🐕 Medium · USA (Wisconsin)
A rare American flushing and water dog with a curly, oily coat, an alert temperament and a strong enthusiasm for retrieving waterfowl in any weather.
The American Water Spaniel is attentive, affectionate and eager to work, initially rather reserved toward strangers. As a versatile hunting companion it shows both flushing and retrieving drive. Within the family it is regarded as loyal and relatively calm for a gundog.
The breed needs regular, extensive exercise and loves to swim and retrieve. Scent work and water games are ideal forms of occupation. Without enough activity it can become restless or independent-minded.
The curly to wavy, slightly oily coat protects against cold in the water and needs regular brushing to prevent matting. The drop ears should be checked and dried after swimming. Excessive bathing can strip the coat's protective oils.
The breed is very rare outside the USA, making breeders and experienced contacts hard to find. As a gundog it needs a job and consistent but friendly guidance. For active owners with access to water it is an unusual but rewarding choice.
The breed is considered robust, with occasional hip dysplasia and eye disorders. Given the small population, breeders should be able to show health testing of the parent animals. Ear infections are possible because of the drop ears.
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This information is for general guidance and does not replace veterinary or breeder advice. Temperament and health vary individually within every breed.
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