Nickname         : The Great Lakes Dog

Breed Origins  : USA (1800’s)

Breed usage      : Hunting Small Game and Waterfowl - bird flushing and retrieving

Dog Weight       : 25 - 40 Pounds

Dog Height        : 15 to 18 inches to the shoulder

History
American Water Spaniel comes from the USA and was bred originally in the 1800’s to hunt small game and waterfowl - bird flushing and retrieving. This dog is classified as one of the Sporting Dog Group. The American Water Spaniel was first Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1940.
This breed has been known in the mid western states of the US since the late 1860’s. Unfortunately little exists in the way of records. It would seem likely that the greater part of its breeding program would have been based on the Irish Water Spaniel with a degree of both Field and Cocker spaniels elements. The American Indians, who lived in the Great Lakes regions, have also been mentioned in relation to the history of this dog.

Dogs in the Sporting group,which include the American Water Spanial, can be divided into three main categories - Retrievers, Pointers and Setters. These dogs were bred primarily to work with people to hunt game birds. Some of these dogs work in water whilst other dogs are more suited to work on land and many of the dogs in the Sporting dog category are comfortable and capable of working in either land or water environments. Sporting dogs, including the American Water Spaniel, are particularly suited to wood and field activities. The Retriever, Pointer and Setter dogs and their main functionalities are as follows:

• The Retriever dog - Retriever dogs find and return killed game to the hunter. Some Retrievers are especially equipped, for instance with a water-repellent coat and webbed feet, for retrieving downed waterfowl.
• The Pointer dog - Pointer dogs stand in front of their quarry, with their nose and body rigidly still , thus directing (or pointing) the hunter to its location.
• The Setter dog - Setter dogs were originally trained to set, or crouch, in front of game preventing the escape of the quarry. The hunter would make the capture with a net.

All Information and Tips About This Dog :

• Coat and Colours information
  The American Water Spaniel’s coat is normally a shade of light or dark brown. The coat is normally closely curled or wavy.

• Health information - potential problems
  Resolving dog health problems, including those of the American Water Spaniel, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the American Water Spaniel can include:
  • Skin Problems
  • The life expectancy for this particular breed is 10 – 12 years.

• Grooming and Care
  American Water Spaniel requires weekly care and grooming. All dog breeds require a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible