General characteristics of the animal, versions of the origin of the American water spaniel, development and popularization, recognition and current status. The American water spaniel or American water spaniel is one of the few breeds specially bred in the United States of America for use by local hunters. Although the species' exact origins are uncertain at best and are not thoroughly known, its ancestors are believed to include ancient canid species such as the Irish Water Spaniel, the now extinct English Water Spaniel, and even unidentifiable dogs native to the early-educated continents of America.
Other common breeds that are believed to have had a later influence on the American Water Spaniel are: Curly Coated Retrievers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Poodles, Sussex Spaniels, and Field Spaniels. However, there is little evidence that can clarify exactly which canines were used in its creation. Therefore, the American water spaniel will forever remain a "mysterious" dog.
The American Water Spaniel is a medium, muscular dog. It has a moderately long head with a broad skull. The muzzle is square and deep. Slightly rounded eyes have a shade compatible with coat color: yellow-brown, dark brown or hazel. The ears are long, lobed; installed just above eye level.
The muscular neck is rounded with a slight arch, merging into an oblique back, giving the top an even appearance. Chest harmoniously developed. The tail of the species is of moderate length, flexible with a slight bend. Solid coat: liver, brown and dark chocolate. A double, slightly wavy, water-repellent coat with a dense undercoat.
Versions of the origin of the American Water Spaniel
References to dogs such as spaniels have historically been recorded in early European records. Their original ancestors may have migrated to the continent of Europe with nomadic hunting tribes as early as 900 BC. The development of the spaniel family in Great Britain and Ireland as hunting dogs is carefully documented in the pages of the chronicles. Ultimately, these animals will be divided into two distinct groups: the ground spaniel and the water spaniel.
The British Isles Water Spaniels have a long and rich experience in catching and carrying game. Such breeds have always been kept in the extensive nurseries of the Old English aristocracy. Although the American Water Spaniel (like many other modern typical canines) originally descended from such a noble line, this particular species is believed to have had a much more humble beginnings.
From the many theories that abound in stories about the creation of the American Water Spaniel, there are reports that the first specimens probably arrived in America on early ships sent to explore the "new world." Experts argue that the breed's original development as a hunter and retriever may well have been done by Native Americans (who, as happened, got dogs from trade deals), hunting on their lands before the intensive migration of white settlers. But of course, this is mostly speculative reasoning, since it is impossible to accurately know the true origin and genealogy of the American water spaniel.
Other legends attribute the appearance of this species of spaniel to the Civil War (mid-1800s) in the Wisconsin and Wolf River valleys. During this difficult period in history, hunting served as the main source of food. People hunting along the river valleys often brought the game they caught to sell in local markets. In part because of this, the region of America, which was surrounded by the Wisconsin and Wolf Rivers (Great Lakes region), can be considered the most likely location for American water spaniels. Its development is said to have been heavily accentuated by fieldwork.
The men hunting in this corner of the country then needed a compact dog that could swim and take game perfectly, withstand the cold and harsh influences of the climate and be compact enough to travel with people in small boats. The American Water Spaniel, or "Brown Spaniel," as it was called at the time, met all these requirements well, regardless of its origin. Most likely, it was improved by local hunters at an early stage of its development.
The American water spaniel, popular especially in the Great Lakes region, has become a good helper for local hunters. At this stage, the origin of the variety is very similar to the story of the boykin spaniel, which were bred and developed by American hunters in the Carolines. Some believe that the American Water Spaniel may be related in part to Boykin ancestry. These two breeds are very similar to each other in appearance, purpose of use and their working abilities. Of course, it is not known for sure whether they are relatives, but, regardless of their relationship with each other, historically, the two species developed respectively side by side, but in different regions of the United States of America.
History of the development and popularization of the American Water Spaniel
As the 19th century drew to a close, the passage of time continued and the way of life changed. Duck populations in the region declined significantly, and larger breeds of retrievers such as setters, pointers and other types of spaniels began to enter the American hunting scene. Also, the transition from hunting, which was once the main source of food for people, to recreational activities, caused a decrease in the demand for the American water spaniel, as a result of which, the number of their livestock began to decline.
To breed enthusiasts, Dr. Fred J. Pfeiffer of New London, Wisconsin, this fate of the American Water Spaniel seemed unacceptable. The hobbyist was the first to notice that this type of spaniel, with its own distinctive characteristics, was truly unique. He believed that the variety should be recognized as such. In an effort to preserve these canines, Fred founded the Wolf River Kenel Club and began petitions to dog registries for recognition of the American water spaniel.
In his kennel there were up to one hundred thirty-two dogs at a time. The breeder began selling puppies to hunters throughout the United States of America. From his breeders, he sold over a hundred copies of the offspring per year - males for $ 25, and bitches for $ 20. Prospective puppy buyers received an e-mail from Pfeiffer praising the breed, with the following words: "The American Brown Spaniel is definitely an American 'product' … These dogs are admired and can be trusted under any conditions …"
The breeder's efforts in breeding, together with his petition, led to the recognition of the American Water Spaniel as a distinct and individual species. This was originally done by the United Nursery (UKC) in 1920. The first breed specimen registered with the UKC was Fred J. Pfeifer's pet "Curly Pfeiffer". This breeder's work included establishing a standard for the variety and starting a studbook. He encouraged other hobbyists to preserve and promote the American Water Spaniel. In 1938, the breed was included in the Field Book for Dogs. Another Wisconsin native, Karl Hinz, from the administrative center of Oshkosh, joined in the popularization of the species. He used the studbook, as well as other records from Pfeifer's kennel, to persuade the American Kennel Club (AKC) to recognize these dogs as their native breed. Hinz's activities proved to be successful, and in 1940, the American water spaniel was recognized by the AKC as a member of the sports group. The species had not been represented in show dog contests until this time.
Despite all these advances, the American Water Spaniel has not been able to regain its former popularity, which it once enjoyed. Registered breed stocks remained small, and only a few hundred individuals were registered at the American Kennel Club (AKC) each year. The species is considered a rare, regional dog, little known outside the Great Lakes region of the United States of America. However, interest in American water spaniel breeding continued into the mid-1900s.
An article written by Michael Taylor (published in the July-August 2007 ACC supplement) records the struggle to further recognition of this spaniel in the 1980s. Taylor describes the activities of a schoolteacher named Layla Brumma and his eighth grade students. Efforts were made by enthusiasts to give the American Water Spaniel the official title of the state dog of Wisconsin. In 1981, Brumm noted that government research is a particularly challenging topic for his students. To stimulate interest and help students develop a true understanding of the system, the teacher gave them an assignment for this breed. Under his leadership, young prospectors had to develop a bill and submit it to legislation.
In 1983, at the Wisconsin Legislative Session, delegate Francis Byers acknowledges the draft. It was passed by the National Assembly with a majority vote in favor of the American Water Spaniel. However, in 1984, the Disciples Bill was challenged by the same enthusiasm from representatives of the Senate Cities and Government Operations Committee. Officials greeted the youth with harsh criticism of the breed, derisive comments with complete disdain and disregard for their labors and efforts.
One of the harshest critics, Milwaukee Senator Mordechai Lee, said: “We don't need symbols anymore. Such programs will make the legislature a laughing stock. Sending a ridiculous proposal like this to Senate level would be "opening a can of worms" at events like this. We don't have to pass values to the query we get because the middle school class wants it. " Many more insults were added to those already said to the civil servants. He didn’t think the American water spaniel didn’t deserve the title. Senator Dan Taeo of Ashland, adding fuel to the fire, added his dishonest, infantile remarks, calling the American Water Spaniel "a flea-bitten, courageous lamb with a penchant for decoration," also noting that the dog's tail was "like a rat."
Recognition of the American Water Spaniel
This lack of etiquette and professionalism angered Brumm and his students. They turned to the media, which did their job brilliantly. Editorials criticizing government officials appeared in local newspapers and even in the New York Times. Bad publicity led most Senate leaders to take notice of the schoolchildren's case, and Governor Anthony S. Earle paid special attention to Brumm's class. The students were encouraged to continue the campaign to make the American Water Spaniel a state dog. On April 22, 1985, the bill was finally passed and the American Water Spaniel became the official state dog of Wisconsin.
This was a great achievement for the species and young enthusiasts. Currently, only eleven other canine breeds are nationally recognized, honoring the American Water Spaniel as one of the members of this elite group. Other representatives listed as official state dogs include: Alaskan Malamute for Alaska, Catohuly Leopard Dog for Louisiana, Chesapeake Retriever for Maryland, Boston Terrier for Massachusetts, Chinook for New Hampshire, Leg Dodger for North Carolina, Royal Great Dane for Pennsylvania boykin spaniel for South Carolina, blue lacey for Texas and American Foxhound for Virginia.
The gala event was attended by one thousand students to celebrate the success and recognition of the American Water Spaniel. Pfeifer's grandchildren and great-grandchildren were invited to attend the celebration and sign the bill. Accordingly, the portrait of the late Pfeiffer hung next to the table of the signed document.
Also in 1985, the American Water Spaniel Club (AWSC) was created. He is considered parental in the United States. Despite the success in acquiring the title of the state dog of Wisconsin, the 1990s led to further reductions in the breed's registration numbers. The livestock decreased to several hundred, registered annually in the AKC. In 1993, the American Water Spaniel Association (AWSFA) was formed, formalized the species as a scaring spaniel and approved the ACC Spaniel Hunt Test. However, for the first time, this happened in 2011.
The current state of the American Water Spaniel breed
Although the breed has never received the same prestigious accolades as many of its spaniel cousins, the breed has been much less influenced by show dog standards. Because of this, the external parameters and manifestations of temperament practically did not change in the American Water Spaniel. He still exhibits the same characteristics of performance, skills and abilities, physical form and thinking, as he did at the height of his popularity in the early 1900s.
American water spaniels are, at all times, mainly bred for the purpose of hunting, as they were originally bred to meet these needs and are rarely seen at show events today. This may be one of the reasons that so few specimens of the variety are recorded each year.
The American Water Spaniel, as of 2010, is ranked 143rd on the AKC list of 167 most popular dog breeds. Representatives have seen a steady decline in popularity since 2000, when they were in 125th place on the same list. According to statistics, there are approximately three thousand of these spaniels in the United States of America, and the vast majority of them remain strictly in their breeding region (states surrounding Wisconsin). The ancient history and true origins of the American water spaniel will certainly never be possible to find out thoroughly. But Kerryn Winter-Churchill, writer and purebred dog connoisseur, in her article titled "The Lakes Spaniel" published in the AKC newspaper in December 2006, perfectly described the past of the species. She reports that: "The American Water Spaniel (AWS) is uniquely woven into our country's rich tapestry, but like a worn heirloom, its history is lost in time."
