Belonging to the AKC’s Sporting Group, American Water Spaniels are versatile hunting dogs that were bred to retrieve waterfowl and flush game. They now make happy, upbeat, charming, and alert family pets. If you want to find out more about this breed before deciding if an American Water Spaniel is right for your family, please read on.
In terms of size, American Water Spaniels are 15-18 inches tall on average and weigh around 25-45 pounds. The average life expectancy of an American Water Spaniel is 10-14 years.
While moderately playful and affectionate with family members, American Water Spaniels retain a bit of independence. They do reasonably well with young kids and other dogs provided they are socialized around kids and animals when they are puppies.
An American Water Spaniel can be slightly aloof with strangers. These dogs make decent watchdogs. They are adaptable but not highly so. This is not the best choice of breed for apartment living or novice pet owners. American Water Spaniels are sensitive and do not tolerate being alone. They can adapt very well to hot weather but not so much to cold weather.
American Water Spaniels are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes it easy to train them. They do have a streak of stubbornness, however, but respond well to training. This breed has a high potential for mouthiness, so firm training is necessary to ensure a well-behaved adult dog. Also, American Water Spaniels have a strong wanderlust potential and must be kept on leash when outside.
American Water Spaniels have moderate energy levels and mental stimulation needs. This is a dog that needs a job to do. Boredom can lead to destructive behaviors and excessive barking. In general, American Water Spaniels are not very vocal dogs, however. This is an outdoorsy breed that is happiest when playing or being active with its humans.
The American Water Spaniel’s medium length curly double coat requires weekly grooming with a brush but is fuss-free for the most part. It does not shed much at all. These dogs are not heavy droolers.
In summary, the American Water Spaniel, a dog that was originally bred in around the Great Lakes of the American Midwest, is an excellent swimmer with a waterproof coat and webbed feet. This dog makes a wonderful companion for active families that want a eager, happy, and charming canine companion albeit one with a streak of stubbornness.
If you want to bring home an AWS puppy, check out listings of reputable breeders of American Water Spaniels on Puppy Hero. We pre-screen all breeders so you can be sure you’re getting a purebred American Water Spaniel puppy that was raised with love and care, is up to date on shots, and received appropriate socialization and training.
