The history of the emergence of the American water spaniel, external norms, manifestations of character and health, care: walking, diet, training. Puppy price. The American water spaniel is a very rare breed, but the animal differs in that it is the official dog of the state of Wisconsin. These dogs have a dual purpose. They are bred as companions and possess first-class hunting skills. The Water Spaniels of America have excellent data for finding and retrieving game. They are excellent swimmers and boast a waterproof, double coat. Their unique, wavy coat is a beautiful brown or dark chocolate shade.
How did the American Water Spaniel breed come about?
Similar dogs appeared in the Fox River Valley, Wisconsin, USA in the mid 1800s. These canines accompanied new settlers to the remote but developing areas of the United States Midwest. American Water Spaniels have helped to hunt game in a variety of weather conditions and terrain, including water. The early water spaniel was primarily a waterfowl retriever and was used to hunt ducks.
But, in fact, he has become a unique combination between hunting spaniels and retrievers. The most accurate breeding data date back to 1865. The ancestors of these canines probably include breeds such as the Irish Water Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Field Spaniel, Poodle, and the now extinct Old English Water Spaniel.
Whatever its pedigree, the American Water Spaniel we know today was bred to create a versatile hunting assistant. His thick, curly coat helps protect this virtuoso swimmer from the cold water as well as the thorny thickets of the forest. Its tail serves as a rudder to help it swim through rough waters.
Its small size allows waterfowl hunters to take it in a small boat or canoe. And he will obediently hunt hazel grouses, quails, pheasants and ducks for them and will not rest until he brings all the shot game. The American Water Spaniel is an excellent companion. The dog is always close to its owner, the hunter, and never strays far, which is a very good quality for dogs of this purpose.
People who hunted along the Mississippi and its northern tributaries often used the generic American Water Spaniel, knowing that the dog was capable of working in a wide variety of terrain from swamps to highlands. Hunters appreciated their endurance and ability to quickly bring a lot of game in a day.
But when the retriever was bred in England, it quickly became popular, then the small, brown spaniel began to become less in demand. Fortunately, this breed had an ardent admirer - Dr. F. J. Pfeiffer of New London, Wisconsin, who saved America's water spaniels from extinction. Pfeiffer bred and sold American Water Spaniels, formed a breed club and helped develop a breed standard - a written description of what this dog should look like.
The breed was well formed by the late 19th century and was popular in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota. In 1920 she was recognized by the United Kennel Club. In 1938 the breed book was created. And, in 1940, American water spaniels were recognized by the American Kenel Club. The first officially registered individual was Curly Pfeifer - Pfeifer's own pet.
The American Water Spaniel remains rare, with fewer than 3,000 breeds today. This scarcity likely saved the breed from dividing into two groups, one used for dog shows and the other to continue the breed's traditional game as a game. companion. The breed received the status of the national dog of Wisconsin in 1986.
The small size of the American Water Spaniel still attracts hunters, especially those who use canoes or other small boats to hunt waterfowl on the lakes. Despite its rarity, this truly American breed is also in demand as a family companion, making it an especially good dog.
External norms of the American water spaniel
Representatives of the breed are curly dogs, stretched format, compact in size with dense muscles, painted in liver, brown or chocolate tone. Height at the withers in males 42–46 cm and bitches 38–41 cm. Weight in males 16–20 kg and bitches 11–17 kg.
- Head - is harmonious to the body, has an average length. The skull is broad and dry. The brows are prominent. The cheekbones are not pronounced.
- Muzzle - square format, medium in length, deeply located, has filling under the eye sockets. The stop is moderately prominent. The bridge of the nose may have a slight bulge. The lips are tight. The dentition is in a scissor bite.
- Nose the animal has a black or dark brown shade, it is in harmony with the color of the "coat". The nostrils are open enough.
- Eyes The American Water Spaniel is not too large, roundish, of medium size. The breed standard specifies the color of the eyes, which should be in harmony with the color of the coat and should never be yellow.
- Ears long, wide, placed not high, somewhere above the line of the eye sockets.
- Neck - strong, with dry muscles, dry, medium in length, set high, without a nape.
- Frame - with a slightly sloping back and pronounced withers. The rib cage is of sufficient depth, with prominent, but not protruding, ribs. The loin is a little voluminous. The croup is slightly sloping. Ribs are of good length and roundness. The lower abdomen line is slightly tucked up.
- Tail - of medium placement and length, saber-shaped, there is a slight dewlap.
- Front limbs The American Water Spaniel is short, upright, with strong bones and strong pasterns. The hindquarters are parallel, with powerful thighs and slightly rounded hocks.
- Paws - in excellent proportion with the physique of the dog, fingers in the form of a vault, with membranes.
- Coat there can be two different structures. The guard hair can be tightly twisted or in a "marseilles pattern" where the fur falls in waves. The outer coat of the coat protects the dog from moisture and thorny plants. The inner undercoat provides insulation to keep the animal cool. The "coat" has a lubricant that creates a "doggy smell". On the frontal part, short and smooth hair, moderate feathering adorns the tail and limbs.
- Color - mostly liver, brown or chocolate.
Distinctive Behavior Traits of the American Water Spaniel
These American water spaniels are lively, alert but friendly. The dog will be obedient if the owner consistently trains him and establishes his leadership. Without this, the dog's behavior can be stubborn and manipulative. Try to reinforce your teaching methods with rewards, not punishments. When abused, this spaniel can become withdrawn or timid.
He likes to be and communicate with a person as long as possible. This is not a dog that you can leave alone for a long time in your backyard or apartment. The animal becomes bored if it is alone at home. And although the dog is affectionate with all family members, most likely, he will give preference to the person who gives him more of his time and attention.
Like any dog, the American Water Spaniel needs to get to know different people, sights, sounds. The dog should get this experience as early as possible. Having socialized the puppy early, he will grow up to be a sociable dog. Constantly bring new people to your house, go with your pet to public parks, shops, which will allow the dog to hone his social skills.
Health of the American Water Spaniel
Representatives of the breed are in principle healthy dogs, but, like other canine species, they are prone to certain genetic diseases. Not all American Water Spaniels will inherit these diseases, but you need to be aware of them if you are considering this breed as a potential pet.
When you acquire a puppy, the breeder must be responsible and show you the medical records of both manufacturers. This proves that the dog has been tested and is healthy. Breeders of American Water Spaniels must have medical permits from the Animal Orthopedic Foundation for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism and von Willebrand disease. Also studies for thrombopathy and confirmation that there are no eye diseases. You can check medical clearances on the OFA website.
In dysplasia, the hip joint is weakened due to abnormal growth and development. This disease occurs in many dog breeds, not just the American Water Spaniel.
Dermatitis causes a decrease in the secretion of growth hormone (somatropin), which is responsible for changes in the skin. This hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland and is essential for hair growth. Affected animals have varying degrees of hair loss. It has not yet been possible to trace the inheritance of this flaw. This disease is more common in male dogs between the ages of 1 and 5 years, and is manifested by hair loss starting at puberty.
Hair loss is symmetrical throughout the pet's body, and the skin is noticeably darker in color due to increased pigmentation. Without treatment, hairlessness and hyperpigmentation will eventually spread throughout the animal's body, with the exception of the head and limbs. It can be treated with injections of growth hormone, but these are expensive and difficult to obtain commercially. Sterilization can resolve this condition in males.
Alopecia areata is a condition that causes gradual, symmetrical thinning and hair loss that usually begins between 6 and 9 months of age and progresses until the damaged areas are completely bald. The hair usually falls out under the neck, on the back of the thighs and on the tail. The path of her inheritance is unknown. There is no cure to avoid hair loss.
A cataract is a hardening of the lens of the eye that interferes with vision. In affected dogs, the eyes will be cloudy. Cataracts usually occur in old age and are treated with surgical removal and lens replacement.
Retinal dysplasia is an abnormal development of the retina, which causes its deformation. This can lead to a variety of dog vision problems ranging from mild blindness to complete loss of vision.
It is most often viewed as a genetic disorder, but it can also be caused by a number of environmental factors, including traumatic situations. There are no methods that would cure retinal dysplasia. But, many dogs live a full life with such a problem, at the expense of other senses of smell, which compensate for visual impairment.
Progressive retinal atrophy is an eye disorder that affects many breeds. Blindness is a slow process. It is caused by the loss of photoreceptors in the eyeball. It is found several years before the dog shows signs of blindness.
How to care for an American Water Spaniel - keeping rules
- The coat should be brushed weekly to keep it in good condition. Water spaniels shed in the spring, but brushing frequently can help prevent a lot of hair loss from your carpets and furniture. Frequent bathing removes the natural lubrication of the hairline and reduces its ability to repel water and protect the dog. Therefore, the pet is bathed only when it needs it, that is, it is really very dirty or smells bad.
- Teeth should be brushed at least two or three times a week to remove the buildup of plaque and bacteria that are inside. Daily cleaning is of course better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath from your dog's mouth.
- The ears of the American Water Spaniel, like other floppy-eared breeds, are prone to ear infections. Check your ears weekly and wipe them dry with a cotton swab and a cleaning agent recommended by your veterinarian. To avoid damaging the ear canal, do not clean it with cotton swabs. Ear infections are indicated by a bad smell of the inside of the ear, its redness, or frequent shaking of the dog's head.
- The dog's eyes should be free of redness or discharge. By examining them every week, you will identify possible diseases at an early stage of development.
- Cut the claws of the American Water Spaniel once or twice a month, unless it grinds naturally. Short, neatly trimmed nails will not scratch you when the spaniel enthusiastically jumps up to greet you.
- Feeding for good shape of your dog should be no higher than normal and twice a day. You cannot leave food in a bowl, in unlimited quantities and in the public domain. This will lead to obesity in the dog. You can check the dog for excess weight visually and by feeling. You should be able to see the dog's waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, and the rest are placed on his torso down. You should feel his ribs without trying. If the ribs are not palpable and the waist is not observed, then the dog should be put on a diet and create more physical activity.
- Walking the tireless American Water Spaniel should be with daily exercise. On long walks, you can channel the dog's energy into sports such as agility and coursing. These dogs love everything related to water.
Training the American Water Spaniel
This is an active breed that requires basic obedience training. This will make the dog a better companion and help establish a stronger bond between the pet and its owner. The American Water Spaniel wants nothing more out of life than to please its owner. Therefore, you are responsible for what you teach this faithful companion.
Obedience classes a dog can learn in general dog courses. For more serious owners, there are sporting events and dog shows. Most dogs will learn to obey if you use monosyllabic words in your commands.
Interesting notes about the American Water Spaniel dog
The American Water Spaniel was the first breed developed in the United States as a versatile hunter that fits freely in a small boat.
Price of the American Water Spaniel
The behavior of the American Water Spaniel is influenced by many factors, including genetics, parenting, and environmental adaptation. Puppies with great temperament are curious and playful. They are ready to contact a person and be near him. Pay attention to the puppy who is moderately active, not the one who bully with his littermates or the one who hides in a secluded corner.
You need to talk to at least one of the puppy's parents, usually the mother. Producers should have a pleasant temperament that is comfortable for humans. Studying the puppy's entire pedigree will help you figure out what will come of it. The price of a puppy is $ 900-1100.
What the American Water Spaniel looks like in the video below:
