The American water spaniel is a medium-sized sporting dog of American origin. American water spaniels are also known as American brown spaniels, American brown water spaniels, and curly brown hunting dogs.
American water spaniels are intelligent, energetic, alert, obedient dogs that respond well to training. These dogs grow to 15–18 inches tall and weigh 25–40 pounds as adults. The average lifespan of an American water spaniel is 13–15 years.
The ideal owner for an American water spaniel is an outdoorsy person who enjoys long countryside walks and quality time with their pet. These dogs display destructive behaviors when left alone, so owners should spend most of their time at home.
American water spaniels typically cost $900–$1,500.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
American Water Spaniel Characteristics & Overview
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| Common names: | American water spaniel, American brown spaniel, curly brown hunting dog, American brown Irish water spaniel, AWS |
| Origin: | Wisconsin, USA |
| Breed group: | Sporting dog |
| Size: | Medium |
| Height: | 15–18 inches |
| Weight: | 25–40 pounds |
| Colors: | Brown, liver, chocolate |
| Coat: | Double coat, short length |
| Life expectancy: | 13–15 years |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, energetic, friendly, obedient, loyal, protective |
| Shedding: | Low shedder |
| Barking tendency: | High |
| Cost: | $900–$1,500 USD |
Origin & Purpose
The American water spaniel first came into existence in the 19th century in the areas along the Fox River in Wisconsin. The breed was developed from several other breeds, including the Irish and English water spaniels, the poodle, and the curly-coated retriever.
American water spaniels were used as hunting dogs due to their ability to work on land and in water to bring in a variety of game. The dogs are skillful swimmers and have thick coats that withstand cold temperatures.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of the American water spaniel is 13–15 years. Genetic factors, the dog’s activity level and diet, and the quality of care affect this breed’s exact lifespan.
Active dogs that are well-cared for and eat healthy diets are likely to live longer than sedentary dogs that are fed poor diets.
American Water Spaniel Appearance
American water spaniels are double-coated medium-sized dogs in various shades of brown. The American water spaniel has a stocky body with short, curly fur, and floppy ears.
Height and Weight
American water spaniels are considered medium-sized dogs, with a height at the withers of 15–18 inches, and a weight of 25–40 pounds. These dogs are fast growers, reaching their full size at between six and eight months old.
Male and female American water spaniels have the same average height, and males are around five pounds heavier than females.
Colors
American water spaniels are typically brown, liver, or chocolate. Purebred American water spaniels are only found in shades of brown, occasionally with patches of white on the toes and chest.
Coat
The American water spaniel is a double-coated dog. Its undercoat is dense and fluffy, while its outer coat consists of coarse, short, uniform waves or tight curls. The dog’s back legs and tail are feathered, and the fur on its forehead is short and smooth.
American water spaniels have a low shedding tendency and shed the most during spring.
They aren’t hypoallergenic.
Head and Facial Features
The American water spaniel has a broad, long head in proportion to the dog’s body, with slightly-rounded, medium-sized hazel or yellow eyes, and floppy, loose-hanging ears.
The dog’s muzzle is mid-length and square-like, ending in a dark brown or black nose.
Personality and Temperament
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According to the American Kennel Club, the American water spaniel is intelligent, friendly, eager to please, and happy. Their affectionate personalities make them good pets for families with small children.
American water spaniels are aloof around strangers and can be stubborn. These dogs thrive on human attention and easily get lonely and frustrated when left alone. Early training helps prevent unwanted behaviors.
Barking
The American water spaniel has a high barking tendency. These dogs were bred as pack dogs, which means they instinctively communicate with their pack by barking.
They bark to alert their owners of potential intruders, to express excitement, or due to prolonged separation from their owners. Positive training can prevent excessive barking.
American Water Spaniel Care
Taking care of an American water spaniel is easy. This breed is hardy, requiring minimal grooming, moderate exercise, and a mid-sized diet.
Food Needs
American water spaniels need 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality kibble per day, ideally split into two to four separate meals. The best food for these dogs is nutritional dry food designed for medium-sized dogs.
Raw meat diets are a popular choice for this breed. Low-calorie treats can be used for training.
Grooming Needs
The American water spaniel is a light shedder, and the dog’s coat requires once-weekly brushing to remove loose fur and trapped dirt.
Wash your dog’s coat seasonally, or once every three months, and trim the dog’s claws once or twice a month. American water spaniels have short fur that isn’t prone to matting, so grooming is easy.
Exercise Needs
American water spaniels are active dogs that need a minimum of one hour of exercise per day. Ideally, walk the dog for 30 minutes three times per day.
Although dogs of this breed typically have a lot of energy, their medium size makes them good apartment dogs as long as they have access to outside when they need it.
Mental Needs
Because the American water spaniel was originally bred as a hunting dog, the breed enjoys being useful and having a purpose. They crave companionship and easily become restless.
Provide between 30 minutes and one hour of mental stimulation to American water spaniels per day, including playtime and training. Good toys for these dogs are frisbees and aqua discs, rubber chew toys, and floating balls, which can be used for playtime in the water.
Common Health Concerns
Common health issues affecting American water spaniels are:
- Hip dysplasia: An abnormal formation of the hip socket.
- Mitral valve disease: A disease that causes a heart murmur, reducing the heart’s efficiency.
- Epilepsy: A chronic condition causing seizures due to abnormal activity in the brain.
- Diabetes: A disease caused by insulin resistance, resulting in high blood sugar and increasing heart disease risk.
- Hypothyroidism: Underactive metabolism that causes weight gain, lethargy, cold intolerance, and high blood cholesterol.
- Eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy: A condition that causes progressive blindness over a period of months or years.
Many of these health issues are hereditary, passed along from the dog’s parents or grandparents.
To reduce the likelihood of disease, buy a puppy from a responsible breeder who can provide certificates of health screening from the parent dogs, proving that these dogs aren’t prone to common health concerns.
Children and Other Pets
American water spaniels can be introduced to families with children and other pets. If you already have pets or children, make sure you have enough time to devote to your dog, because human attention is essential.
American water spaniels have a tendency for territorial behavior, so any new dogs should be introduced slowly to allow the spaniel to adjust to another pet in the house.
Training
American water spaniels are highly intelligent and are receptive to training from puppy age. Incorporate training into the dog’s daily exercise routine, providing short, motivational sessions for the best results.
Use repetition and rewards, like dog treats, to train this breed. Begin the puppy phase of training when the spaniel is 12 months old, providing toilet training and leash training, and teaching basic commands.
Don’t shout or give negative punishment during training because this breed is sensitive to its owner’s body language and will become fearful.
American Water Spaniel Costs
American water spaniels are rare, expensive dogs. Their cost depends on whether you buy or adopt the dog — but American water spaniels are rarely put up for adoption.
How Much Is an American Water Spaniel?
An American water spaniel typically costs $900–$1,500. Puppies are $200–$400 more expensive than adult dogs.
Adopting is the lowest-cost option, incurring an adoption fee of around $200. The adult dog’s health status and temperament (including whether the dog is used to children and other pets) will affect the cost.
How Much Does it Cost to Own an American Water Spaniel?
The monthly cost of owning an American water spaniel is $100, including the cost of toys, food, walking supplies, training, dog sitting, healthcare, and grooming equipment
Is an American Water Spaniel Right for You?
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American water spaniels are energetic, loyal, friendly dogs, but they’re not suitable for all people or situations.
Who Should Get an American Water Spaniel?
American water spaniels are great family companions, thanks to this breed’s friendly, easygoing mannerisms. The dogs are good with kids and get along with other pets.
Active, outdoorsy families and couples who have time to exercise and play with their dog are the best fit. People who spend most of their time at home will provide good company to a sociable American water spaniel.
Who Should NOT Get an American Water Spaniel?
People with busy lifestyles who are often away don’t make good American water spaniel owners, because this breed has a tendency to bark and chew furniture when left alone.
Inactive people or people with mobility issues aren’t a good fit for American water spaniels because these dogs need a lot of daily exercise. If you don’t have the time to train your dog to prevent bad behavior, an American water spaniel isn’t for you.
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