American Water Spaniel

The American Water Spaniel is a compact curly-coated gun dog from the Fox River valley, and the state dog of Wisconsin.

History

Wisconsin market hunters in the nineteenth century needed a dog small enough to work from a skiff yet tough enough for cold Great Lakes water, and built one from Irish Water Spaniel, Curly-Coated Retriever and field spaniel stock. It is one of the few breeds developed entirely in the United States, and it has stayed rare because it was made for a way of hunting that ended.

Temperament

The breed is known for being eager, clever and closely attached to its family, friendly at home and businesslike in the field, with a tendency to be vocal.

Care and training

It needs substantial exercise and access to water. The curly coat is water-repellent and needs brushing rather than trimming. Training suits gentle consistency; it is sensitive.

Health

Known tendencies include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and ear infections. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.