ups for eyes and heart, you can keep many risks well under control.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' hips, eyes, and hearts tested and pay attention to neurological conditions as well as the thyroid to reduce risks within the small gene pool.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the American Water Spaniel
Johannes K., Jäger aus dem Spreewald (Rüde, seit 2017)
Als aktiver Jäger wollte ich einen vielseitigen, aber kompakten Hund für die Wasserarbeit. Mein Rüde ist im Element Wasser absolut unschlagbar – ausdauernd, furchtlos und mit einer exzellenten Nase gesegnet. Er apportiert leidenschaftlich gerne und merkt sich punktgenau, wo die Beute gelandet ist. Er ist im Haus ein treuer, anhänglicher Freund, aber man darf sich von seinem charmanten Blick nicht täuschen lassen.
Er hat definitiv seinen eigenen Kopf und zeigt ab und zu einen ausgeprägten Sturkopf. Beim Training merkt man schnell: Er lernt blitzschnell, aber er hinterfragt Kommandos gerne mal, wenn er glaubt, eine bessere Idee zu haben. Wenn man ihn nicht konsequent führt und geistig auslastet, sucht er sich selbst Beschäftigung – und das ist meistens nicht im Sinne des Erfinders.
Sabine M., Halterin aus Oberbayern (Hündin, 4 Jahre)
Wir haben uns bewusst für eine American Water Spaniel Hündin entschieden, weil wir eine aktive Familie sind und viel am See und in den Bergen unterwegs sind. Sie ist unglaublich menschenbezogen, liebt unsere Kinder heiß und innig und ist am liebsten überall mittendrin. Ihre Fröhlichkeit und ihr eifriges Wesen stecken einfach an.
Man darf die Rasse trotz ihrer handlichen Größe aber absolut nicht unterschätzen. Sie ist kein reiner Begleithund, sondern im Herzen eine passionierte Jägerin. Ihr Jagdtrieb ist extrem stark – im Wald muss ich sie fast durchgehend an der Leine lassen oder hochkonzentriert sein, da sie sofort jeder Fährte nachgeht. Zudem braucht sie täglich viel Bewegung und Kopfarbeit, sonst wird sie unausgeglichen und fängt an, im Garten zu graben oder Dinge zu stibitzen.
Trixi W., Halterin aus dem Rheinland (Rüde, 15 Jahre, verstorben)
Mein American Water Spaniel (Mix) Rambo hat uns stolze 15 Jahre lang begleitet. Er war ein unfassbar loyaler Gefährte mit einem riesigen Herzen, der bis ins hohe Alter hinein sein jugendliches Temperament behalten hat. Neben seiner Liebe zum Wasser war er bei uns auf dem Hof ein hervorragender und sehr aufmerksamer Wachhund. Fremden gegenüber war er rassetypisch anfangs recht misstrauisch, weshalb wir von klein auf sehr viel Wert auf eine gründliche Sozialisierung legen mussten.
Gesundheitlich war er fast sein ganzes Leben lang topfit, doch im Alter machten sich dann Gelenkprobleme in Form von Spondylose bemerkbar. Dank guter Pflege und gezielter Behandlungen hat er sich seine Lebensfreude aber bis zum Schluss bewahrt. Wer sich für diese seltene Rasse entscheidet, bekommt einen treuen Wächter und Partner fürs Leben, muss aber von Anfang an konsequent an der Wachsamkeit und dem Misstrauen gegenüber Fremden arbeiten.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the American Water Spaniel
Is a American Water Spaniel the right dog for me?
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.
How long does a American Water Spaniel live?
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.
How much grooming does a American Water Spaniel need?
American Water Spaniel grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a American Water Spaniel good for families with children?
The American Water Spaniel can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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