Morrison - American Water Spaniel

Physical Characteristics of the American Water Spaniel

(from the American Kennel Club breed standard )

Head: Must be in proportion to the overall dog. Moderate in length.

Skull: Rather broad and full, stop moderately defined, but not too pronounced.

Eyes: Set well apart, while slightly rounded, should not appear protruding or bulging. Lids tight, not drooping. Eye color can range from a light yellowish brown to brown, hazel or of dark tone to harmonize with coat.

Muzzle: Moderate in length, square with good depth. No inclination to snipiness. The lips are clean and tight without excess skin or flews. Bite either scissors or level.

Nose: Dark in color, black or dark brown. The nose sufficiently wide and with well-developed nostrils to insure good scenting power.

Forequarters: Shoulders sloping, clean and muscular. Legs medium in length, straight and well-boned but not so short as to handicap for field work or so heavy as to appear clumsy. Pasterns strong with no suggestion of weakness. Toes closely grouped, webbed and well-padded. Size of feet to harmonize with size of dog. Front dewclaws are permissible.

Ears: Set slightly above the eye line but not too high on the head, lobular, long and wide with leather extending to nose.

Neck: Round and of medium length, strong and muscular, free of throatiness, set to carry head with dignity. Topline level or slight, straight slope from withers.

Body: Well-developed, sturdily constructed but not too compactly coupled. Well-developed brisket extending to elbow. The ribs well-sprung. The loins strong.

Size: 15 to 18 inches for either sex. Males weighing 3045 lbs. Females weighing 2540 lbs.

Color: Either solid liver, brown or dark chocolate. A little white on toes and chest permissible.

Hindquarters: Well-developed hips and thighs with the whole rear assembly showing strength and drive. The hock joint slightly rounded, moderately angulated. Legs from hock joint to foot pad moderate in length, strong and straight with good bone structure. Hocks parallel.

Tail: Moderate in length, curved in a rocker fashion, can be carried either slightly below or above the level of the back. The tail is tapered, lively and covered with hair with moderate feathering.

Coat: Can range from marcel (uniform waves) to closely curled. The amount of waves or curls can vary from one area to another on the dog. It is important to have undercoat to provide sufficient density to be of protection against weather, water or punishing cover, yet not too coarse or too soft. The throat, neck and rear of the dog well-covered with hair. The ear well-covered with hair on both sides with ear canal evident upon inspection. Forehead covered with short smooth hair and without topknot. Tail covered with hair to tip with moderate feathering. Legs have moderate feathering with waves or curls to harmonize with coat of dog. Coat may be trimmed to present a well groomed appearance; the ears may be shaved; but neither is required.

Contents

Dive into the origins of this versatile and endearing water spaniel. Also known as Americas Own, the American Water Spaniel shares the company of very few breeds developed in the United States. As you trace the ancestry of this delightful hunter and companion, meet the determined founder of the breed, Dr. F. J. Doc Pfeifer, and other people and dogs instrumental in the breeds establishment.

The American Water Spaniel loves to be the center of attention whether in the field, show ring or home and is quite impressive in all three arenas. See what makes the AWS so versatile and why it is equally respected in both the field and the home. With a penchant for hearing its own voice and a size that wont tip the boat, learn whether or not the AWS is for you.

Learn the requirements of a well-bred American Water Spaniel by studying the description of the breed set forth in the American Kennel Club standard. Both show dogs and pets must possess key characteristics as outlined in the breed standard.

Find out about how to locate a well-bred American Water Spaniel puppy. Discover which questions to ask the breeder and what to expect when visiting the litter. Prepare for your puppy-accessory shopping spree. Also discussed are home safety, the first trip to the vet, socialization and solving basic puppy problems.

Cover the specifics of taking care of your American Water Spaniel every day: feeding for the puppy, adult and senior dog; grooming, including coat care, ears, eyes, nails and bathing; and exercise needs for your dog. Also discussed are the essentials of dog ID, safe travel with your dog and boarding.

Begin with the basics of training the puppy and adult dog. Learn the principles of house-training the American Water Spaniel, including the use of crates and basic scent instincts. Get started by introducing the pup to his collar and leash and progress to the basic commands. Find out about obedience classes and training for water sports.

By Lowell Ackerman DVM, DACVD

Become your dogs healthcare advocate and a well-educated canine keeper. Select a skilled and able veterinarian. Discuss pet insurance, vaccinations and infectious diseases, the neuter/spay decision and a sensible, effective plan for parasite control, including fleas, ticks and worms.

Know when to consider your American Water Spaniel a senior and what special needs he will have. Learn to recognize the signs of aging in terms of physical and behavioral traits and what your vet can do to optimize your dogs golden years. Consider some advice about saying goodbye to your beloved pet.

Step into the center ring and find out about the world of showing pure-bred dogs. Heres how to get started in AKC shows, how they are organized and whats required for your dog to become a champion. Take a leap into the realms of obedience and field trials, agility and hunting tests.