American Water Spaniel
HappyEagerCharming
United States (Wisconsin) · 10–14 years
About the American Water Spaniel
The American Water Spaniel is Wisconsin's state dog and one of only a few breeds developed entirely in the United States. Created in the Fox River and Wolf River valleys of Wisconsin, they were bred to be the ultimate all-around hunting dog for the Great Lakes region — small enough to work from a canoe or skiff, versatile enough to flush and retrieve upland game and waterfowl. Their tightly curled, waterproof coat and muscular build make them powerful swimmers. AWSs are eager, happy, and charming dogs with a wagging tail and enthusiastic approach to life.
Breed stats
- Height
- 15–18 in
- Weight
- 25–45 lbs
- Lifespan
- 10–14 years
- Group
- Sporting
- Coat
- Tightly curled or wavy, water-resistant, dense
- Origin
- United States (Wisconsin)
Coat colors
- Liver
- Brown
- Dark Chocolate
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
60–90 min
per day recommended
Daily food
1–2 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Patellar luxation
- Cardiac issues
- Growth hormone deficiency
Not every American Water Spaniel will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can American Water Spaniels eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- American Water Spaniels are one of the rarest AKC breeds, with only about 3,000 dogs in existence worldwide. Annual AKC registrations typically number fewer than 200 puppies. Their rarity is surprising given their excellent qualities — they are versatile, friendly, and manageable in size. Their obscurity is partly because they were a regional breed developed by Wisconsin hunters who valued function over fame. Finding a puppy requires patience and connecting with the small network of dedicated breeders, mainly in the upper Midwest.
- American Water Spaniels are excellent family dogs. They are happy, affectionate, and eager to please, making them wonderful companions for active families. They are good with children, generally sociable with other dogs, and adaptable to various living situations as long as exercise needs are met. Their moderate size (25-45 lbs) makes them manageable for most families. They are more versatile and less demanding than larger sporting breeds. The main challenge is finding one due to their extreme rarity.
- American Water Spaniels love water — it is in their name and their DNA. They were specifically developed for water retrieval in the marshes, rivers, and lakes of Wisconsin. They have webbed feet, a waterproof curly coat, and strong swimming ability. Most AWSs will eagerly enter any body of water they encounter. They excel at dock diving, water retrieval, and swimming alongside their owners. If you enjoy water activities, an AWS will be a enthusiastic partner for every aquatic adventure.
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