In the lake country of the upper Midwest, on a crisp Wisconsin morning, a curly-coated brown dog rushes into a thicket and flushes a ruffed grouse into the air. The dog watches the bird glide to a tree branch, then turns its intense gaze back to its handler. This is the American Water Spaniel — an upbeat, outdoorsy athlete that loves to hunt and swim, woven into the rich tapestry of American history.
Also known as the American Brown Spaniel, this rare breed was developed in the 1800s in the Fox and Wolf River valleys of Wisconsin. It was built to work the harshest terrain — swimming like a seal, small enough to ride in a skiff, and hardy enough to tolerate freezing rain. Happy, eager, and charming, yet aloof with strangers and a bit stubborn, it is a true American original.
A Breed of Compromise and Necessity
The American Water Spaniel's origins are shrouded in mystery, but its purpose is clear. By the mid-18th century, pioneers had settled in the upper-Midwest regions of Wisconsin — the Wolf River, Butte de Morte, and Winnebago areas — Great Lakes territory where the marshland was thick, the water cold, and hunting was confined to deep woods and narrow river passes.
To work this harsh terrain, early settlers needed a small but sturdy dog: tenacious, independent, and indifferent to miserable weather. Hardy Curly-Coated Retrievers were willing workers, but too big to fit into the hunters' skiffs. The English Water Spaniel had excellent marking ability, but couldn't withstand the frigid conditions. So somewhere in the 1800s, settlers crossed their Curly-Coated Retrievers with the old English Water Spaniels, refining the nose with Field Spaniel and enhancing the coat for frigid northern waters with Irish Water Spaniel genes.
The result was the American Brown Water Spaniel — a dog that swims like a seal, is small enough to jump in and out of a skiff, and is tough enough to stand down strangers and varmints. Market hunters used these dogs to harvest waterfowl in the Great Lakes region, picking up hundreds of ducks shot from punt guns. The breed has bred true to type since the 1870s.
Saved by the Father of the Breed
The American Water Spaniel might have faded into history were it not for Dr. Fred Pfeifer of New London, Wisconsin — the "Father of the American Water Spaniel." In 1906, Pfeifer decided to pursue the scientific breeding of the curly brown dogs he knew from the region. He kept meticulous records and proved within a couple of generations that the "strain" was really a breed that consistently bred true to type.
Pfeifer gained recognition for the breed with the United Kennel Club on February 8, 1920, with the registration of the first American Brown Water Spaniel, "Curly Pfeifer." Registration in the Field Dog Stud Book followed in 1938, and after presenting evidence and studbooks to the American Kennel Club, the breed was granted AKC recognition in 1940.
The breed's fortunes rose again in 1985, when the American Water Spaniel officially became the state dog of Wisconsin. Today it remains a rare breed — only an estimated 3,000 exist at any given time, mostly in the Midwestern states — but it has a small, fiercely loyal group of admirers.
A Curly Brown Companion
The American Water Spaniel is a medium-sized, active, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall. It has a broad skull and hanging ears, and stands 15 to 18 inches at the withers, weighing 25 to 45 pounds. Its most distinctive feature is its double-layered coat, which ranges from marcel (uniformly waved) to tightly curled, in liver, brown, or chocolate shades. The coat is well-furred over the throat, neck, and rear, with the forehead covered in short smooth hair.
The curly coat protected the breed from the cold temperatures of the water and winter. The AWS is not classified specifically as a retriever or a spaniel, so it may not compete in AKC field trials, but it can compete in AKC hunt tests and in the retriever hunting tests sponsored by its breed club — keeping the retrieving instincts alive for the breed.
Upbeat, Eager, and a Bit Stubborn
The American Water Spaniel is intelligent, friendly, energetic, obedient, protective, and trainable — an upbeat dog with great energy and eagerness for the hunt, yet controllable in the field. It's happy, eager, and charming with its family, though aloof with strangers and a bit stubborn.
Members of the breed enjoy being the center of attention and can be quite vocal. It's a one-family dog that often bonds with one particular individual. The AWS has a mind of its own and reaches peak performance with an owner dedicated to teaching it what's expected. It takes well to training, especially training that offers variety rather than routine drills.
Historically pack-bred, the breed has been selectively developed in recent decades for an even temperament suitable for both hunting and family life. The AWS gets on well with children and enjoys playing with them. In the field it's less exuberant than the English Springer Spaniel but as skilled at retrieval as a Labrador or Golden Retriever — a true dog of compromises.
Exercise and Activity
The American Water Spaniel is an active, outdoorsy athlete that needs regular exercise. It loves to hunt and swim, and it has a high level of endurance in the water. Long daily walks, swims, and active play sessions keep it fit and content.
| Dog | Daily exercise | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 3–4 short play sessions of 10–15 minutes | Keep walks gentle; avoid hard surfaces while growing |
| Adult | 45–60 minutes total walk or play | Split into two shorter sessions if preferred |
| Senior | 30–40 minutes of gentle walking | Slow the pace and shorten distance with age |
The breed is also good at agility and flyball — the first AWS earned a flyball championship title in 1993. Despite its hunting heritage, its size makes it suitable for apartment living as long as it receives enough exercise. The Daily Exercise Guide offers ideas for keeping an athletic spaniel well exercised.
Training an American Water Spaniel
Training an American Water Spaniel requires patience and creativity. The breed is intelligent and eager to please, but it can be stubborn and slow to mature mentally from puppyhood. Training that offers variety — rather than routine repetition — brings out the breed's best. Positive, reward-based methods work well.
Early socialization is important, with people and other animals, to balance the breed's natural aloofness with strangers. Some lines can be dominant or food-possessive, so consistent, gentle leadership from an early age is essential. The Dog Training Guide and Puppy Care Guide offer a solid foundation.
Grooming an American Water Spaniel
The American Water Spaniel's curly double coat needs regular care. Weekly brushing keeps the coat free of tangles and debris, and occasional trimming keeps the dog well groomed. The coat is low-shedding, which suits many allergy sufferers.
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 3–4 times a week | Brush in the direction of the coat and check for tangles |
| Bathing | Every 6–8 weeks or as needed | Use a mild dog shampoo |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Trim when you hear nails clicking on the floor |
| Ear checks | Weekly | Look for wax, redness, or odor |
| Teeth brushing | 2–3 times a week | Dental chews help as a supplement |
| Professional trim or clip | Every 6–8 weeks | Keeps the coat tidy and hygienic |
The ears, well-covered with hair, need regular checks for wax and moisture, especially after swimming. Routine nail trims and tooth brushing round out the grooming routine. The Dog Grooming Guide covers caring for a curly-coated sporting dog.
Feeding an American Water Spaniel
As an active sporting breed, the American Water Spaniel needs a high-quality, complete and balanced diet matched to its energy output. Feed measured meals twice a day rather than free-feeding, and count treats carefully.
| Life stage | Meals per day | Portion per meal (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (under 6 months) | 3–4 meals | 1/2–1 cup | Use a good-quality puppy formula |
| Adult | 2 meals | 1–1.5 cups | Adjust to activity level and body condition |
| Senior (7+ years) | 2 meals | 1–1.25 cups | Consider a senior or joint-support formula |
Your veterinarian can guide you on portions for your dog's age and activity level. Fresh water should always be available.
Health and Veterinary Care
The American Water Spaniel has an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years and is a relatively healthy breed. Hip dysplasia is seen in around 8.3 percent of the breed — one of the lower results among sporting breeds.
| Check-up | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness exam | Annual | Includes dental and weight check |
| Vaccinations | Annual booster | Follow your veterinarian's schedule |
| Heartworm prevention | Monthly (or as advised) | Year-round in most regions |
| Dental check | Annual cleaning as recommended | Watch for tartar buildup |
| Eye and ear health checks | Discuss with your vet | Part of the annual vet review |
| Senior wellness checks | Start from age 7 | Early detection of age-related conditions |
Additional concerns include hypothyroidism, allergies, epilepsy, diabetes, and glandular disorders that can cause baldness, with hair loss around six months of age. Ear infections can be an issue given the breed's love of water and hairy ears. Choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests is important. The Signs of a Healthy Pet guide is a useful home checklist.
Home Environment
The American Water Spaniel thrives in an active home with owners who appreciate an outdoorsy, athletic companion. It's well-suited to hunting families and anyone who loves the outdoors — and, with enough exercise, it adapts well to apartment life. The breed is good with children and enjoys being part of family activities.
The AWS bonds closely with its family, often with one particular person, and can be aloof with strangers. Owners should be prepared for its vocal nature and occasional stubborn streak. If you're weighing whether an American Water Spaniel fits your life, the Choosing the Right Pet guide can help you compare honestly.
Common Ownership Challenges
Owning an American Water Spaniel means appreciating a rare, independent-minded dog. The breed can be aloof with strangers, stubborn at times, and slow to mature mentally. It's vocal and can be food-possessive in some lines. Its high energy demands regular exercise, and its love of water means wet coats and ear care.
Yet for the right owner, the AWS is a treasure — a happy, eager, charming companion with a rich American heritage and a remarkable versatility. From the skiffs of Wisconsin market hunters to the state dog of Wisconsin, this curly brown spaniel has earned its place as one of the United States' five native hunting breeds — a dog of compromises, and a dog of the heart.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Versatile hunting dog — land and water
- Happy, eager, and charming companion
- Low-shedding curly coat
- Intelligent and trainable with variety
- Adaptable to apartment living with exercise
- Rich American heritage as state dog
Disadvantages
- Rare breed with limited availability
- Aloof with strangers; one-family dog
- Can be stubborn and slow to mature
- Vocal at times
- Some lines may be food-possessive
- Needs regular exercise and ear care
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do American Water Spaniels get? They stand 15 to 18 inches and weigh 25 to 45 pounds — males 30–45 pounds, females 25–40 pounds.
How long do American Water Spaniels live? Typically 10 to 13 years.
Are American Water Spaniels good family dogs? Yes — they're happy, eager, and get on well with children, though they can be aloof with strangers.
Are American Water Spaniels rare? Yes — only an estimated 3,000 exist at any given time, mostly in the Midwest.
Is the American Water Spaniel the state dog of Wisconsin? Yes — it officially became Wisconsin's state dog in 1985.
Are American Water Spaniels good with children? Yes — they enjoy playing with children when properly socialized.
Are American Water Spaniels good apartment dogs? They can be, as long as they receive enough exercise.
Do American Water Spaniels bark a lot? They can be quite vocal, especially when they want attention.
Are American Water Spaniels good hunters? Excellent — they're versatile hunting dogs skilled at retrieving both waterfowl and upland game.
Do American Water Spaniels shed? They're low shedders with a curly double coat, though the coat needs regular brushing.
Are American Water Spaniels easy to train? They're intelligent and take well to training, but they can be stubborn and prefer variety in training.
What health problems do American Water Spaniels have? The breed can be prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, allergies, and ear infections.