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American Water Spaniel Puppies for Sale
American Water Spaniel
(Amerikanischer Wasserspaniel)
Photo Courtesy of Steve Deger
American Water Spaniels
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Pronunciation |
American
Water Spaniel |
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Description |
The American Water Spaniel is an active, muscular
and hardy dog. It has a crisp-textured, tightly curled or wavy outer coat lined
with a protective undercoat. Coat colors include liver or chocolate - sometimes
with a small white spot on the chest. The skull is broad with a moderate stop.
The medium length muzzle is square and smooth. The ears are long and covered
with curls and the medium length head is moderately long. The nose is either
dark brown or black. The eye color should correspond with the coat color in
shades of brown or hazel. The teeth meet in either a level or scissors bite. The
feathered tail tapers, hanging with a slight upward curve. The tail is used as a
rudder in swimming. |
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Temperament |
The American Water Spaniel is intelligent and very
trainable. It is eager to learn and very enthusiastic about it's work. It is
used above all for hunting quail, duck, pheasant, grouse, and rabbit. It also
makes a good guard dog and companion. Friendly, energetic, confident persistent
and obedient. . The American Water Spaniel is a pleasant , willing dog that is
highly sensitive, so obedience training should be calm, quiet, and persuasive,
rather then demanding or sharp. He is easy going, loving companion that is
usually excellent with children, but he could snap defensively if startled or
harshly disciplined. Heavy-handed training methods are not necessary with this
willing spaniel. Socialize this breed well at an early age to avoid timidity and
potential dog aggressiveness as an adult. They usually get along with non-canine
pets. It loves attention, but can entertain itself. Some snore and some bark and
whine quite a bit. It is an enthusiastic swimmer and makes a wonderful hunter in
difficult waters, in the woods and over uneven terrain. This breed likes to
roam. Some may drool. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: 15-18 inches (36-46 cm.)
Weight: 25-45 pounds (11-20 kg.) |
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Health Problems |
Some lines are prone to skin problems. |
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Living Conditions |
American Water Spaniels will do okay in an
apartment as long as they get enough exercise. They are moderately active indoors
and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. |
Exercise |
The American Water Spaniel should have a lot of
physical exercise, which include long daily walks. |
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Life Expectancy |
About 12-15 years |
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Litter Size |
Average of 4 - 6 puppies |
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Grooming |
The oily coat of the American Water Spaniel needs
a through brushing twice a week. Bathe only when necessary as bathing removes
the natural oils in the coat and can dry out the skin. The coat may have a
strong smell due to the oil. This breed is a light shedder. |
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Origin |
The exact knowledge regarding the origin of this
breed does not exist, but since the 18th century, the American Water Spaniel has
been an all-around farm and hunting dog in the Midwestern United States,
particularly in Wisconsin and Minnesota. The breed was probably developed from
the Curly-Coated Retriever and Irish Water Spaniel - with possible additions of
other early spaniels. The American Water Spaniel is an outstanding bird dog in
swamps, woods, lakes and rivers. He has a gentle mouth and a fine nose and works
well both flushing game and retrieving. He can even point out squirrels in trees
by barking. The American Water Spaniel excels in swimming even in turbulent
waters. Though he is the state dog of Wisconsin, the American Water Spaniel is
still quite rare in the United States. Only about 270 were registered with the
AKC in 1990, however since the American Water Spaniel is primarily a hunting dog
rather than a show dog, owners often do not bother to officially register them,
therefore there is probably many more born than registered. The American Water
Spaniel makes a fine family companion. |
| Group |
Gun Dog |
| Recognition |
FCI, AKC, UKC, CKC, NKC, CKC, AWSC, APRI, ACR |
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FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American
Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel
Club
CKC = Canadian
Kennel Club
NKC = National
Kennel Club
CKC = Continental
Kennel Club
AWSC = American
Water Spaniel Club, Inc.
APRI = American Pet Registry Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry |
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