THE AMERICAN WATER SPANIEL
(The American Kennel Clubs Standard and Description)
GENERAL APPEARANCE
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.
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.
DISQUALIFICATION
Yellow eyes.
Approved March 13, 1990
Effective May 1, 1990
We have included links and pages to help you find a Puppy or Breeder
or to simply help people learn more about this breed.
We invite Clubs, Organizations and Reputable Breeders to submit
links and information to help make this site as informative as possible.
CONTACT: Stacy at
SPORTING BREEDS CENTRAL
Sporting Breeds Central AMERICAN WATER SPANIEL Breeders Directory and Litter Ads
The AMERICAN WATER SPANIEL Parent Club
AMERICAN WATER SPANIEL Rescue Organizations
THE AMERICAN WATER SPANIEL CLUB
THE AMERICAN WATER SPANIEL BREED FAQ
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