State Dog of Wisconsin
The American Water Spaniel was developed in the United States; it is believed they originated in the Fox River and Wolf River valleys of Wisconsin. Even today the American Water Spaniel is a little known breed outside of North America.
American Water Spaniels have a curly or marcel coat that is dense and resistant to cold
waters. Colors range from liver, brown, and chocolate. They normally weigh between 25 to 45 pounds and stand between 15 to 18 inches. As with all spaniels, American Water Spaniels were originally, and widely still are, bred for hunting.The origin of the American Water Spaniel can be described as murky at best. There are two theories that are accepted, although which one, if either, is fact is unknown. The first theory comes from Doc Pfeifer, the man credit with the recognition of the breed in the 1920s. He believed the breed was developed by crossing the now extinct English Water Spaniel and the Field Spaniel. Disputers of this idea believe the breed was developed by crossing various breeds including the English Water Spaniel, Field Spaniel, Curly Coated Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and possibly even the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Currently the latter is the more widely accepted theory. Hunters wanted to develop a dog that could function on land as well as in the marsh, yet still small enough to accompany their masters in a canoe or skiff. The American Water Spaniel was widely used in the mid-1800s, and in different times in history has been near extinction, but fanciers of the breed manage to maintain the population.
American Water Spaniels excel at hunting, both as a flushing spaniel and a retriever. They hunt either fur or feather with equal enthusiasm, however they do not have to be hunters to live a happy life. They also make good companion and family dogs. American Water Spaniels should have early socialization with other canines to avoid potential dog aggressiveness.
