Life expectancy

11 years

Age adult

20 months

Height (Shoulder height)

43 cm

Weight

16 kg

Coat texture

medium length / undercoat / short straight hair on the face / wavy to curly

Coat color

brown, leather-brown, brown, white markings on toes and chest permitted

Common illnesses

dysplasia of the hip joint / patellar dislocation / ear diseases / idiopathic epilepsy / progressive retina atrophy / autoimmune hemolytic anemia / glaucoma

Food expenses per month in €

about € 41

Suitable for children

Rather yes

Needs a garden

Rather not

Hunting motivated / needs alternative employment

Rather yes

First dog suitable

Rather yes

Allergy friendly

Rather not

Athletic

Attention

Care and grooming

Eager to learn

Exercise

Nature

vivacious / happy / alert / playful / clingy / intelligent / loves water

Bred for

assistant in water (catch fish, cast out and take in of fishnets; diving and retreiving objects), save shipwrecked people, work or hunt in water / hunting dog, hound

Common illnesses

dysplasia of the hip joint / patellar dislocation / ear diseases / idiopathic epilepsy / progressive retina atrophy / autoimmune hemolytic anemia / glaucoma

Dog type according to FCI

retrievers - flushing dogs - water dogs

FCI description

Retrieval dogs are to find shot game and bring it to the hunter. They are mainly used for duck or small game hunting. This is where their love of water comes from. They have a "soft mouth" in order not to damage the delicate prey with their teeth. Since they always want to please their humans, are usually compatible, social and balanced, they are popular companion dogs. Nevertheless it must not be forgotten that they want to live out their needs as hunting dogs, i.e. they have to be intellectually and athletically challenged. Today they are also often trained as rescue dogs, and their fine nose and love for people help them to do so.

Flushing dogs look independently (without visual contact to the hunter) for the track in thicket and unclear terrain for tall game or small game. If the game is found, the hunt-dog is track-laut, scare it up and drives it through its gebell to the hunter. They are agile, independent, tend to bark and have a certain obstinacy. However, when they are engaged in a species-appropriate way, with a lot of exercise and nose work, they are patient and friendly dogs.

Water dogs work hunting in the water, fishing, catching fishing nets or helping shipwrecked people. They are alert, adaptable, agile and seek spiritual challenges.

You should give dogs in this group the opportunity to use their sense of smell and their urge to move and partly to hunt.

Short description

The American Water Spaniel is an ambitious hunting dog and gets bored easily without being engaged in adequate activities. His coat needs regular grooming. However, it is a good isolator, therefore he has no problems playing in water or in the cold. He is a good watch dog, but with a friendly and playful character, who wants to be loved by everyone.