American Water Spaniel

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Like the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, the American Water Spaniel is one of the few breeds developed in the United States. He is the state dog of Wisconsin, and can usually be found in the northern states of the Midwest: Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota.

The American Water Spaniel has a double coat, which is distinctive and weather resistant. The outer coat ranges from tightly curled to wavy, while the under coat is dense and protects this breed from weather and water. The coat is neither coarse nor soft, but somewhat oily.

The American Water Spaniel is a very intelligent and trainable breed. It is highly sensitive, so obedience training should be done with a calm hand. If harshly disciplined, the American Water Spaniel could snap defensively; despite this, the breed is generally very good with children. Although it loves attention, the American Water Spaniel is not needy and can easily entertain itself.

Weighing 25 to 45 pounds (11-20 kg) and standing 15 to 18 inches (36-46 cm) in height, he has a closely curled, dense coat well-suited to resist weather and water. His subdued liver or dark chocolate colouring provides natural camouflage helpful in hunting waterfowl, his primary purpose.

The American Water Spaniel is an active, muscular dog, medium in size with a marcel to curly coat.

The American Water Spaniel is slow to maturation and may be two years of age before they are able to settle into a training program. However, they do require extensive socialization at an early age. They may be difficult to housetrain and the crate method is highly recommended.

A classic spaniel, the Water Spaniel needs plenty physical and mental exercise everyday. This dog will do fine in an apartment as long as its gets plenty of exercise. This breed has an oily coat that needs brushing twice a week.