American Water Spaniel

History

The breed originated in the early 19th century along the Fox River and its tributary the Wolf River in Wisconsin. Hunters required a dog capable of working on land and water, compact enough for a small skiff, and able to endure cold water. Breeds thought to have contributed include the English Water Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, Curly Coated Retriever, native Indian Dogs, the Poodle, and either the Sussex Spaniel or another field spaniel. Known at the time as the American Brown Spaniel, it weighed about 40 lb and had a thick curly coat.

It was used to hunt waterfowl, ruffed grouse, greater prairie chicken, and fur-bearing animals. Numbers declined due to reduced duck populations and a shift from subsistence to recreational hunting, as well as the availability of new specialized breeds after World War II. Dr. Fred J. Pfeifer of New London, Wisconsin, established Wolf River Kennels to preserve the breed, at times housing up to 132 dogs. He advertised widely, selling males for $25 and females for $20.

Appearance

The breed is medium-sized, with a curly liver, brown, or chocolate coat. Height at the withers averages 15–18 in, and weight ranges from 25–45 lb. It resembles the Irish Water Spaniel but is smaller.

The coat may be tightly curled or in a marcel pattern of waves. Working and show lines have not diverged, and show dogs are rare. The outer coat is coarse, repelling water and protecting against briers, while the inner layer provides insulation.

The coat feels oily and has a characteristic odor. Eye color should harmonize with the coat and never be yellow. The skull is broad with long, wide ears, and the tail is not typically docked.

Temperament

It is versatile across terrain and, though not the fastest swimmer, has high endurance. The breed excels in agility and flyball; the first AWS earned a flyball championship title in 1993. Members enjoy being the center of attention and can be vocal. They tend to bond with one family and often with one individual.

Historically pack-bred, breeders have worked to produce even-tempered dogs suitable for hunting and family life. The breed has an independent streak and responds best to varied training. It may show food possessiveness and can be stubborn, maturing slowly mentally. Some lines retain dominant or aggressive temperaments; otherwise, the AWS gets on well with children and, with sufficient exercise, adapts to apartment living.

Health

Early pack breeding contributed to genetic variation, making hereditary conditions common in more popular breeds rare in the AWS. Eye issues such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy occur, with cataracts sometimes appearing before one year of age. Other concerns include hypothyroidism, allergies, epilepsy, diabetes, and glandular disorders that may cause baldness around six months of age on the neck, thighs, and tail; breed clubs have reduced the frequency of this hair loss.

Hip dysplasia is present in about 8.3% of the breed, based on Orthopedic Foundation for Animals surveys from 1974 to 1999, one of the lower rates among sporting breeds. No evidence of elbow dysplasia has been found. Average life span is 10–13 years.