At a glance the quick version
UKC: males 28-45 lb, females 25-40 lb; Wikipedia and Hill's give 30-45 lb for males.
15-18 in for either sex.
Coat and looks how to spot one
curly or wavy double coat
Tight curls or a marcel-style wave over a dense undercoat keep this compact spaniel protected in cold water and rough cover.21
Personality what they are like
A happy, lively and charming dog that often attaches strongly to one person. It can be reserved with strangers and a little independent-minded, so varied, upbeat training works best.413
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High energy: at least 20-40 minutes of exercise daily, and it loves swimming and retrieving.34
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush about twice a week; the coat sheds lightly and can feel slightly oily.3
Home where they are happiest
Can live in a flat if well exercised, but a fenced yard or lead is advised as it may wander after scents.13
Company who they like around
Enjoys being the centre of attention and generally mixes well with children and other animals.13
The story where it all began
Hunters in Wisconsin's river country developed this small curly retriever in the 1800s to work from boats and marshes. Dr Fred J. Pfeifer of New London set up Wolf River Kennels and campaigned to have the breed registered, and UKC accepted it in 1920.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- UKC
- Recognised 1920; first registration 8 February 1920 (a dog named Curly Pfeifer). Gun Dog Group.2
- AKC
- Recognised in 1940.1
- FCI
- Standard no. 301, Group 8, Section 3 water dogs; accepted on a definitive basis in 1979.5
Popularity Ranked 143rd most popular breed in the US (AKC, 2010)1
How many About 3,000 dogs (1998)1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a American Water Spaniel. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery 2 days
- Bathevery month
- HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- Eye wipeGently wipe around the eyesevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- American Water Spaniel - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, size, lifespan, recognition, history, population, popularity
- UKC American Water Spaniel breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, history, size, coat, colour
- Hill's Pet: American Water Spaniel hillspet.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, temperament, fun fact
- AKC: American Water Spaniel akc.orgused for temperament
- FCI nomenclature: American Water Spaniel (301) fci.beused for FCI recognition
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.