American Water Spaniel

The American Water Spaniel holds the distinction of being the only dog breed developed entirely within the United States. Created in the Fox and Wolf River valleys of Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest in the early 19th century by European settlers who needed a retrieving dog that could work from small boats in the shallow, reed-filled lakes and rivers of the region, the AWS is a uniquely American creation — a dog designed by American hunters for American hunting conditions. The state of Wisconsin recognized the breed as its official state dog in 1986. Despite this heritage, the American Water Spaniel remains one of the rarest AKC breeds, with the American Water Spaniel Field Association (AWSFA) working to maintain both the hunting tradition and the breed's small but dedicated US following.

The American Water Spaniel's precise ancestry is debated, but Irish Water Spaniel, Curly-Coated Retriever, and various spaniel types contributed to the breed's development in 19th-century Wisconsin. Dr. Fred J. Pfeifer standardized the breed and was instrumental in gaining AKC recognition in 1940. The AWSFA was formed in 1937, predating AKC recognition, and has maintained the breed's hunting capability alongside its companion and show roles. Despite being the official state dog of Wisconsin — which should be a marketing advantage — the AWS remains critically rare by AKC registration standards, with only a few hundred individuals registered annually.

The American Water Spaniel is a medium-sized, well-muscled spaniel: males and females both stand 15-18 inches and weigh 25-45 pounds depending on sex and individual. The distinctive coat is liver, brown, or chocolate — the only accepted AKC colors — with a closely curled or Marcel-waved texture that provides waterproofing for the breed's swimming work. The overall impression should be of a solid, functional sporting dog — not a delicate salon-breed spaniel, but a working retriever built for cold Midwestern water.

American Water Spaniel owners describe a breed that is loyal and devoted to its own people with a characteristic cautiousness around strangers that reflects its working-dog heritage. The AWS bonds deeply with its family but takes its time with newcomers — an evaluation instinct that owners appreciate as selectivity rather than shyness. With hunting partners and family members it knows well, the AWS is energetic, responsive, and genuinely enthusiastic about working or playing. The breed's independence — a quality that serves it well as a hunting dog working ahead of the hunter — means it needs an owner who provides consistent positive training rather than expecting deference.

The AWS's combination of intelligence, hunting instinct, and independent streak creates a training experience similar to many sporting breeds: rewarding when the motivation is right, testing when the dog decides it has a better idea. Positive reinforcement with food and retrieving game works well. Hunting tests through the AWSFA and AKC hunt test programs are the breed's natural competitive outlet. Basic obedience and CGC certification are achievable baseline goals for companion AWS owners.

The American Water Spaniel can be an excellent family companion for children who interact with respectful consistency. The breed's cautiousness with newcomers extends to children it doesn't know; supervision with visiting children is recommended until the dog has had time to establish familiarity. With children of its own household it tends to be protective and playful, particularly with children who participate in its outdoor activities.

The American Water Spaniel Club and AWSFA recommend OFA hip, CAER eye, and cardiac evaluations. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) DNA testing is available and recommended. The breed's small population size makes genetic health monitoring particularly important; buyers should ask breeders about the diversity of lines being used in breeding programs. Lifespan 12-14 years with appropriate care.

Daily exercise with access to water when possible, regular coat maintenance, and consistent human engagement form the care foundation. The AWS's coat develops a characteristic "dog smell" without regular bathing — more pronounced than in many sporting breeds due to the oily waterproofing quality of the coat. Bathing every three to four weeks is typical for American household management of this breed.

Brushing two to three times weekly to prevent matting in the curly coat. Bathing every three to four weeks with a shampoo appropriate for oily, curly coats. Professional trimming of feet and ear furnishings every eight to twelve weeks. Ears require particular attention — the pendant ears combined with the swimming habit creates moisture conditions favoring ear infections; weekly cleaning is essential.

45-60 minutes of vigorous daily activity including water retrieves when access is available. AKC hunt tests, AWSFA field events, dock diving, and agility are appropriate US outlets. The breed's swimming passion makes dog-friendly beaches and lakes in the Great Lakes region natural exercise venues.

$800-$1,500 from AWSFA and AKC-affiliated breeders with OFA and CAER documentation. Given the breed's rarity, contacting the American Water Spaniel Club or AWSFA early and being prepared for wait lists is the realistic approach. The breed's Wisconsin heritage means many quality breeders are centered in the Upper Midwest.

Contact the American Water Spaniel Club (americanwaterspanielclub.org) and the American Water Spaniel Field Association for member breeders. Request OFA hip, CAER eye, and PRA DNA documentation. Given the breed's rarity, connecting with AWSFA hunt test events in the Upper Midwest is the best way to meet responsible breeders in person and evaluate breeding stock quality directly.