American Water Spaniel

The American Water Spaniel is a rare dog to find, despite the fact that it is the State Dog of Wisconsin. History The American Water Spaniel emerged in the mid-19th century from the Great Lakes area of the United States, probably near the Wolf River and Fox River areas in Wisconsin. It is believed that breeders merged Curly-Coated Retrievers and Irish Water Spaniels to create this dog, however some speculate that the English Water Spaniel, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, the Tweed Water Spaniel, and the Field Spaniel were also used. Though other breeds, such as the American Foxhound, had been developed in the United States prior to the American Water Spaniel, it was the first retrieving dog to come out of the Americas. It was often used on hunting excursions to retrieve ducks and other water fowl from lakes. The breed was even trained to jump into and out of boats while in the middle of a river or other body of water. The American Kennel Club recognized the American Water Spaniel as an individual breed in 1940, only after the United Kennel Club in England noticed in the 1920's, and since then these dogs have begun making show appearances. Appearance The most noticeable feature of this breed is its coat. The fur is made of both an undercoat and over coat. The undercoat has to be dense to provide protection from cold water and harsh weather while on the hunt. The over coat can have one of two different textures: curly or wavy. The wavy fur is called marcel, which indicates uniform waves. If the coat is curly, the curls are often very tight. Fur may be brown, chocolate, or liver in color. Some dogs have white spots on their chest. Under the coat, the American Water Spaniel has a muscular body. The chest and abdomen are not too compact but they are also not overly long. The legs are of medium-length with thick bones. At the whithers, the American Water Spaniel usually measures between 15 and 18 inches high. The average weight is between 30-45 pounds for males and 25-40 pounds for females. The dog's expression is usually alert and confident. This expression is created by brown or hazel eyes and large ears. Temperament This dog is known for its energy since its used often in hunting. It is also very eager to please and intelligent, which makes it an easy dog to train and discipline. The American Water Spaniel was bred for companionship as well as hunting, so it's a very family-friendly dog. Unfortunately, though, it can become unpleasant with old age. Health Issues The average lifespan of the American Water Spaniel is unknown, since the dog is so rare; no studies have been conducted on the matter. It is safe to assume that this dog will live over 10 years, as do most canines in its size group. There are no dominant health problems in this breed, however there are some notable problems. American Water Spaniels have been known to have hip dysplasia, cancer, epilepsy, and vision problems. The most common eye problems are cataracts. These dogs can also have hypothyroidism, which will lower their energy levels, and follicular dystrophy. Good care can help reduce the chances of your pet contracting any one of these. Pet Care Because this dog is so high-energy, regular exercise is necessary. However, this dog is also comfortable just hanging out with the family, so owners don't need to go overboard when providing activity. The most demanding part of caring for an American Water Spaniel is the grooming. The coat needs regular brushing or it will become dirty and matted. Females have special concerns when they are in heat. For this breed of dogs, the females are often more independent-minded during this period and they can be hard to control, no matter how well disciplined they are the rest of the time. Unless you are a breeder, it is recommended that you you're your dog spayed. When it comes to training, owners should think outside the box. Creative teaching methods and a gentle but firm hand work, while harsh and repetitive techniques fail. In fact, harsh techniques are more likely to drive the dog to bit from fear. What Owners Have to Say Owners who use this dog for hunting will praise it for its grace in the water. Owners who keep this dog as a pet will usually praise it for its intelligence and companionship. Is this the right dog for you? If you love the look of a spaniel, then this may be the dog for you. An American Water Spaniel is a medium-sized dog, so it can thrive in a lot of different home environments. Though most spaniels are friendly to strangers, this breed may be more cautious, so it can serve as a guard dog. Your American Water Spaniel will play with you and has a high energy level. However, the need for exercise is sometimes an undesirable trait. If you can't regularly walk and play with your pet, this may not be the right choice for you. These spaniels can be unpleasant when they are bored or hyper. They also suffer from separation anxiety when their owners leave them alone too often. Like many other dogs, they are also very vocal. Expect to hear a lot of barking and whining when you live with an American Water Spaniel. These pros and cons are all relatively common when dealing with any type of dog. The major issue with this breed is its rarity. It can be very hard to obtain an American Water Spaniel. This may be a deterrent for some owners and an incentive for others who want to have a unique pet.

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