Contact UKC : Registration


AMERICAN WATER SPANIEL
Gun Dog Group
Official U.K.C. Breed Standard

Revised January 1, 2007



History

    The breed is "American made." It was developed in the Wolf and Fox River Valley region of East-Central Wisconsin. The rivers and large lakes they feed - Poygan, Butte des Morts and Winnebago - provided a waterfowl gunner's paradise in the late 1800's. They required a sturdy little dog that could shake off the cold and work marsh cover, yet could fit into a small canoe or skiff. It was for this purpose the breed was developed. Some say the breed developed from crosses of the now extinct English Water Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel and the Flat Coated Retriever. On February 8, 1920, the UKC registered the first American Water Spaniel, "Curly Pfeifer", named after Dr. F.J. Pfeifer, the first person to register the breed. By 1924, his kennel had developed the breed to the level of having three generations of his line of dogs and as a result was given the Purple Ribbon status. (At least three generations of the ancestors registered with UKC).

    The American Water Spaniel was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1920.

General Appearance
    The American Water Spaniel is a moderate-sized hunting dog, weighs from 25 to 45 pounds, is from 15 to 18 inches high at the withers, and is compact. It has a curly coat that is dark brown to liver in color, with a moderate length, rocker shaped, hair covered-tail.

Characteristics
    A sturdy little dog, with a good nose and a fondness for water, he is a busy worker, both eager to please and easily trained.

Head
    SKULL - Rather broad and full, moderate in length. Stop moderately defined. Forehead covered with short smooth hair and without tuft or topknot.

    MUZZLE - Of medium length and square, with no inclination towards snipiness.

    TEETH - A full complement of strong, straight, well shaped, white teeth meet in a bite that is neither undershot nor overshot.

    EYES - Well set apart, and somewhat round in shape. Color, hazel or brown, or of dark color to harmonize with the coat. Yellow (lemon) eyes are a disqualification.

    NOSE - Sufficiently wide and with well-developed nostrils to insure good scenting power.

    EARS - Long, wide and lobular, set slightly above the level of the eye. Leather extending to end of nose and well-covered with close curls.

Neck
    Round and of medium length, strong and muscular, free of throatiness, set to carry head with dignity; arched, but not accentuated.

Forequarters
    FORELEGS -- Medium length, powerful, well boned and reasonably straight.

Body
    General outline gives the impression of a symmetrical relationship of parts. Body is well-developed, sturdily constructed, but not too compactly coupled. Brisket deep, but not excessively broad. Well-sprung ribs. Strong loins slightly arched, without a tucked-up appearance.

Hindquarters
    HIND LEGS – Muscular, with suitably bent stifles and strong, well let down hocks that are rounded, not sharp or pointed in shape.

Feet
    Feet in proportion with size of dog. Toes closely coupled and well-padded.

Tail
    Is of moderate length, slightly curved in a rocker shape. Carried below the level of the back, tapered and covered with hair to tip. Action is lively.

    Faults: Rat or shaved tailed.

Coat
    The coat should be closely curled or have marcel effect and should be of sufficient density (and texture) to be protection against the elements.

    Faults: Coat too straight, soft, coarse, fine or tightly kinked.

Color
    Solid liver or dark chocolate. A little white on toes or chest is permissible.

Height & Weight
    Height ranges from 15 to 18 inches. Males, 28 to 45 pounds; females, 25 to 40 pounds.

Gait
    Well-balanced, with matching front reach and rear drive. No tendency for legs to cross over or interfere with one another. Hind legs move nearly parallel to front legs when viewed from behind.
Disqualifications
    Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Yellow eyes. Albinism.

Recent News At UKC

01/06/2009: 2009 UKC Texas Classic Pre-Entries ...   Read more here.

01/04/2009:

Grand American Saturday Nite Hunt Results

01/03/2009:

Grand American Saturday Bench Show Results

01/03/2009:

Grand American Friday Nite Hunt Results

01/02/2009:

2009 Grand American Candids

12/24/2008:

The Day Before Christmas at UKC

12/23/2008:

FLASH! The Rally Obedience Rules are now available!

12/16/2008:

Winter Classic Bench Show Judges Announced

12/16/2008:

Where Have All the Hunters Gone?

 

News Archive.

This Weekend At UKC

Grand American - Orangeburg, South Carolina. The January 1st opening ceremonies of Grand American mark the traditional start of the coonhound year! The first big competition event of 2009 will take place this weekend, with nite hunts and bench shows, the exciting start of a new Purina race, and of course great food, entertainment and fellowship. Head to the fairgrounds in Orangeburg this weekend to ring in the coonhound New Year!

Find an event in your area.

Bluetick Coonhound

UKC's third most widely registered breed is the Bluetick Coonhound. It is most likely that the Bluetick is principally descended from the quick foxhounds of England with some introduction of the blood of various French hounds which were used for hunting big game. The French dogs were known as being very cold nosed. George Washington received five such French hounds from General Lafayette. Blueticks were originally registered with UKC as English. In 1946, at the request of the Bluetick fanciers, UKC began registering Blueticks as a separate breed.



Read more about UKC's many dog breeds here.


UKC T-Shirts
, Only $12!


UKC Duffle Bags
, now only $35!


UKC Fleece-lined Nylon Jackets
, now on sale for $35.

©Copyright 2009. United Kennel Club, Inc. All rights reserved.
For more information feel free to contact us here.