American Water Spaniel
Description
The American Water Spaniel is believed to have originated from the mid 1800′s, and rumoured to come from Wisconsin. Current belief says the breed was developed from crossing English Water Spaniels, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Tweed Water Spaniels, Irish Water Spaniels, Curly Coated Retrievers, and a Field Spaniels. The American Water Spaniel stands between 15 to 18 in. tall and weigh between 24 to 45 lbs. with females being on the smaller end of the size chart and scale. The American Water Spaniel is either liver colored, dark chocolate, or brown a tiny bit of white on the chest or two is fine. Their coats is curly and dense to protect them from the cold water, and bad weather. Their eyes range in colors from yellowish brown to a dark tone and should accent the coat color.
Temperament
This compact spaniel is very protective of his owner, and quite possibly will see children in the home as nothing more than other hunting dogs. Females that are not spayed a extremely willful, and will follow their own mind. They are intelligent and take to training very well. This is not the hunting dog for the inexperienced hunter or general dog owner. This is not a dog that is going to get along with the bunny, cat or hamster in the house…I wouldn’t recommend him for the home with a pet bird either. The American Water Spaniel is a true hunting dog.
Grooming/Exercise
The American Water Spaniel will need to be brushed at least twice a week to keep his coat in good shape. He has natural oils in his fur, so bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary or you will ruin the weather resistant fur he needs. This is a dog that will need a great deal of exercise outdoors. He is fairly inactive inside, and can live in a townhouse as long as his exercise needs are met.
Health
Life Expectancy is from 12 to 15 years.
*Possible Issues
- Cardiac Abnormalities
- Cancer
- Hip Dysplasia
- Diabetes
- Allergies
- Hypothyroidism
- Follicular Dystrophy
- Epilepsy
- Cataracts
* Reputable breeders offer the propestive buyer a written health guarantee covering the more common health concerns.
