American Water Spaniel
a-MER-ih-kan WAW-ter SPAN-yul
United States· Wisconsin, Great Lakes region
The American Water Spaniel is a compact, curly or wavy-coated retrieving gundog developed in the American Midwest for boat-based waterfowl hunting.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Medium
Exercise needs
1-2 hours per day
Home size suited to
Medium or larger
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush
Coat length
Medium, curly or wavy
Sheds
Low to moderate
Lifespan
12-15 years
Town or country
Adaptable, benefits from access to water
Garden size needed
Medium or larger
Where it comes from
Origins of the American Water Spaniel
Developed by market hunters and fishermen along the Great Lakes and Fox River in Wisconsin, this compact spaniel was bred small enough to sit comfortably in a skiff or canoe yet tough enough to retrieve from icy water repeatedly through a day's hunt.
- Region
- Wisconsin, Great Lakes region
- Climate it was bred for
- Cold winters, humid summers, lakes and marshland
- Original job
- Retrieving waterfowl from small boats in cold lake and marsh conditions
The long read
About the breed
Its working history on cold northern lakes shaped a hardy, weatherproof coat, a strong retrieving drive and a size deliberately kept small enough to work from a small boat, giving it a versatility unusual among retrievers.
At home it is friendly, eager to please and generally good with families, though it retains real working drive and needs regular exercise and mental engagement to stay content.
Despite being the state dog of Wisconsin, the breed remains uncommon even in the United States, kept mainly by hunters and a small circle of devoted fanciers who value its all-round ability.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the American Water Spaniel greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the American Water Spaniel is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The American Water Spaniel's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1800s
Great Lakes origins
Market hunters in Wisconsin developed a compact retriever suited to small boats.
1920
Breed club founded
The American Water Spaniel Club was formed to standardise the breed.
1940
AKC recognition
The American Kennel Club formally recognised the breed.
1985
State dog of Wisconsin
Wisconsin designated the American Water Spaniel its official state dog.
2000s
FCI recognition
The breed gained recognition from the FCI, broadening its international profile.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Compact and well muscled with a level topline.
- coat
- Dense, curly or marcel waved, weatherproof, with a slight oiliness.
- ears
- Set high, long and lobular, covered in waves or curls.
- eyes
- Medium sized, brown to hazel, alert and intelligent.
- head
- Moderately sized skull with a slight stop and a square muzzle.
- size
- 38-46cm, weight 11-20kg
- colour
- Solid liver, brown or dark chocolate, sometimes with small white markings.
- temperament
- Eager, friendly and intelligent, with strong retrieving drive.
- general appearance
- A compact, sturdily built spaniel with a curly or wavy coat and an alert, workmanlike expression.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
American Water Spaniels added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the American Water Spaniel
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own American Water Spaniel illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
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Framed poster
American Water Spaniel Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our American Water Spaniel illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
American Water Spaniel Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the American Water Spaniel illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
American Water Spaniel Mug
Ceramic mug with the American Water Spaniel illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
LED Reflective Lead Light
Rechargeable clip-on light for dark walks.
Fits any dog
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