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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Yellow eyes. Albinism.