The American Water Spaniel – Granddad’s Hunting Companion

The American Water Spaniel – Granddad’s Hunting Companion

Submitted by Pat Oldenburg, President of the American Water Spaniel Club, Inc., and made possible by the hard work and assistance of many incredible club members.

A short note about the American Water Spaniel: Almost everyone who owns an American Water Spaniel (AWS) has had someone approach them and say, “My granddad used to have one of those dogs. Best dog he ever had.” Relatively small in stature (15-18 inches at the shoulder, weighing in at 25-45 pounds), the AWS is a bundle of raw energy, physical ability, mental alertness, and intelligence.

As one of only 20 fully-recognized AKC breeds originating in the United States, the AWS is a breed that was developed by necessity to be, above all, a hunter. The dog was developed in the 19th century as a cold-water duck dog in the Upper Fox and Wolf River Valley near Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Working in large marshes and out of small skiffs and canoes, the hunters felt they needed a dog that was significantly smaller in size than the larger hunting retrievers, but one that was still powerful, sturdy, and capable of handling the harsh weather conditions often encountered in the region, especially during the latter part of the fall migration when the canvasbacks would
come through.

The old-time gunners in the region not only needed a dog that could retrieve waterfowl, they also needed a dog versatile enough to hunt all manner of game, whether feather or fur. For example, once freeze-up occurred, the gunner’s attention often turned to trapping, and here too the AWS was expected to earn their keep by running down and retrieving any muskrats that were encountered on the ice. In addition to their work in the marshes, the Valley and neighboring regions also supported abundant populations of grouse, woodcock, rabbits, and hare, all of which were pursued by the gunners and their little brown dogs.

The exact origins of the AWS are shrouded in unresolved history. Both written material and human memory have not always been reliable sources of information. One of the few things that most people agree on is that the principal ancestry is the now-extinct old English Water Spaniel. One of the theories is that the English Water Spaniel was crossed with the Irish Water Spaniel and the Curly Coated Retriever (per the AKC). Others contend the addition of Irish Water Spaniel stock was a later addition to the breed. Still others point to potential inclusion of some Chesapeake Bay Retriever genes, resulting occasionally in dogs with yellow eyes (a disqualification under the Breed Standard).

Regardless, the American Water Spaniel has been breeding true to form since at least the 1870s. Through the efforts of Dr. F.J. Pfieffer, physician and surgeon in New London, Wisconsin, breeding stock records were collected and a breeding registry was established with the United Kennel Club of Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1920. Down through the years, the breed has been called by a lot of different names: “Brown Spaniel,” “Curly Coated Spaniel,” “Brown Water Spaniel,” “Skiff Spaniel,” “American Brown,” and inappropriately, the “Rattail” (which the dog should not have). In 1938, the AWS was accepted by the Field Dog Stud Book, and in 1940 by the American Kennel Club.

Today, the AWS remains close to its roots—a first-class finder and flusher of upland game and a steady companion in the marsh. A methodical hunter equipped with an excellent nose and strong drive, the AWS is truly an all-purpose dog. Most that are hunted are cross-trained (flushing and non-slip retrieving) to one extent or the other. One can expect the AWS to cover the field at a steady and deliberate pace utilizing a sweeping pattern, and experienced dogs will oftentimes deliberately seek out the cover that will most likely hold birds. The AWS normally employs a soft flush and often hesitates just prior to putting the bird to flight, which can be particularly advantageous to the gunner when working in grouse and woodcock coverts.

When it comes to retrieving from water, protected by their undercoat and somewhat oily coat, the AWS enters the water with entries varying from cautious and deliberate to powerful and bold. The AWS has excellent memory and marking ability, and when properly trained can perform the most challenging blind retrieves.

While an energetic hunter, the AWS has the ability to “dial it back” off the field, and this ability, coupled with the breed’s relatively small stature, make it just the right size and personality for today’s hunter who wants more than just a hunting dog.

Not only versatile in the field, the AWS also shines in the Conformation, Obedience, Rally, and Agility rings. Quick to learn, eager to please, and thriving on attention, these dogs continue to rack up points and praise. The American Water Spaniel Club, Inc. (AKC parent club) is dedicated to ensuring the AWS remains a truly versatile companion in the field, ring, home, and beyond. As with many clubs, the parent club combines its National Specialty with field events, and in a good year we can have upwards of 70 percent of the dogs in the show ring spending the next several days in the field, proving that form follows function.

This strong showing of ring and field crossover is also supported by the club’s Vaughn W. Brockman Award. Vaughn W. Brockman was instrumental in the improvement of the AWS through both selective breeding and recognizing the importance of good conformation in the hunting dog. The Vaughn W. Brockman Award is earned by those dogs that have earned an AKC breed championship and an American Water Spaniel Club, Inc. Working Dog title or higher.

With the efforts of the American Water Spaniel Club and the many people owning and working this remarkable breed, people in generations to come will be making the same comment and adding, “We’ve got one too, and granddad was right.”