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American Water Spaniels: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

American Water Spaniel temperament, personality, training, behavior, pros and cons, advice, and information, by Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books

American Water Spaniel dog breed

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 individuals 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.

The American Water Spaniel is a bit of a challenge to train. He has a stubborn streak and is not as eager to please as some other spaniels. At the same time he is highly sensitive and may respond defensively if he thinks he is being treated unfairly (whether he actually is or not!) Consistent leadership is a must.


If you want a dog who...

  • Is medium-sized 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

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.

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Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament  is less predictable than the inheritance of physical  traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.

FREE eBooks by Michele Welton

dog icon"Respect Training for Puppies"  and "Teach Your Dog 100 English Words"  are free step by step guides to teaching your pup to be calm and well-behaved.

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  • You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult American Water Spaniels have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
  • If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy.

More traits and characteristics of the American Water Spaniel

If I was considering an American Water Spaniel, I would be most concerned about...

  1. Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. American Water Spaniels were developed to be hunting dogs. They must have regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become bored, which they usually express by barking and destructive chewing. You should be an active owner who enjoys long daily walks, hiking, swimming, or visits to the dog park.
  2. Potential separation anxiety. More than most other breeds, American Water Spaniels need a great deal of companionship. They 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Mind of their own. American Water Spaniels can be stubborn and manipulative. You must show them that you mean what you say. To teach your spaniel to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. Read my free online training programs.
  5. Potential 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 before this behavior becomes a bad habit.
  6. Finding one. American Water Spaniels are rare. You will almost certainly need to go on a waiting list, whether you want a puppy from a breeder or an adult dog from a rescue group.

Michele Welton with BuffyAbout the author: Michele Welton has over 40 years of experience as a Dog Trainer, Dog Breed Consultant, and founder of three Dog Training Centers. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs.

My best-selling books – now available  FREE  on my website


book coverRespect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy is for puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Click here to read for free.
book coverTeach Your Dog 100 English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Click here to read for free.
book cover11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy helps your dog live a longer, healthier life. Get my honest advice about all 11 Things before you bring home your new puppy, because some mistakes with early health care cannot be undone. Click here to read for free.

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