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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+4
Dogs
# The American Water Spaniel: temperament, price, health, and breeders
United States
A medium-sized water dog, active, powerful and elegant, with an affectionate and enthusiastic temperament.
Size MediumLife expectancy 12–15 yearsBudget ≈ €107/monthPuppy €500 – €1,000
[Find a breeder 2](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-water-spaniel) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=american-water-spaniel)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Very good
Daily exercise needs High
Apartment living Fair
First-time owners Fair
Other pets Good
Tolerance of being alone Good
Guarding instinct Good
Strengths and weaknesses
- Versatility in hunting: He is enthusiastic at work and particularly adept at retrieving game, including from a light boat.
- Attachment to the owner: His affectionate temperament makes him a companion very attached to his owner.
- Protection against bad weather: His double, dense coat offers him good protection against water and harsh conditions.
- Love of play: His play level is very high.
- High activity needs: He cannot be satisfied with short daily walks.
- Apartment living not very suitable: He prefers wide open spaces and being close to nature.
- Seasonal shedding: Hair loss increases noticeably during the two seasonal changes.
- Obedience to be built: Early, firm and gentle handling is necessary to develop his obedience.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Hunters: His enthusiasm, versatility and retrieving abilities match this profile.
- Active people close to nature: He enjoys long activities, water, running and natural spaces.
- Families with plenty of time: He is affectionate, attached to his owner and well rated with children.
Not recommended for
- Very sedentary people: Its high energy and need for regular exercise require an active daily routine.
- Households limited to short outings: Simple brief walks do not meet its needs.
- Urban life without stimulation: An apartment is not its ideal setting if it does not benefit from sufficient outings and activities.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
42 cmAmerican Water Spaniel
- Height at the withers
- 38–46 cm
- Weight
- 11–20 kg
- Coat
- Curly, double and dense
- FCI group
- 8
- Origin
- United States
- Grooming
- Easy to care for
## Photos and videos
See the American Water Spaniel in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The American Water Dog breed originated in the United States from the second half of the 19th century. It was developed in the American Midwest, mainly in the State of Wisconsin, where it was used by hunters. Its deep origins and the crossbreeding that led to its creation are not documented with certainty. The first true breeding is attributed to F. J. Pfeiffer, in New London in Wisconsin. The first standard, established in 1920 on the basis of his work, was adopted by the American Kennel Club in 1940, then revised fifty years later. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale definitively recognized the breed on 2 November 1979, under number 301 of group 8.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The American Water Dog is a medium-sized dog, harmoniously and solidly built, with well-developed bone structure and musculature, powerful without appearing heavy. Its head, proportionate to the body and moderately long, has a broad and strong skull as well as a moderately defined stop. Its slightly rounded eyes, from light yellowish brown to hazel or dark brown depending on the coat, express intelligence and liveliness. Its lobed ears, rather long and broad, are set slightly above the eye line. The body is harmonious and powerful, with a developed chest, well-sprung ribs and a solid loin. The tail, moderately long and curved, is carried around the line of the back and furnished with moderate fringes. The coat is uniformly wavy or formed of tight curls, with a dense undercoat that protects from water. The coat color is solid liver, brown or dark chocolate.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
Alert, energetic and intelligent, the American Water Dog shows great enthusiasm for hunting. A versatile hunter, it was notably developed to retrieve game from light boats. Its temperament is pleasant, affectionate and very attached to its owner. It is generally sociable with children and shows average compatibility with other animals and unfamiliar people.
Playful Sociable
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
The American Water Dog needs regular and varied activity. It must be able to walk, run, jump into the water and move through thickets when the opportunity arises, because simple short walks are not enough for it. It can live in an apartment if it is sufficiently walked and stimulated, but prefers large open spaces in the middle of or close to nature. Its coat has two seasonal shedding periods during which shedding increases, with more moderate shedding the rest of the year. Grooming and trimming the ears are possible, but are not mandatory.
Training
## Training and socialization
His pronounced taste for work and his desire to please his owner make his learning easier. An education started early enough, combining a minimum of firmness to develop obedience and gentleness, makes him an excellent hunting companion and a pleasant member of the family.
Budget
## Price and budget for the American Water Spaniel
The price of an American Water Dog varies depending on the lineage, the seriousness of the breeding, the screenings and the socialization. The maintenance budget (food, veterinary care, training) often exceeds the purchase price over time.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/american-water-spaniel/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The American Water Dog tolerates fairly well difficult climatic conditions and bad weather thanks to its double coat. Certain predispositions must nevertheless be monitored, notably hip dysplasia, mitral insufficiency and pulmonary stenosis.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/american-water-spaniel/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The American Water Dog needs a complete, digestible diet adapted to its age, its activity and its body condition. An adult generally weighs from 11 to 20 kg. The quality of the ration and weight control protect digestion and joints.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/american-water-spaniel/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The American Water Dog is also known by the names American Water Spaniel and American Water Spaniel. Its FCI standard bears the number 301. A litter usually has 7 to 9 puppies.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the American Water Spaniel
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### What are the other names of the American Water Spaniel?
It is also called American Water Spaniel and American Water Spaniel.
### Can the American Water Spaniel live in an apartment?
It can live in an apartment if it gets sufficient walks and stimulation, but this setting is not ideal for it. It prefers large spaces close to nature.
### How much exercise does the American Water Spaniel need?
It needs regular activity allowing it to walk, run, jump into the water and move through thickets. Simple and short daily walks are not enough.
### Does the American Water Spaniel shed?
Yes. It has two seasonal shedding periods with heavier loss, while hair loss persists more moderately the rest of the year.
## Find a American Water Spaniel breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most American Water Spaniel breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
### American Water Spaniel breeders by country
[1 breeder of American Water Spaniel in Austria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-water-spaniel/austria) [1 breeder of American Water Spaniel in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-water-spaniel/germany)
[All breeders of American Water Spaniel in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-water-spaniel)
## Ready to welcome a American Water Spaniel?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-water-spaniel)
## Discover other breeds
[Spanish Water Dog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/spanish-water-dog)
[Frisian Water Dog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/frisian-water-dog)
[Irish Water Spaniel
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/irish-water-spaniel)
[Barbet
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/barbet)
[Portuguese Water Dog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/portuguese-water-dog)
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