American Water Spaniel

American Water Spaniel

American Water Spaniel
Other names	American Brown Spaniel, American Brown Water Spaniel
Common nicknames	AWS
Origin	United States
Traits Weight Male 25–40 lb (11–18 kg) Female 25–40 lb (11–18 kg) Height Male 15–18 inches (38–46 cm) Female 15–18 inches (38–46 cm) Coat Double coated, curly exterior layer Color Shades of brown Litter size 5 pups Life span 10–12
Classification / standards FCI Group 8, Section 3 Water Dogs #301 standard AKC Sporting standard CKC Sporting standard UKC Gun Dog standard
Notes	State dog of Wisconsin
Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The American Water Spaniel, (often abbreviated to AWS), is a breed of spaniel which is one of a small number of breeds originating in the United States. Developed in the state of Wisconsin during the 19th century from a number of other breeds, including the Irish and English Water Spaniels. The breed was saved by Dr. Fred J. Pfeifer, who set up the breed club and standard, and whose work led to recognition for the breed by the United Kennel Club, and later, the American Kennel Club. While they are the state dog of Wisconsin, they remain a rare breed.

They are medium-sized dog, and have a double layered coat, which comes in a variety of brown related shades. A versatile hunting dog, they are also suitable for apartment life due to work by breeders to develop a breed with an even temperament. The AWS may have been involved in the development of the Boykin Spaniel.

Developed in the United States, the American Water Spaniel is the Wisconsin state dog. The breed originated in the areas along the Fox River and its tributary the Wolf River during the early 19th century. Hunters needed a dog that could work on both land and water, a versatile hunter skilled at bringing in a variety of game. Hunters also wanted a hunting dog compact enough to be transported in a small skiff, one that was able to withstand Wisconsin's cold water temperatures. Breeds involved in the creation of the American Water Spaniel are thought to have included the English Water Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, Curly Coated Retriever, native Indian Dogs, the Poodle, and either the Sussex Spaniel or another type of field spaniel.