Purebred Dogs vs. Mixed Breed Dogs Which Dog Breed Is Best For You? 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy Advice You Can Trust: 180 Dog Breed Reviews Teach Your Dog 100 English Words How To Buy a Good Dog

American Water Spaniels: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about American Water Spaniel personality and behavior. main page breed review faq health training adopting/buying links My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the American Water Spaniel, including these excerpts: "The AKC Standard says that the American Water Spaniel has "great energy and eagerness for the hunt." This solidly built breed is happy, hardy, and adaptable, but also energetic and in need of a good amount of daily exercise. Swimming and fetching are especially appreciated. Too much confinement or isolation can lead to hyperactivity and destructive behavior. The temperament of the American Water Spaniel is about midway between that of an ingratiating English Springer Spaniel and a self-reliant Irish Water Spaniel. American Water Spaniels who have been extensively socialized are friendly, but many make alert watchdogs and may not always welcome strangers into their home. Most are fine with other family pets, though some can be dominant with strange dogs. Not as eager to please as some other spaniels, the American Water Spaniel has a stubborn, assertive streak. Consistent leadership is a must, and obedience training must be persuasive rather than sharp, because he is sensitive and can become defensive (growling or snapping) if jerked around." History Wisconsin hunters developed this durable little retriever, who will plunge readily into the icy bays of the Great Lakes and not tip the boat over when he climbs back in. He is the state dog of Wisconsin. Size 18 inches and 30-45 lbs

American Water Spaniels What's good about 'em What's bad about 'em If you want a dog who... Is medium size and solidly built, with a wavy brownish coat Is more discriminating with strangers than most spaniels, and makes a better watchdog Loves vigorous athletic activities Is hardy and healthy Is uncommon An American Water Spaniel may be right for you. If you don't want to deal with... Providing lots of exercise "Separation anxiety" (destructiveness and barking) when left alone too much Suspiciousness toward strangers if not socialized enough Stubbornness (mind of his own) Vocalness - barking, whining, and yodeling Waiting lists (hard to find) An American Water Spaniel may not be right for you. If I were considering an American Water Spaniel... My major concerns would be: Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. American Water Spaniels MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by barking and destructive chewing. If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking or swimming, or to get involved in hunting, or agility (obstacle course), or advanced obedience, or tracking, or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend this breed. Separation anxiety. More than most other breeds, American Water Spaniels need a great deal of companionship and do not like being left alone for more than a few hours. They tend to express their unhappiness through destructive chewing and barking. If you work all day, this is not the breed for you. Providing enough socialization. Standoffish by nature, American Water Spaniels need extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds. Otherwise their natural caution can become shyness or suspiciousness, which are difficult to live with and could even lead to defensive biting. Mind of their own. American Water Spaniels are not Golden Retrievers. They can be stubborn and manipulative. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. To teach your spaniel to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My American Water Spaniel Training Page discusses the program you need. Barking. American Water Spaniels are often too quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them. Finding one. In the United States, less than 180 new American Water Spaniel puppies are registered each year. Compare that to over 60,000 new Golden Retriever puppies! Not all American Water Spaniels are alike! There are energetic Water Spanielss, and placid Water Spanielss. Hard-headed Water Spanielss, and sweet-natured Water Spanielss. Serious Water Spanielss, and good-natured goofballs. Introverted Water Spanielss, and Water Spanielss who love everyone. If you acquire an American Water Spaniels puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." If you're considering an adult American Water Spaniel... There are plenty of adult American Water Spaniels who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you. When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS. If you would like to link to this review, here is the HTML code: <a href="http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/americanwaterspaniels.html">American Water Spaniels: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em</a> Copyright © 2000-2008 by Michele Welton. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without the permission of the author.