American Water Spaniel

Get to Know American Water Spaniels

• Rare All-American Breed: The American Water Spaniel is one of the few dog breeds developed entirely in the United States, specifically in the Midwest around the Great Lakes. It’s also Wisconsin’s official state dog.
• Dual Hunting Specialist: Unlike many gundogs that specialize in either retrieving or flushing, the American Water Spaniel was bred to do both on land and in water. This makes them extremely versatile for hunters working in marshes, swamps, or wooded areas.
• Hypoallergenic-Like Coat: While not truly hypoallergenic, their dense, curly or wavy waterproof coat traps less dander and hair than other breeds. It also helps them handle cold water while hunting without losing body heat.
• Closely Related to Extinct Breeds: The American Water Spaniel is thought to descend from now-extinct dogs like the English Water Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel, making it a living piece of sporting dog history.
• One of the Rarest Sporting Breeds: Despite their talents, American Water Spaniels remain extremely rare with fewer than 3,000 dogs registered. They are often overshadowed by more popular retrievers and spaniels, even though they excel in similar roles.

Breed History

The American Water Spaniel is a rare and distinctly American breed developed in the Midwestern United States, particularly along the river valleys of Wisconsin and Minnesota, in the 19th century. Bred to be an all-in-one hunting companion, it was designed to retrieve game from both land and water, especially in the marshy environments common to the region. Hunters needed a versatile, compact, and durable dog that could fit in small boats, handle cold water, and retrieve birds all day long. To create this breed, a mix of Irish Water Spaniels, Curly-Coated Retrievers, and other early spaniel types were used. Officially recognized by the AKC in 1940, the American Water Spaniel remains the state dog of Wisconsin and is cherished for its hunting ability, intelligence, and loyal companionship, though it remains a relatively rare breed today.

Personality and Behaviour

• Lively & Affectionate: They are known for forming deep bonds with its family. These dogs are incredibly people-oriented and thrive in households where they receive plenty of attention and interaction. They are loyal and eager to please, often shadowing their favorite person around the house. While generally friendly, they can be somewhat reserved with strangers at first, making early socialization important to develop confidence and ease in new situations.
• Intelligence & Independence: American Water Spaniels are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training. However, they also have a streak of stubbornness and may test boundaries if they’re not consistently guided. Their natural curiosity and alertness make them responsive watchdogs, and they are known to bark to alert their owners of unfamiliar activity—something that can be managed with training if needed.
• Active & Energetic: These dogs require regular exercise to remain mentally and physically balanced. Without proper outlets, they may become restless or destructive. They love swimming, retrieving, and participating in dog sports like agility or obedience trials. Their cheerful, game-loving attitude combined with a sensitive nature means they do best with owners who offer a balance of structure, patience, and fun.

Care

• Exercise: The American Water Spaniel has high energy levels and requires regular physical activity to stay healthy and content. They thrive on outdoor adventures like hiking, swimming, and fetch, and they enjoy structured activities such as agility or field trials. Without enough exercise, they may become bored and develop unwanted behaviors.
• Grooming: Their double coat, which can be curly or wavy, is water-resistant but prone to matting if neglected. Brushing a few times a week helps control shedding and keeps their coat clean and tangle-free. Occasional baths, routine ear cleaning (especially after swimming), and nail trims round out their moderate grooming routine.
• Training: American Water Spaniels are intelligent and responsive, but they also have an independent streak. They do best with consistent, reward-based training that starts early. Their eagerness to please makes them fast learners, though gentle guidance is key—they can be sensitive to harsh tones or corrections.