Appearance

The American Water Spaniel has a solid and robust build, with large and drooping ears framing a face that sports an eager and intelligent expression. It has a curly or wavy coat that is oiled to provide a good degree of water resistance, and it also wears an undercoat. The hair on the head and face tends to be smooth, and the coloring includes liver, brown and dark chocolate.

History

No one knows for sure how the American Water Spaniel came to be, but most dog enthusiasts believe it originated as a cross between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Curly-Coated Retriever. Bred specifically to hunt in the swamps, bogs, river and lakes of the American Midwest, these canines continue to help people and provide companionship all across the country.