| The American Water Spaniel is small in size and | | | | epilepsy, follicular dystrophy and hip dysplasia |
| can be raised in an apartment as long as he has | | | | (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can |
| the opportunity for plenty of exercise. Better | | | | lead to arthritis pain and lameness). The insides of |
| quarters for this dog would include a properly | | | | her ears may not dry properly when wet so you |
| fenced in exercise area. This is a hunting dog but | | | | may need to manually dry them to help prevent |
| she will adapt to apartment or home life. She is | | | | ear infections. |
| generally good with children and other pets. She | | | | * Life Span. The American Water Spaniel can live |
| sheds little but does have a hunting dog odor. She | | | | from 12 to 15 years with proper nutrition, |
| trains easily and would make a good watch dog. | | | | exercise and health care. |
| She can tend to have separation anxiety if left | | | | * History. This breed was originated in the United |
| alone for long periods of time and can get noisy. | | | | States as a waterfowl retriever and hunting dog |
| General Appearance. The American Water Spaniel | | | | around the mid eighteen hundreds. The main |
| is medium size, muscular, and has a curly | | | | location this breed comes from seems to be the |
| continuous wave or marcel effect coat. The coat | | | | Wolf River and Fox River valleys of Wisconsin. |
| color is often chocolate, solid liver, and/or brown | | | | Hunters needed a strong, cold water resistant dog |
| with a bit of white possible on the chest and toes. | | | | that could fit in the small watercraft used for |
| * Grooming. This breed can have an odor due to | | | | commercially hunted waterfowl of the time. The |
| the amount of water shedding oil in her coat. She | | | | United Kennel Club recognized this breed in 1920 |
| should be brushed several times a week and | | | | and the American Kennel Club recognized them in |
| bathed infrequently because it will strip the | | | | 1940. |
| protective oils from her coat. She is a very light | | | | * Registries: AKC, FCI, UKC, ACR, APRI, AWSC, |
| shedder. Her teeth should be brushed at least | | | | CKC, NKC, |
| twice a week with toothpaste and a toothbrush | | | | * Category: Gun dog. |
| designed for dogs. Brushing removes the | | | | * Terms To Describe The Breed: Friendly, plenty |
| accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause | | | | of energy, controllable, smart, built solid, well |
| cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog | | | | muscled, |
| periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, | | | | * SPECIAL GOOD POINTS |
| bad breath and other serious disease. Also check | | | | Eager to please. |
| her nails. To avoid health problems, her toenails | | | | High intelligence. |
| also need to be clipped. The toenails of the rear | | | | Excellent physical ability. |
| feet grow slower than the toenails of the front | | | | Can withstand cold weather and water. |
| feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmers is the | | | | Trains well. |
| best for this chore and competent instructions to | | | | Good watchdog. |
| do this can be found on the net. | | | | * SPECIAL BAD POINTS |
| * Approximate Adult Size. The American Water | | | | Has a mind of her own. |
| Spaniel stands approximately 15 to 18 inches at | | | | May bark excessively. |
| the withers (the highest point of the shoulder) and | | | | Can have separation anxiety. |
| males can weigh 30 to 45 pounds and females | | | | May be suspicious of strangers. |
| from 25 to 40 pounds. | | | | Can be difficult to find a puppy. |
| * Special Health Considerations for this breed can | | | | Can be sneaky. |
| include cancer, diabetes, cataracts, skin problems, | | | | |