The American Water Spaniel was
developed in the United States as an all-around hunting dog, bred to
retrieve from skiff or canoes and work ground with relative ease. The
American Water Spaniel is an active muscular dog, medium in size with a
marcel to curly coat. Emphasis is placed on proper size and a
symmetrical relationship of parts, texture of coat and color.
|
|
| Breed Name |
American Water Spaniel |
| Country Of
Origin |
United States |
| Group |
Sporting |
|
Coat |
Waves to Closely Curled |
|
Height |
15"
to 18" |
| Weight |
35 to 45 lbs |
| Temperament |
Friendly, Intelligent |
| Activity Level |
Very High |
| Learning Rate |
Very High |
|
Litter Size |
N/A |
| Life Span |
12 to 15 Years |
|
If you are interested in an
American Water Spaniel
puppy:
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Size, Proportion, Substance
15 to 18 inches for either sex. Males weighing 30-45 lbs. Females
weighing 25-40 lbs. Females tend to be slightly smaller than the males.
There is no preference for size within the given range of either sex
providing correct proportion, good substance and balance is maintained.
Proportion--is slightly longer than tall, not too square
or compact. However, exact proportion is not as important as the dog
being well-balanced and sound, capable of performing the breed's
intended function. Substance --a solidly built and
well-muscled dog full of strength and quality. The breed has as much
substance and bone as necessary to carry the muscular structure but not
so much as to appear clumsy.
Head
The head must be in proportion to the overall dog. Moderate in length.
Expression is alert, self-confident, attractive and
intelligent. Medium size eyes set well apart, while
slightly rounded, should not appear protruding or bulging. Lids tight,
not drooping. Eye color can range from a light yellowish brown to brown,
hazel or of dark tone to harmonize with coat. Disqualify yellow eyes.
Yellow eyes are a bright color like that of lemon, not to be confused
with the light yellowish brown. Ears set slightly above
the eye line but not too high on the head, lobular, long and wide with
leather extending to nose.
Skull rather broad and full, stop moderately
defined, but not too pronounced. Muzzle moderate in
length, square with good depth. No inclination to snipiness, The lips
are clean and tight without excess skin or flews. Nose dark in color,
black or dark brown. The nose sufficiently wide and with well-developed
nostrils to insure good scenting power. Bite either
scissor or level.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck round and of medium length, strong and muscular, free
of throatiness, set to carry head with dignity, but arch not
accentuated. Topline level or slight, straight slope from
withers. Body well-developed, sturdily constructed but not
too compactly coupled. Well-developed brisket extending to elbow neither
too broad nor too narrow. The ribs well-sprung, but not so well-sprung
that they interfere with the movement of the front assembly. The loins
strong, but not having a tucked-up look. Tail is moderate
in length, curved in a rocker fashion, can be carried either slightly
below or above the level of the back. The tail is tapered, lively and
covered with hair with moderate feathering.
Forequarters
Shoulders sloping, clean and muscular. Legs medium in length, straight
and well-boned but not so short as to handicap for field work or so
heavy as to appear clumsy. Pasterns strong with no suggestion of
weakness. Toes closely grouped, webbed and well-padded. Size of feet to
harmonize with size of dog. Front dewclaws are permissible.
Hindquarters
Well-developed hips and thighs with the whole rear assembly showing
strength and drive. The hock joint slightly rounded, should not be small
and sharp in contour, moderately angulated. Legs from hock joint to foot
pad moderate in length, strong and straight with good bone structure.
Hocks parallel.
Coat
Coat can range from marcel (uniform waves) to closely curled. The amount
of waves or curls can vary from one area to another on the dog. It is
important to have undercoat to provide sufficient density to be of
protection against weather, water or punishing cover, yet not too coarse
or too soft. The throat, neck and rear of the dog well-covered with
hair. The ear well-covered with hair on both sides with ear canal
evident upon inspection. Forehead covered with short smooth hair and
without topknot. Tail covered with hair to tip with moderate feathering.
Legs have moderate feathering with waves or curls to harmonize with coat
of dog. Coat may be trimmed to present a wellgroomed appearance; the
ears may be shaved; but neither is required.
Color
Color either solid liver, brown or dark chocolate. A little white on
toes and chest permissible.
Gait
The American Water Spaniel moves with well-balanced reach and drive.
Watching a dog move toward one, there should be no signs of elbows being
out. Upon viewing the dog from the rear, one should get the impression
that the hind legs, which should be well-muscled and not cowhocked, move
as nearly parallel as possible, with hocks doing their full share of
work and flexing well, thus giving the appearance of power and strength.
Temperament
Demeanor indicates intelligence, eagerness to please and friendly. Great
energy and eagerness for the hunt yet controllable in the field.
If you are interested in a
American
Water Spaniel Puppy:
See our
PUPPIES FOR SALE
or use our
FREE PUPPY FINDER program. |
