American Water Spaniel Puppies

American Water Spaniels are known to be happy, eager, and charming, but can be stubborn and uncomfortable with people they aren't familiar with. They love activity, and can become barky or unhappy when they don't get enough exercise.

They are very healthy dogs that you can expect to live long and happy lives. Breeding stock should be screened for hip dysplasia, eye disorders, and heart defects.

They are happiest with lots of physical activity, especially when it is with their beloved owners. Their agility and size make them perfect for various dog sports, and they love spending time in the water.

Their dense coat requires weekly maintenance to prevent matting and to keep the coat healthy with their skin's natural oils. These skin oils can cause a distinct doggy odor, but if they are bathed too often the oils can strip away causing irritated skin. Their long ears have a tendency to trap moisture which can lead to bacteria, so their ears should be regularly cleaned.

American Water Spaniels shed a moderate amount, and will shed more heavily during the spring. During this time frequent brushing can remove most of the loose hair from building up in your home.

American Water Spaniels are muscular with a luscious tightly curled or wavy coat. Their large fluffy ears are a beautiful accent to their coat and compact bodies.

Ameican Water Spaniels were developed by European immigrants in Wisconsin and Minnesota to deal with the challenging hunting environments around the Great Lakes. They utilized a wide variety of European dog breeds to develop the Water Spaniel, and it is generally accepted that the Irish Water Spaniel, the Curly-Coated Retriever, and the English Water Spaniel were used. They were bred specifically to be strong swimmers, faster runners to track down waterfowl, and to have a strong sense of smell.