"Essential Facts About the American Water Spaniel: A Comprehensive Guide"
The American Water Spaniel, a breed known for its intelligence and trainability, has a unique history that sets it apart from other spaniels and retrievers.
Originating in the mid-19th century, these dogs have roots in both retrievers and spaniels. Despite the spaniel in its name, it took many years for the American Kennel Club (AKC) to decide on a classification. It wasn't until 2005 that the AWS was officially classified as a spaniel by the AKC, but because it is half-retriever, it also has to pass two "retrieving certification tests" to earn a hunting test title.
The breed's sturdy build and adeptness at retrieving downed waterfowl from lakes and rivers, as well as flushing upland game birds such as grouse and pheasant, make it an ideal hunting companion.
The first official American water spaniel was named Curly Pfeifer, registered with the United Kennel Club in 1920 by its breeder, Dr FJ Pfeifer. The breed was originally known as the American brown spaniel before it became officially recognized as the American water spaniel.
American water spaniels tend to cherish their humans, making them protective and wary of strangers. They also have a fair old bark on them. Despite their protective nature, these dogs are wonderfully adaptable to a wide range of situations and environments, as long as they have plenty of exercise and playtime.
Although the AKC has registered the American water spaniel since 1940, numbers of the breed dwindled severely in the early 20th century. It was a Wisconsinite called Dr JF Pfeifer who is credited with both saving and establishing the breed as we know it today.
AWSs live for an average of 10-14 years, although there are many examples of this breed living several years beyond this with good care. While the eye color of American water spaniels can be fairly pale, ranging from light brown to hazel, yellow is considered a fault.
Interestingly, there is no information available about which U.S. city has the highest number of American Water Spaniel dogs.
American water spaniels are not hypoallergenic, but their curly double coat needs grooming and sheds minimally. The breed is likely to have both spaniel and retriever in its ancestry, with the Irish water spaniel and curly-coated retriever being believed to be its primary contributors.
The American water spaniel is one of a handful of hunting breeds developed in the US, including the American cocker spaniel, the Chesapeake Bay retriever, and the Boykin spaniel.
In conclusion, the American Water Spaniel is a versatile and adaptable breed that excels in many different sports and engages well in training. Its rich history, protective nature, and adaptability make it a beloved companion for many.
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