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.

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.

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.