Sporting breed Medium size 11-20 kg

American Water Spaniel

A rare, versatile hunting spaniel that is eager and biddable, suited to an active owner who will keep its curly coat in order.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Medium
Size
11-20 kg · 38-46 cm
High
Exercise needs
High; needs a solid hour or more each day
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Copes with a normal workday if eased in
Trainable
Training
Eager and responsive to training
Moderate
Coat care
Weekly brushing keeps it tidy
Good
Fit with kids
Good, patient family dog
Good
Other pets
Generally sociable with other animals
Light
Health burden
Dental Disease, Hip Dysplasia

The American Water Spaniel typically weighs 11-20 kg, stands 38-46 cm, and lives 12-14 years.

Consider this breed if…

you hunt, paddle, swim or hike and want a compact dog that does it all,
you want retriever willingness in a canoe-sized 11-20 kg package,
you like a one-family dog that bonds hard to its own people,
you can give an hour-plus of real activity daily, water included when possible.

Do not consider this breed if…

you want an instantly available puppy - this is one of the rarest AKC breeds, waitlists are normal,
the dog would be a backyard ornament; a bored AWS whines, barks and digs,
you dislike alarm barking; many are vocal watchdogs by default,
you want a social butterfly with strangers - polite reserve is typical.

A typical day with a American Water Spaniel

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    Long walk or a swim - water is this dog's element
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Settles near you; keeps one eye on the door
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Fetch or scent games in the yard
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Training session - retrieving drills are pure joy
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Family time; announces every visitor
  6. 21:00 · Night
    Sleeps close to its person

Temperament and training

Retrieving drive Very high
Love of water Very high
Trainability High
Sensitivity High
Vocality High
Reserve with strangers Moderate
Common owner mistakes
Heavy-handed training - this sensitive breed shuts down under harsh correction · Skipping ear care on a floppy-eared swimmer, then fighting chronic infections · Buying on impulse from the only available litter without health testing

Family and environment

Kids Good
Playful and patient with its own family's children.
Dogs Good
Generally sociable; some same-sex selectivity occurs.
Cats Conditional
Usually fine when raised together; birds are a riskier mix.
Apartment Conditional
Possible with serious daily exercise; barking needs work.
House with a yard Suitable
Best base for an active outdoor routine.
City Manages
Adapts if exercise and water access are arranged.
Countryside Ideal
Marsh, lake and field - the life it was bred for.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Light

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Dental Disease Routine dental care and cleanings needed
Hip Dysplasia Screen breeding stock; watch for early lameness
Chronic Ear Infections Keep the ears dry and check them often
Progressive Retinal Atrophy Genetic test available; leads to vision loss

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

The bigger, rarer curly water specialist
Irish Water Spaniel
A clever, energetic curly-coated retriever with a low-shedding coat - a joy for active outdoorsy owners, but easily bored and reserved with strangers.
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Similar coat and water drive, larger frame
Curly Coated Retriever
An independent, athletic retriever with a distinctive curly coat - loyal and versatile for active owners who enjoy training.
View profile →
Another rare, level-headed working spaniel
Field Spaniel
A calm, affectionate spaniel that suits a family wanting a moderate gundog, though the coat and ears need routine care.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does an American Water Spaniel cost?
Puppies typically run $1,000-$2,000, but the real cost is time: this is one of the rarest AKC breeds, with only a small number of litters a year, so waitlists of months and travel to the Upper Midwest are common. Over a 12-14 year life, food and routine vet care usually add $12,000-$20,000 or more.
Is the American Water Spaniel a good family dog?
Yes, for the family it belongs to - it is affectionate, playful and patient with its own children. It tends to be a one-family dog, politely reserved with strangers and inclined to announce visitors loudly. Give it daily work and inclusion in family life and it is a devoted, manageable companion.
Does the American Water Spaniel really need to swim?
Swimming is not mandatory, but water work is what the breed was designed for and most AWS love it deeply. What is mandatory is an hour or more of genuine daily activity - retrieving, hiking, training. Regular access to safe water is the easiest way to meet that need, and dry the ears afterward every time.
Why is the American Water Spaniel so rare?
It stayed a regional working dog of Wisconsin and Michigan hunters and never caught the show or pet market's attention. Registrations number only in the low hundreds annually. Rarity here means honest scarcity, not exclusivity pricing - reputable breeders exist but you will wait, and casual buyers often give up first.