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AMERICAN WATER SPANIEL
Gun Dog Group

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 (lemon) eyes. Albinism.

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This Weekend At UKC

Tri-State CHA will be hosting an event this weekend, February 4 in Byhalia, Mississippi. More Information.

Kay-9 Pettiquette will be hosting events this weekend, February 4 & 5 in Yorkville, Illinois. More Information.

Find an event in your area.

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The Black & Tan is one of many tracking breeds that was developed in the south of the United States. The breed can trace its immediate ancestry to the American Foxhound and the Virginia Foxhound of colonial days, with probably the introduction of some Bloodhound stock. This latter would explain not only the coloration of the Black & Tan, but its tendency toward being larger-boned than other breeds, its long ears, and its famous cold nose. The American Black & Tan was the first coonhound breed to be admitted into registry with UKC. When they were first registered in 1900, and for several years after that, they were registered as American Black & Tan Fox & Coonhounds.



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