American Water Spaniel

Group 8: retrievers - search dogs - water dogs
Section 3: Water Dogs

Origin: United Kingdom
Patronage: United States
Alternative names: Chien d'eau américain, American water spaniel, Perro de agua Americano
Height at the withers: 38-46 cm

• Males: 13.5-20.5 kg
• Bitch: 11.5-18 kg

The ancestors of this breed probably came from the United Kingdom, possible ancestors are the Irish Water Spaniel, possibly also the Old English Water Spaniel or the Field Spaniel. A dog of this breed was first registered in 1940 and that is how they became pedigree dogs. A dog with these images has been shown before (1850).
From the 1920s it was deliberately bred.

This dog is an active and muscular dog of medium size (46 cm, 18 kg) with a "undulated" (wavy) to curly coat. Slightly longer than tall in stature, not too square or compact, uniformly liver, brown or dark chocolate in colour. A little white is acceptable on toes and chest. The skull is fairly broad and strong, the stop is moderately defined but not overly pronounced. The American Water Spaniel's ears are set slightly above the eye line but not too high on the head, are lobed, long and broad, and when laid forward reach the nose.

These dogs are very intelligent and docile, always friendly and alert.

This breed of dog was developed in the United States as a versatile hunting dog, bred for retrieving from boat or canoe and for work on land with relative ease. It is rarely found outside of North America.

Dog food of the finest food quality is important for every dog.