10 Things to Know Before Getting an American Water Spaniel
You've fallen for the curly coat, the soulful eyes, and that "let's-go-on-an-adventure" energy. Fair enough — the American Water Spaniel (AWS) is one of the most underrated dogs out there.
But here's the truth most breed pages skip: this dog was built to work, not lounge.
Get their needs right, and you'll have a loyal, tireless partner for a decade or more. Get them wrong, and you'll have a bored, mischievous escape artist chewing your baseboards.
Below, you'll get the honest rundown — energy, training, grooming, health, and whether this breed actually fits your life.
They're Built for Action (and Water)
Let's get one thing straight: the AWS is not a couch potato.
These dogs were bred in the American Midwest to retrieve game from icy ponds and thick brush. That waterproof, curly coat isn't just handsome — it's engineered for cold water and rough terrain.
So what does this mean for you?
They need real, daily exercise — think at least an hour of walks, play, swimming, or training. Skip it, and they'll invent their own fun.
1+ hr
Daily exercise the AWS genuinely needs to stay balanced
And "their own fun" usually means digging craters in the yard, barking at nothing, or redecorating your shoes.
Energy is easy to plan for. Their personality is where it gets interesting.
Smart, Sensitive, and Sometimes Stubborn
Here's the good news: American Water Spaniels are clever and eager to please, which makes training genuinely enjoyable.
But there's a catch.
They're also independent thinkers with a sensitive streak. Come in heavy-handed or inconsistent, and they'll either tune you out or shrink into shyness.
Use positive reinforcement
Treats, praise, and play get far better results than corrections with this breed.
Keep sessions short
Five to ten focused minutes beats a long, dull drill. End on a win.
Stay consistent
Same cues, same rules, every time. Mixed signals confuse a sensitive dog fast.
Socialize early
New people, places, and animals in puppyhood prevent shyness and reactivity later.
“A sensitive dog doesn't need a tougher trainer. It needs a clearer one.”
Now, how do they actually do at home with the family?
Great With Families — With a Few Ground Rules
Affectionate, playful, and loyal — the AWS can be a wonderful family dog.
That said, every good relationship needs boundaries.
Older kids
GreatPlayful and energetic — a solid match for active children.
Toddlers
With careSupervise closely; no ear or tail pulling, and respect the dog while resting.
Other dogs
GoodUsually fine, especially when raised together.
Cats
With careCan coexist if introduced young and slowly.
Small pets
RiskyHamsters and birds may trigger their hunting instinct — keep separated.
House rules that keep everyone happy
- Supervise young kids and dog togetherEspecially during high-energy play.
- Give the dog a safe spaceEveryone leaves them alone while eating or sleeping.
- Manage small-pet interactionsTheir retrieving background means small critters need protection.
Worried about the grooming? Good news ahead.
Grooming: Manageable but Consistent
That curly double coat looks high-maintenance. It really isn't.
A weekly brush is usually enough to prevent matting. The trick is doing it regularly, not perfectly.
- Brush the coat about once a week
- Check and dry ears after swimming
- Trim nails regularly
- Brush teeth daily to prevent dental issues
- Bathe every week just to keep them fresh
Let's talk about keeping them healthy for the long haul.
Health and Lifespan
Here's the reassuring part: American Water Spaniels are generally a healthy, hardy breed.
With good care, many live a solid 10 to 14 years.
Still, no breed is bulletproof. A few conditions show up more often than others.
Hip dysplasia
A joint issue common in active, medium breeds. Keep them lean to reduce strain.
Eye problems
Worth monitoring; ask about parental eye clearances.
Degenerative myelopathy
A progressive spinal condition responsible breeders screen for.
Ear infections
Largely preventable with routine drying and cleaning.
One last honesty check before you commit.
Not Ideal for Apartment Living
Can an AWS survive in an apartment? Technically, yes.
Will they thrive there? Usually not — unless you're seriously committed.
These dogs were bred to work fields, not pace hallways. Without a yard and outdoor access, the burden falls entirely on you to burn their energy every single day.
Pros
AWS thrives when you have...
- A house with a yard
- Regular access to water or trails
- An active, outdoorsy lifestyle
- Time for daily training and play
Cons
AWS struggles when...
- You work long hours away from home
- Exercise is inconsistent or rushed
- The space is small with no outlet
- You want a low-energy lap dog
Frequently Asked Questions
They can be, if you’re active and ready to commit to consistent, positive training. Their sensitivity means you’ll need patience, but their eagerness to please makes them rewarding to work with.
Aim for at least an hour a day of physical and mental activity — walks, swimming, retrieving games, and training all count. A tired AWS is a well-behaved AWS.
They can become vocal when bored or under-exercised. Meet their activity needs and provide mental stimulation, and excessive barking usually fades.
Yes, especially with older kids who can match their energy. Supervise younger children and teach them to respect the dog while it eats or rests.
Often yes, particularly when raised together. Their hunting background means small pets like hamsters and birds are riskier and should be kept separate.
Meeting their exercise and mental-stimulation needs day in and day out. Skip it, and their intelligence turns into destructive boredom.
Most mellow somewhat after their adolescent phase, often between 18 months and 2 years — but they stay an active, adventure-loving breed for life.
Sviatoslav Oleksiv founded The Pets and Love in 2019. A lifelong pet owner and Rhodesian Ridgeback enthusiast, he writes and edits our guides to help fellow pet parents give their animals the best care.
Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.