American Water Spaniel

American Water Spaniel
Sporting
A brown curly-haired dog with long ears stands on grass with green foliage in the background.
Photo courtesy of American Water Spaniel Breed Club

Meet the American Water Spaniel

An American original, the American water spaniel has long been recognized for its ability as an upland and waterfowl dog. Originating in the mid-west during the 1800s, the breed is favored by hunters because of its tenacity in the field and compact size. The breed performs well as a flushing spaniel, working closely with the hunter to put all types of game before the gun. As a waterfowl retriever, the breed’s size and enthusiasm for retrieving make it a reasonable alternative to the larger sporting breeds. A fine companion animal, the breed has also garnered success in the show ring, obedience trials and agility competition.

Breed Group:

Sporting

Breed Personality:

Smart, Friendly, Sociable, Easy to groom

Breed Specifics

Max Life Expectancy
(years): 14
Max Height
(inches): 18
Max Weight
(lbs): 45

Main Breed Characteristics

Good with Children (3/5)
Good with Other Dogs (3/5)
Shedding (1/5)
Grooming Needs (3/5)
Coat Length (1/5)
Good with Strangers (3/5)
Playfulness (3/5)
Protectiveness (3/5)
Trainability (5/5)
Energy Level (3/5)
Barking Level (3/5)

Breed Variations

USEFUL LINKS
RELEVANT INFORMATION

Official Breed Club

Visit the official breed club website to access trusted resources, connect with experts, and stay informed about breed standards.

All About Dog Shows

Discover how dog shows work, what judges look for, and how to get involved—whether you’re a spectator or an aspiring participant.

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