American Water Spaniel

AKC Group: Sporting

Club: American Water Spaniel Club

Secretary : Martha Sbarbori
Address: 4005 Ben Lomond Dr, Palo Alto, CA , 94306-4503
Website: www.americanwaterspanielclub.org
Email: msbarbor@pacbell.net
Club Type: Specialty

General Apperance:

The American Water Spaniel was developed in the United States as an all-around hunting dog, bred to retrieve from skiff or canoes and work ground with relative ease. The American Water Spaniel is an active muscular dog, medium in size with a marcel to curly coat. Emphasis is placed on proper size and a symmetrical relationship of parts, texture of coat and color.

Size:

15 to 18 inches for either sex. Males weighing 30-45 lbs. Females weighing 25-40 lbs. Females tend to be slightly smaller than the males. There is no preference for size within the given range of either sex providing correct proportion, good substance and balance is maintained.

Coat:

Coat can range from marcel (uniform waves) to closely curled. The amount of waves or curls can vary from one area to another on the dog. It is important to have undercoat to provide sufficient density to be of protection against weather, water or punishing cover, yet not too coarse or too soft. The throat, neck and rear of the dog well-covered with hair. The ear well-covered with hair on both sides with ear canal evident upon inspection. Forehead covered with short smooth hair and without topknot. Tail covered with hair to tip with moderate feathering. Legs have moderate feathering with waves or curls to harmonize with coat of dog. Coat may be trimmed to present a wellgroomed appearance; the ears may be shaved; but neither is required.

Temperament:

Demeanor indicates intelligence, eagerness to please and friendly. Great energy and eagerness for the hunt yet controllable in the field.

History:

The origin of the American Water Spaniel is something of a mystery; nevertheless, the virtues of the breed have long been appreciated by sportsmen in many parts of the US. The present-day specimen evolved principally in the Midwest, and color, coat, and conformation combine to show evidence of a heritage made up of Irish Water Spaniel and Curly-Coated Retriever. Prior to recognition by the AKC in 1940, the American Water Spaniel was purely a working gun dog, never making his way into the show ring for fear that it would ruin his reputation as a hunter. However, the merits of a show career soon encroached upon the breed and its place in the AKC has been secure ever since.

Interesting Facts:

• The American Water Spaniel was the first breed developed in the United States as an all-around hunter that could retrieve from boats.
  
  
• The American Water Spaniel was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1940.
  
  
• Before its recognition by the AKC, the American Water Spaniel had never been introduced to the show ring because its admirers feared such recognition might damage the breed's hunting prowess.
  
  
• The American Water Spaniel is believed to have developed from the Irish Water Spaniel, Curly-Coated Retriever, and the old English Water Spaniel.
  
  
• The American Water Spaniel is an efficient watchdog that fits agreeably into the family circle in addition to being an excellent sporting dog.
  
  
• Prior to recognition by the AKC, the American Water Spaniel had been purely a working gun dog.