New Dog World: American Water Spaniel Dog Breed: Yodeling Farm Dog

Thursday 27 March 2014

American Water Spaniel Dog Breed: Yodeling Farm Dog

Breed: American Water Spaniel

AKC Breed Group: Sporting

Other Registries: CKC (Sporting); FCI (Water Dogs); KC (Gundog); UKC (Gun Dog)

Weight: Male: 30-45, Female: 25-40 lbs

Height: Male: 15-18 inches

Color: Solid Liver, Brown, or Dark Chocolate

Origin: United States

American Water Spaniel Overview

This breed is most commonly referred to as the AWS. During the 18th century, the American Water Spaniel was used on farms for hunting, mainly in Minnesota and Wisconsin. They are one of the few breeds fully developed in America and are thought of a uncommon breed. Outside of the United States, the American Water Spaniel is virtually unknown. The American Water Spaniel was designated as Wisconsin’s official state dog in 1986.

American Water Spaniel Characteristics

This is a medium sized dog breed. The American Water Spaniel has exceptional abilities at flushing out and retrieving prey. This dog breed hunts with excitement and enthusiasm. The American Water Spaniel is pleasant, eager to please and intelligent. They are avid hunters, farm and companion dogs.

American Water Spaniel Temperament

This dog breed is loyal, energetic, obedient and persistent. The American Water Spaniel is generally gentle with children and other pets, but tends to be aggressive toward dogs they do not know. This breed makes a perfect household pet. If correctly introduced, they are also pleasant with strangers. They tend to be “one-person” dogs and will generally bond more with one member of the household. The American Water Spaniel is an excellent watchdog, but is prone to excessive barking. Many American Water Spaniels “yodel” when excited. They love attention but are fully able to create their own entertainment.

American Water Spaniel Care

This breed requires a fair amount of care. Brushing twice a week is required and an occasional bath may be necessary. Bathing should be kept to a minimum to preserve the coat’s pure oils and a mild shampoo should be used. Professional clipping of the coat is advisable to maintain it. The American Water Spaniel has generally remained free from genetic health issues, but they are prone to pore and skin problems.

American Water Spaniel Coat

This breed boasts a lustrous double coat, which is distinctive and climate resistant. The outer coat of the American Water Spaniel ranges from tightly curled to wavy, while the under coat is dense and protects them from climate and water. The coat is neither coarse nor soft, but somewhere in between and somewhat oily. The color may be darkish chocolate, brown, or solid liver. This dog breed is a light shedder.

American Water Spaniel Training

The American Water Spaniel is slow to mature and will only properly settle into a training program at about two years of age. Nonetheless, this breed does require intensive socialization at an early age. The American Water Spaniel can be challenging to housetrain and the crate method is highly recommended. This dog breed has a sensitive nature and does not respond well to harsh or heavy-handed training methods. If harshly disciplined, they may develop “fear-biting”. It is crucial that training be performed with patience, love, respect, consistency and fairness.

American Water Spaniel Activity

This dog breed requires an above average amount of physical exercise. The American Water Spaniel loves to swim and hunt. They are known roamers. A daily walk or run is recommended. This breed generally adapts well to apartment living, provided they receive sufficient exercise and attention, but prefers a home in the country setting with room to run.