American Water Spaniel — size comparison

The American Water Spaniel is a medium-sized, strongly built dog with a brown coat. Its hair may be wavy or form more pronounced curls, and its long drooping ears are richly feathered. It has a fairly compact outline and strong legs. Its size allowed it to combine ability in water with convenient movement in a small boat.

The breed developed in Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region as a waterfowl-hunting helper. Dogs were expected to find game and retrieve it from both land and water. Endurance, good scenting abilities and working close to the hunter were valued. The breed's regional importance was highlighted in 1985 when it became Wisconsin's official state dog.

The American Water Spaniel is usually lively, quick to learn and interested in human contact. It readily undertakes tasks involving finding and fetching objects. In the field it can work energetically while remaining attentive to a familiar handler's signals. At home it often bonds strongly with the family. Scents and animal movement quickly attract its attention and encourage thorough investigation of the surroundings.

Measurement sources

• Wzorzec, wysokość i masa — FCI
• Dodatkowe odniesienie wymiarów — Dimensions
• AKC — długość życia, pielęgnacja i historia