Water Spaniel

Life span: 12 to 15 years

Availabilty: Rare

About American Water Spaniel
The American Water Spaniel is highly energetic, loves children and is an excellent watchdog. He has a curly brown coat that sheds little. The AWS is appealing for his rarity, appearance, and size, but his assertive personality and potential for health problems are factors to consider before acquiring one.

Recognized as one of the least popular American Kennel Club breeds, the American Water Spaniel wasn't registered until 1940. The breed, however, remains popular in Wisconsin and is still the state dog today.

His efforts paved the way for the United Kennel Club's recognition of the breed in 1920, the Field Stud Book in 1938, and the American Kennel Club's recognition of the breed in 1940. One of Pfeifer's own dogs, "Curly Pfeifer," was the first registered American Water Spaniel.

American water spaniels are smart, obedient, affectionate and known for getting along with other animals and children. They also make good watchdogs. These characteristics make them excellent family pets.

Visits to Groomer-Low

Drooling-No

Bath-Rare

Tolerance to heat-Get a heatstroke

Tolerance to cold-Loves snow

Exercise Requirement-Lots

Under Coat- Yes

Colour-Solid liver, brown, dark chocolate

Coat Type-Short

Hair Length-Short

Hair Density-Dense

American Water Spaniels are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all American Water Spaniels will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed.

Hip Dysplasia

Growth Hormone-Responsive Dermatitis

Pattern Baldness

Cataracts

Retinal Dysplasia

Allergies

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Epilepsy

Hypothyroidism

Temperament
The American Water Spaniel is versatile in its hunting capability and sensitive in nature. Apart from being a pleasant companion, it is cordial with other dogs and obedient if given proper training and exercise. The American Water Spaniel is lively, alert, friendly, and obedient, as long as you provide fair, consistent training and leadership. Without it, he can become stubborn and manipulative. Make sure your training methods use rewards rather than punishment, though; when treated harshly the AWS can become sulky or timid.

Training & intelligence
A very active breed that requires basic obedience training, which is an essential part of responsible dog ownership. It will make your dog a better companion and will help establish a stronger bond between the two of you. Your American Water Spaniel wants nothing more from life than to please you. Therefore, it is your responsibility to train this faithful companion to do as you wish.

Breeding
Litter Size-4 to 6 puppies (approximately)

Complication in Breeding-No

Procreation

They are healthy and sturdy breed .If you are going to mate and breed your Bullmastiff, make sure that you understand thoroughly the medical histories of his / her mating partner and also the medical history of the American Water Spaniel parents so make sure that they are not suffering from any serious genetic disorder that may be deterrent to the overall growth of the new puppies.