Factoids on American Water Spaniel Breed:
The American Water Spaniel, a breed native to the American Midwest, particularly Wisconsin, is known for its versatility and adaptability. This sturdy little gundog has been around since the mid-19th century, although it wasn't officially registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) until 1940.
The American Water Spaniel is adept at retrieving downed waterfowl from lakes and rivers, but it is also an expert flusher, springing upland game birds such as grouse and pheasant. This breed's versatility extends beyond hunting, as they are wonderfully versatile gundogs, swimming, hunting, competing in myriad disciplines, working as therapy dogs, or simply playing in the home.
One of the unique features of the American Water Spaniel is its curly double coat, which resembles that of a poodle. However, contrary to popular belief, this breed is not hypoallergenic. While it does shed minimally, its curly coat needs grooming to keep it in good condition.
The American Water Spaniel is a breed that loves a job. They are intelligent and trainable, excelling at many different sports. Their engagement in training is commendable, and they are always up for a challenge.
The first official American Water Spaniel was named Curly Pfeifer, after his breeder, Dr JF Pfeifer, who was the first to register the breed with the United Kennel Club in 1920. In the early 20th century, numbers of the American Water Spaniel dwindled severely as hunting became less prevalent, and the larger British breeds increased in popularity across the Atlantic. It was Dr Pfeifer who is credited with both saving and establishing the breed as we know it today.
American Water Spaniels are known to be protective and wary of strangers, and they have a fair old bark on them, so can give you peace of mind if you want a dog that makes themselves heard. Their eye color can be fairly pale, ranging from light brown to hazel, but yellow is considered a fault.
Since 2005, the AWS has been classified as a spaniel by the AKC, enabling it to participate in spaniel-hunting tests. However, because it is half-retriever, it also has to pass two "retrieving certification tests" to earn a hunting test title. According to the AKC, AWSs live for an average of 10-14 years, although there are many examples of this breed living several years beyond this.
The American Water Spaniel's ancestry is likely to have both spaniel and retriever in it. It is believed to have been developed from the Irish water spaniel and curly-coated retriever, but many experts also point to the English water spaniel and field spaniel as contributors. Despite the debate over its classification, there is no denying the American Water Spaniel's place as one of the handful of hunting breeds developed in the US, including the American cocker spaniel, the Chesapeake Bay retriever, the Boykin spaniel, and the American water spaniel itself.
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