| American Water Spaniel | | | | Country of origin | | United States | | Classification and breed standards | | FCI: | Group 8 Section 3 #301 | Stds | | AKC: | Sporting | Stds | | CKC: | Group 1 - Sporting Dogs | | UKC: | Gun Dog Breeds | Stds | | The American Water Spaniel is a gundog breed little known outside North America. Image File history File links American_water_spaniel_01. ...
Image File history File links American_water_spaniel_01. ...
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI; in English, World Canine Organisation, although it is still referred to as FCI) is an international organisation based in Belgium. ...
The American Kennel Club (or AKC) is the largest registry of purebred dog pedigrees in the United States. ...
The Canadian Kennel Club (or C.K.C.) is the primary registry body for purebred dog pedigrees in Canada. ...
The United Kennel Club (or UKC) is the second oldest all-breed registry of purebred dog pedigrees in the United States and the second largest in the world. ...
Gundogs, also called bird dogs, are a category of dog breeds developed to assist hunters or sports people to retrieve prey, usually birds. ...
World map showing North America A satellite composite image of North America North America is a continent in the northern hemisphere bordered on the north by the Arctic Ocean, on the east by the North Atlantic Ocean, on the south by the Caribbean Sea, and on the west by the...
Appearance
 American Water Spaniel at work Weighing 25 to 45 pounds (11-20 kg) and standing 15 to 18 inches (36-46 cm) in height, he has a curly to marcel, coat that is dense and well-suited to resist cold water and weather. The coat's color is liver, brown, or chocolate. The American Water Spaniel (AWS) should have a rocker shaped tail, be somewhat compact in size with well proportioned features that gives and aire of balance to the dog. It should head should be broad and spaniel like with no topknot. Image File history File links American_water_spaniel_02. ...
Image File history File links American_water_spaniel_02. ...
Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ...
History The American Water Spaniel originated around the time of the mid 1800's but its true origin is a mystery. Most experts have come to accept the proclamation that it was likely developed in the Fox River and Wolf River valleys of Wisconsin. There is no documentation as to the specific breeds that were used to develop the AWS. Doc Pfeifer, the man credited with obtaining recognition of the breed in the 1920's, believed that the AWS was developed by crossing extinct English Water Spaniel and the Field Spaniel. Others have disputed this claim over time and it is currently accepted that the breeds involved in the development of the American Water Spaniel include the English Water Spaniel, Field Spaniel, Curly Coated Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and possibly the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
The American Water Spaniel was developed as a hunting dog in the market hunting days of our nation's history, hunters needed a dog that could function on land as well as in the marsh and that could easily fit into a canoe or skiff without taking up much room. The AWS fit the bill and most breed historians will tell you that Midwest market hunters made wide use of this dog. The AWS was not formally recognized as a purebred dog until the United Kennel Club did so in 1920, followed by the Field Dog Stud Book in 1938, and finally by the American Kennel Club in 1940.
Having reached its peak of popularity probably some time in the 1920’s and 1930’s the AWS has become the "Forgotten American" at many times in its history. Still, with the tenacity of spirit that exemplifies this little brown dog, the breed's enthusiasts have managed to maintain a reasonable population that is not likely to disappear from the scene any time soon.
Temperament An American original, this flushing spaniel also doubles as a competent retriever. Like many of the spaniel breeds he hunts both feather and fur with equal enthusiasm. Friendly, intelligent, and often willing to please this little brown dog holds many of the common spaniel characteristics. Most spaniels, like this English Cocker Spaniel, are small-to-medium dogs with drop ears and a longer coat. ...
A retriever is a family of gundogs that retrieve game for a hunter. ...
The AWS has a mind of its own at times and reaches peak performance with the owner that is dedicated to teaching the dog just what is expected of it. The breed takes well to training and especially excels at training that offers some variety rather than rote training drills. Harsh training techniques will not work for the majority of AWS. In fact, such techniques will often cause a dog to become shy or even bite out of fear. This is a breed for the trainer that is consistent and fair when dealing with the dog.
American Water Spaniels do not have to hunt to be happy. They make fine companion animals and because of their size they fit well in today’s cramped quarters. However, the breed does need exercise and training to mature into that loving friend we are all looking for. To avoid possessiveness, excessive barking, and a willingness to take over the household most owners will want to be sure that they attend a local obedience class and set aside daily play time for their companion.
Health While there is no one health issue that plagues the American Water Spaniel neither is it free of health concerns. A variety of problems have cropped up from time to time in the breed including cardiac abnormalities, cancer, hip dysplasia, diabetes, allergies, hypothyroidism, folicular dystrophy, epilepsy, and cataracts. All AWS used for breeding should receive health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for hips, hearts, and hypothyroidism as well as an eye clearance from the Canine Eye Registration Foundation. All reputable breeders will offer and supply the puppy buyer with a written health guarantee covering these more common health concerns.
External links= [http://www.awsfa.org The American Water Spaniel Field Association
http://www.americanwaterspanielclub.org The American Water Spaniel Club]
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