How to Identify an American Water Spaniel

American Water Spaniels are hunting dogs, and members of the sporting group. They love the outdoors, and can be athletic. [1] This wikiHow will help you figure out whether or not a dog is an American Water Spaniel.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Body Structure

  1. American Water Spaniels are medium-sized dogs overall, with both males and females being anywhere from 15–18 inches (38–46 cm) tall. Male American Water Spaniels can weigh anywhere between 30–45 pounds (14–20 kg), while females generally weigh somewhere between 25–40 pounds (11–18 kg). [2]
  2. American Water Spaniels have medium-sized eyes, that are well apart from each other and slightly rounded. They also do not protrude or bulge. [3]
    • American Water Spaniels have many possible eye colors, ranging from a light yellowish brown color to brown, or they may also be hazel, or a dark color in harmonization with the coat. [4]
    Advertisement
  3. American Water Spaniels have ears that are a little above their eye line, though not too high on the head. They are long, lobular-shaped and wide. [5]
  4. American Water Spaniels have webbed toes that are closely grouped. The paws are well-padded, and the dog may have dewclaws. [6]
  5. American Water Spaniels have tails that are of moderate length, curved (in a “rocker” style), and carried above or slightly below the level of the back. It has a lively and tapered appearance, the entire tail is covered in hair, and there is moderate feathering. [7]
  6. Overall, American Water Spaniels have a muscular, symmetrical appearance. It has a well-balanced gait overall, and there are no signs of the elbows of the dog being out. [8]
    Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Coat

  1. There are 3 possible colors that an American Water Spaniel can be, including brown, dark chocolate, or a solid liver color. [9]
    • American Water Spaniels sometimes also have a small amount of white on their toes and/or their chest. [10]
  2. An American Water Spaniel may have either wavy or curly hair, with the exact amount of waves or curls differing from place to place on the dog. [11]

    Did you know? The exact origin of the American Water Spaniel is not fully known, but it is thought that the breed's ancestors may include the Irish Water Spaniel , Curly-Coated Retriever, Field Spaniel, and the extinct English Water Spaniel. [12] All of these breeds have, had, or can have curly/wavy coats like the American Water Spaniel.

  3. Similar to the tail, an American Water Spaniel should have some feathering on their legs. [13]
    • This hair will be either wavy or curly, similar to the rest of their coat. [14]
    Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Temperament

  1. American Water Spaniels are active dogs. Because of this, they will need regular exercise [15] , through things such as regular walks or games of fetch.
    • A lack of exercise may cause an American Water Spaniel to bark often or chew on things, so be aware. [16]
  2. Known for being easygoing, American Water Spaniels overall friendly and happy dogs. They can develop close bonds with its family members, and they prove their loyalty by demonstrating protective behaviors toward them. [17]
    • Their protectiveness and tendency to speak make American Water Spaniels excellent watchdogs.
  3. American Water Spaniels may bark, whine, or howl in order to get something. Because they are prone to separation anxiety, they may tend to express this vocally. [18]
  4. American Water Spaniels are very intelligent and trainable. Though they may have a stubborn streak, they desire to please their owners and enjoy challenges. They are also quick to comprehend new concepts and are typically obedient. [19]
    Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit

      Advertisement

      Tips

      • If you’d like to know for sure whether or not your dog is an American Water Spaniel, consider DNA testing. This will help confirm the breed of your dog.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Stop Cat Bullying: Recognizing the Signs and Stopping the Behavior
      How to
      Tame a Feral Cat
      How to
      Calm a Dog During Thunderstorms
      How to
      Trick Your Dog Into Drinking Water
      How to
      Make a Dog Stop Biting
      How to
      Remove a Tick from a Cat
      How to
      Get Dog Poop Out of Your Carpet in 8 Easy Steps
      How to
      Keep Ants Off Hummingbird Feeders
      How to
      Identify Canine Ear Mites
      How to
      Leash Train a Puppy
      How to
      Recognize Distemper Symptoms in Dogs
      How to
      Get Your Cat to Like You
      How to
      Give an Insulin Shot to Dogs
      How to
      Teach Your Dog to Sit
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/american-water-spaniel/
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanWaterSpaniel.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanWaterSpaniel.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanWaterSpaniel.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanWaterSpaniel.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanWaterSpaniel.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanWaterSpaniel.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanWaterSpaniel.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanWaterSpaniel.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanWaterSpaniel.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanWaterSpaniel.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/7-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-american-water-spaniel/
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanWaterSpaniel.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanWaterSpaniel.pdf
      6. ↑ https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/american-water-spaniel
      7. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/american-water-spaniel
      8. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/american-water-spaniel-temperament/
      9. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/american-water-spaniel-temperament/
      10. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/american-water-spaniel-temperament/

      About this article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,310 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement