Medium13.5 yr avg
English Springer Spaniel
AKC · Sporting
Read breed guideMediumSporting Group
American Water Spaniel
The American Water Spaniel was developed in 19th-century Wisconsin as a compact flushing-and-retrieving breed suited to Great Lakes waterfowling from small boats.
Lifespan12 yrrange 10–14
SizeMediumSporting Group
Weight25–45 lb11.3–20.4 kg
Senior at7 yrgeriatric at 11
Gallery (3)
About
About the American Water Spaniel
The American Water Spaniel was developed in 19th-century Wisconsin as a compact flushing-and-retrieving breed suited to Great Lakes waterfowling from small boats. Designated the state dog of Wisconsin in 1985.
Aging
How American Water Spaniels age
Not in the RVC VetCompass cohort; breed-standard estimates indicate 10-14 years. Cataracts at 7.5% on OFA screens lead late-life findings; the small founding population has concentrated some inherited eye and cardiac conditions.
Physical
Physical characteristics
- Weight
- 25–45 lb(11.3–20.4 kg)
- Height
- 15–18 in(38.1–45.7 cm)
- Coat type
- Curly
- Colors
- BrownChocolateLiver
Temperament
Temperament
How American Water Spaniels tend to show up around their people, other dogs, and the world.
energeticfriendlyintelligentloyal
- Energy3/5
- Trainability5/5
- Good with kids3/5
- Good with other dogs3/5
- Shedding1/5
Health
Common health issues
- Moderatetypical onset ~7 yr
Cataracts
Description and veterinary guidance for Cataracts land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
- Moderatetypical onset ~8 yr
Degenerative Myelopathy
Description and veterinary guidance for Degenerative Myelopathy land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
- Moderatetypical onset ~6 yr
Adult-Onset Cardiac Disease (Echocardiogram)
Description and veterinary guidance for Adult-Onset Cardiac Disease (Echocardiogram) land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
Exercise
45min
per dayAmerican Water Spaniels are satisfied by around 45 minutes of daily activity (energy level 3/5). Short, regular outings beat one long session.
Related
Related breeds
Breeds with a similar size and group profile, for readers comparing options.
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References
Sources
Lifespan and health figures on this page are drawn from the peer-reviewed and organizational sources below.
- AKC breed standardAmerican Kennel Club breed page
Breed size, weight range, height, AKC group, origin, coat type, and temperament baseline.