Dog Breed

American Water Spaniel

Primary image of American Water Spaniel dog breed
Full Name
American Water Spaniel
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Life Span
10 - 12 years
Weight
25 - 45 pounds
Description

Friendly, Energetic, Obedient, Intelligent, Protective, Trainable

Origin
United States of America
Bred For
Bird flushing and retrieving
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the American Water Spaniel good with children?

    Yes! The American Water Spaniel is naturally friendly with children. As always, socialization is always important, but the American Water Spaniel is an excellent dog for anyone with small children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the American Water Spaniel friendly with strangers?

    Yes, the American Water Spaniel is very friendly with strangers. We still recommend early socialization while the American Water Spaniel is a puppy to introduce them to various new people, but in general they are friendly with everyone.
    Dog Friendly

    Is the American Water Spaniel friendly with other dogs?

    Yes, the American Water Spaniel is very friendly with other dogs. We still recommend early socialization while the American Water Spaniel is a puppy to introduce them to various new dogs, but in general they are friendly with dogs as soon as they meet them.
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the American Water Spaniel like to cuddle?

    The American Water Spaniel loves physical affection and cuddles. If you're looking for a cuddle partner you may have found the one!
    Playfulness

    Does the American Water Spaniel like to play?

    The American Water Spaniel is always ready for play! It's important to keep in mind, as they need to be stimulated with games and affection throughout the day.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the American Water Spaniel make a good service dog?

    The American Water Spaniel is not typically used as a service dog. There are always exceptions to the rule, but a service dog has to have many natural traits in addition to the proper training- smart, patient, and obsessed with pleasing their owner.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the American Water Spaniel good for first-time owners?

    The American Water Spaniel is an excellent breed for first-time owners. They love pleasing their owner, and rarely are aggressive or over-dominant.
    Training Potential

    How well can the American Water Spaniel be trained?

    The American Water Spaniel is about average when it comes to training potential. The American Water Spaniel can be seen in competitions and can have advanced training, but it would require much dedication and oftentimes professional training.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the American Water Spaniel shed a lot?

    The American Water Spaniel is an average shedder. American Water Spaniel owners will probably still tell you it's a lot of shedding, but certain breeds shed even more.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the American Water Spaniel easy to groom?

    The American Water Spaniel requires an average amount of grooming. Taking your American Water Spaniel to the pet salon will make your life easier, but its possible to groom a American Water Spaniel on your own as well.
    Exercise Need

    Does the American Water Spaniel need a lot of exercise?

    The American Water Spaniel has a lot of energy and getting daily exercise is very important, both for their well-being and for their focus, which is important when you train them.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the American Water Spaniel?

    The American Water Spaniel has average intelligence. They are smart and witty, but do not need to be constantly challenged mentally, as some other breeds.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the American Water Spaniel bark? Does the American Water Spaniel bark too much?

    The American Water Spaniel barks an average amount. It can vary widely between American Water Spaniels - some may be much more expressive than others.
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the American Water Spaniel a good guard dog?

    The American Water Spaniel is not typically used as a guard dog, although they can be alert and oftentimes notify you if there is a stranger at the door or otherwise something to be concerned over.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the American Water Spaniel good at staying alone? Is the American Water Spaniel independent?

    The American Water Spaniel considers their owner part of the "pack" and hates being left behind. This can be a good thing for someone looking for an emotional support dog who is loyal and always by their side, but bad if the dog will need to be left at home alone for extended periods.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the American Water Spaniel a good apartment dog?

    The American Water Spaniel is not a good dog for apartment living for several reasons. It is still possible to make it work if the owner is dedicated to plenty of training and daily exercise, but it may be challenging.
    Size

    How big is the American Water Spaniel?

    The American Water Spaniel is a medium sized dog breed. They can range in size depending on genetics, and males are larger on average than females.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the American Water Spaniel tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a American Water Spaniel?

    The American Water Spaniel can tolerate some heat, but should not be over-exposed to hot weather. In general, they can live in hot weather climates, but would do best with air conditioning or at least a fan in their home, especially where they sleep.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the American Water Spaniel tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a American Water Spaniel?

    The American Water Spaniel can tolerate cold weather well. Play time in the snow or on particularly cold evenings may need to be limited, but overall they can do well in cold climates.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the American Water Spaniel try to run away?

    It is natural for the American Water Spaniel to run away. They are easily distracted and excited, so the urge to run away should be expected and prepared for- a fenced yard is important.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the American Water Spaniel a healthy dog? The health of a American Water Spaniel should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The American Water Spaniel is healthy, but has an average number of health risks that should be taken into consideration.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the American Water Spaniel?

    The American Water Spaniel has a lot of energy and this needs to be considered before bringing the American Water Spaniel into your home. Can you give your American Water Spaniel enough exercise? They will need several small daily walks, or a large dog park trip to get all of the energy out.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the American Water Spaniel drool?

    The American Water Spaniel drools very little, typically to where it's never a concern.
    Prey Drive

    Does the American Water Spaniel have a large prey drive? Does the American Water Spaniel like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The American Water Spaniel has a high prey drive and has a natural tendency to chase after any small animal. Every case is unique, but the American Water Spaniel may not be the best dog for living with other cats or small animals.
    Athleticism

    Is the American Water Spaniel atheltic?

    The American Water Spaniel is athletic and has average levels of endurance. They need a lot of exercise, and can be an exercise partner as long as it's nothing too extreme.
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  • Secondary image of American Water Spaniel dog breed
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  1. Sporting
  2. Spaniel
  3. American Water Spaniel
The American Water Spaniel is a purebred dog that belongs to the Spaniel sub group, which falls under the larger Sporting dog breed group.
Sporting group: Sporting dogs are the natural athletes of the dog world. They have high energy, and always look to be stimulated with some activity or challenge. These dogs thrive in the outdoors- particularly the woods and the water. Sporting dogs include the best swimming dogs, retrieving dogs, and other field activities. They have traditionally been bred to assist hunters find and retrieve birds and other smaller hunting game. Sporting dogs are not known as guard dogs, but because of their alertness and loyalty to their family, with proper training they can be good home protectors as well. Over the years they have become extremely well-rounded, so with plenty of exercise can make excellent home companions. They are willing to please their owners, so if you put the time into training and exercise you will be rewarded with an amazing dog.
Spaniel sub-group: One of the sub-groups with the greatest amount of dog breeds is the Spaniel, there are 15 spaniel breeds recognized by the AKC! Spaniels are "flushing" dogs that not only can retrieve game, but can swim, dig, and find the game in all types of habitat. The breeds of spaniel have been bred more specifically for one type of hunting vs. another, but over the years they have also become excellent home companions. Spaniels all have a distinct "spaniel" look with floppy ears and beautiful curly hair, but each has its own variety both in size and color. Spaniels always seem to be happy and can brighten every day. They are an excellent choice for a first time dog owner.

American Water Spaniels for adoption

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