American Water Spaniel

The American Water Spaniel is a rare, versatile American hunting spaniel developed in the Great Lakes region of the United States — primarily Wisconsin and Minnesota — in the 19th century. It is one of only a handful of dog breeds developed entirely in America. They were bred to be an all-purpose hunting dog capable of flushing, retrieving, and working in water from small boats and canoes in the marshlands and rivers of the Midwest. They have a distinctive liver or dark chocolate curly or wavy coat, medium build, and yellow-green to brown eyes. In character they are energetic, eager, intelligent, versatile, and loyal — true working dogs that are also devoted family companions. Wisconsin's official state dog.

American Water Spaniels can make excellent family companions for active, engaged households. They are affectionate, playful, and devoted — genuinely loving with their family. They are generally good with children, particularly when raised together. However, they are a working breed with high exercise needs and are not ideal for sedentary families. They can be somewhat reserved with strangers and have moderate watchdog tendencies. They tend to bond closely with one person or family unit. They can do well with other pets when properly socialised. Their cheerful, energetic personality makes them wonderful companions for outdoorsy families who enjoy swimming, hiking, and active pursuits. They adapt reasonably well to suburban life if given sufficient daily exercise.

American Water Spaniels need 60–90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. They are working hunting dogs with real stamina designed for all-day field work. Swimming is particularly ideal — they love water and it exercises their body and instincts simultaneously. Long walks, retrieving games, agility, tracking, and hunting activities all suit them. They have a strong instinctive desire to work and explore — a bored, under-exercised AWS can become restless, vocal, and destructive. Access to water — lakes, rivers, or even a garden paddling pool — provides tremendous enrichment. Mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys, and nose work is equally important alongside physical exercise.

American Water Spaniels have a distinctive curly or wavy double coat that is moderately easy to maintain. Regular brushing 2–3 times per week prevents matting and removes loose hair — a slicker brush and wide-toothed comb work well. Their coat should not be over-groomed; a natural appearance is correct for the breed. Professional trimming of the head, ears, feet, and tail every 8–12 weeks keeps them neat. Bathing every 4–6 weeks or after swimming in rivers or ponds is adequate. Their ears — particularly important after swimming — need weekly checking and cleaning to prevent moisture-related infections (drop-eared breeds that swim frequently are highly prone to ear problems). Monthly nail trimming and dental care complete the routine.

American Water Spaniels are generally a healthy, robust breed. Key health concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia — OFA screening of parents is recommended. Exercise-induced collapse (EIC) — the same condition affecting some Labrador Retrievers — has been documented; DNA testing is available. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and other eye conditions occur. Hypothyroidism has been noted. Ear infections are very common given their drop ears and love of water — regular ear maintenance after swimming is essential. Mitral valve disease (heart) has been documented. Their limited gene pool due to their rarity means responsible health testing by breeders is particularly important.

American Water Spaniels have an average lifespan of 10–14 years. Key longevity factors include health-tested parents (EIC, hip dysplasia, PRA, cardiac screening), regular ear cleaning and drying (especially after swimming — untreated ear infections can become chronic and seriously painful), annual vet check-ups, maintaining a lean, healthy weight, daily vigorous exercise (active working dogs age better than sedentary ones), dental care, and mental stimulation. Dogs from reputable breeders who engage their working instincts regularly tend to remain active and healthy for longer. Their relative rarity means finding a veterinarian familiar with the breed or willing to research breed-specific health concerns is advantageous.

The American Water Spaniel is genuinely rare — estimated population figures suggest fewer than 3,000 individuals exist worldwide, making it one of the rarest AKC-recognised breeds. Despite being the state dog of Wisconsin and having a history of over 100 years, they remain largely unknown outside dedicated hunting and spaniel enthusiast communities. Their rarity means finding a reputable breeder can require significant research and waiting time. The breed's conservation depends on responsible breeders who prioritise working ability and health alongside temperament. Those who do find a Boykin Spaniel — or an AWS — often become passionate advocates for preserving these uniquely American breeds.

American Water Spaniels are exceptional, versatile hunting dogs. They were specifically bred for the demanding hunting conditions of the American Midwest — working from small boats in marshland, retrieving waterfowl from cold lakes and rivers, flushing upland game birds, and tracking through dense cover. Unusually among spaniels, they can hunt both waterfowl and upland birds. Their webbed feet, water-resistant curly coat, and powerful swimming ability make them natural water retrievers. Their keen nose, biddable nature, and stamina make them effective flushers on land. They are considered a true 'all-rounder' hunting spaniel. Many working-line American Water Spaniels still participate actively in field trials and hunt tests.