American Water Spaniel
Find American Water Spaniel Breeders Near You
Connect with certified breeders who have American Water Spaniel puppies available.
Find American Water Spaniel BreedersGet 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.
American Water Spaniel Summary
Weight
Lifespan
Exercise
Trainability
Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
American Water Spaniel Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation |
| ACVO Eye Exam | ACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA. |
| Cardiac Evaluation | One of the following: Standard Congenital Cardiac Exam. Results registered with OFA. Advanced Cardiac Exam Basic Cardiac Exam |
How Much Does It Cost to Own an American Water Spaniel Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning an American Water Spaniel is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About American Water Spaniel
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available American Water Spaniel puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for American Water Spaniel, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether an American Water Spaniel is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
