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Height: 96 cm to 116 cm
Size: Medium.
Weight: 12 to 20 kg (male); 11 to 20 kg (female).
Availability: Difficult to find.
History:
The earliest history of this breed is not known for certain, but since the 18th century, the American Water Spaniel has been an all-around farm and hunting dog in the Midwestern United States, particularly in Wisconsin and Minnesota. The breed was probably developed from the Irish Water Spaniel and Curly-Coated Retriever with possible additions of other early spaniels. The American Water Spaniel is an outstanding bird dog in swamps and woods, lakes and rivers. He has a gentle mouth and a fine nose and works well both flushing game and retrieving. He can even point out squirrels in trees by barking. The American Water Spaniel excels in swimming, even in turbulent waters. Though he is the State Dog of Wisconsin, the American Water Spaniel is still quite rare in the United States. Only about 270 were registered with the AKC in 1990, however there probably were many more born than registered. (Since the American Water Spaniel is primarily a hunting dog rather than a show dog, owners often do not bother to officially register them.) The American Water Spaniel also makes a fine family companion.
Description:
A medium sized dog with a crisp-textured, tightly curled or wavy outer coat lined with a protective undercoat. Comes in liver or chocolate, sometimes with a small white spot on the chest. White on the toes is also acceptable. The well-proportioned head is moderately long. The skull is broad with a moderate stop. The ears are long and covered with curls and the medium length muzzle is square and smooth. The nose is either dark brown or black. The eye color should harmonize with the coat color in shades of brown or hazel. The teeth meet in either a scissors or level bite. The feathered tail tapers, hanging with a slight upward curve. The tail is used as a rudder in swimming.
Notes:
Likes to roam. May snore. Oily coat may have a strong smell. Some tend to bark and whine quite a bit. Coat needs a thorough brushing twice a week. Some lines are prone to skin problems. The American Water Spaniel is a superior and enthusiastic swimmer.
Personality:
Very trainable and eager, enjoys working. Intelligent. Friendly, energetic and confident. An easy-going, loving companion. Heavy-handed training methods are unnecessary with this willing spaniel. Socialize well at an early age to avoid timidity and potential dog-aggressiveness as an adult. Loves attention, but can entertain himself.
Behavior:
Children: Excellent with children.
Friendliness: Loves everyone.
Trainability: Easy to train.
Independence: Moderately dependent on people.
Dominance: Low.
Other Pets: Generally good with other pets.
Noise: Likes to bark.
Grooming and Physical Needs:
Grooming: Regular grooming needed.
Trimming & Stripping: No trimming or stripping needed.
Coat: Curly coat.
Shedding: Light shedder.
Exercise: Moderate exercise needed.
Jogging: An excellent jogging companion.
Indoors: Moderately active indoors.
Apartments: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
Outdoor Space: Best with at least an average-size yard.
Climate: Does well in most climates.
Owner: Good for novice owners.
Longevity: Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).
Talents:
hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdog, guarding, and agility.
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