However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized andexposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. I grew-up on the Atlantic Tidewater where waterfowl and Retrievers were king. If he gets lots of exercise and playtime, the American Water Spaniel can do well in smaller living situations such as an apartment or condominium, but he's a country dog at heart, and is happiest when he's got plenty of open space to run off his natural energy. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Submitted by Chip Anderson on Sept. 20, 2008. Contrary to popular belief, small size doesn't necessarily an apartment dog make. Thank you! You should be able to see a waist. If you're unsure whether he's overweight, give him the eye test and the hands-on test. Some dogs are perpetual puppies -- always begging for a game -- while others are more serious and sedate. T: Steve O'Neal (757) 630-2222 What is the average life expectancy for the American Water Spaniel? Gumbo became a member of the HRC 1500 Point Club at InDucky HRC on August 21, 2016; highest point AWS ever! This is what's known as a double-coated dog. Keep your AWS in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. If you're interested in an AWS, find a reputable breeder who can help you decide if the breed's a good match for you. Whatever his family background, the AWS we know today was bred to be a versatile hunting buddy. How often should American Water Spaniel be fed? A superior nose if there ever was one. He, along with Cow Creek Kennels, PeeDee will be featured in D3 TV's Ducks, Dog's and Decoys television production this summer. Recommended daily amount: 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Look for a. First, look down at him. AWS's may become one-person dogs but will be friendly toward family members. This dog breed is quite easy to train, can be very mouthy and have the drive for wanderlust. They have a water-resistant double coating which enhances their swimming skills and helps them stay afloat. These breeds generally aren't a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. My little brush busters are some of the best upland flushers I have ever had and wouldn't trade them for anything!! Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Brush your AWS's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. This rarity has probably saved the breed from splitting into two groups, one used for dog show competitions, and the other to continue the breed's traditional job as hunting companion, as seen in some other retriever breeds. Check out our new sections of birds. You must show them that you mean what you say by. Breed isn't the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily. Our adorable puppies are all from carefully vetted breeders and can't wait to join their new Never stick cotton swabs or anything else into the ear canal or you might damage it. Your AWS may have an ear infection if the inside of the ear smells bad, looks red or seems tender, or he frequently shakes his head or scratches at his ear. Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. She is just as accomplished in the field, enjoying Dove and Waterfowl retrieving. The American Water Spaniel remains rare, with fewer than 3,000 in existence today. He recently earned the higest title an AWS can earn, Working Dog Superior, and is the youngest to do this, as well. Pfeifer bred and sold American Water Spaniels, formed a breed club, and helped to develop a breed standard a written description of how the AWS should look. Like every dog, the AWS needs early socialization exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences when they're young. The state has some work to get to the 90% benchmark needed to be a no-kill state. Many AWS have proven themselves in a variety of venues that include Hunt Tests, Dock Diving, Obedience tests, Agility tests, Rally, Drug dogs and Therapy dog to name a few. I am leaving this paragraph as a testimonial to her and her greatness. My experience with Cow Creek has been a great experience. Maggie has become, at only one year of age, a super little bird dogretrieving doves, flushing quail and incredible on cripples!!! The AWS is a rare breed, and very few puppies are born each year. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has informationabout the physical health of your potential pup's parents and other relatives. Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blas attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. The American Water Spaniel was developed in the Fox and Wolf River valleys of Wisconsin during the mid-1800s. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. *****Special***** UH HRCH Carolina's Duck Gumbo SHR RN WDS CGC TDI became a member of the prestigious HRC 500 point Club on October 29, 2011. Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word "sit"), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. He was named the state dog of Wisconsin in 1986. Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. Copyright 2022 Cow Creek Kennels - All Rights Reserved. PeeDee's sister, Bunny, earned her WDS at the AWSC Southeastern Regional in 2014. If you're interested in an AWS, do some research and find a reputable breeder who can help you figure out if these dogs are a good match for you. We can help! Those who breed these dogs want to ensure they go to the right homes, and they spend a lot of time choosing the families who'll take great care of their puppies. Approximately 8,005 animals were killed over this same period. See all the locations in South Carolina for this breed. Females tend to be slightly smaller than males, with females weighing 25 to 40 pounds and males weighing 35 to 45 pounds. The state has a high concentration of dog-friendly trails. Bea is Bunny's youngest pup and training for hunt tests. UH HR GCH CH Carolina's Wild March Hare RAE OA OAJ NAF WDS CGC TDI "Bunny"- Bunny is Gurley's pup.At 22 month old, she is the top ranked AWS in the show ring, winning Best of Breed at the Eukanuba show in Long Beach, CA in December of 2008 and Best of Breed at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Show in New York City in February of 2009. This breed was developed back in the mid-1800s in Wisconsin, the Fox and Wolf River valleys to be precise. A dense undercoat protects the American Water Spaniel against weather, water, and scratchy underbrush. Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. PeeDee is one of our Gurley's pups. "Rest in peace, buddy. She is very gamey and without very much formal training. Click here to log in, Don't have an account? At 15 months old, he is all the hunting dog anyone would need or want. Nonetheless, as with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. USDA licensed commercial breeders account for less than 20% of all breeders in the country. Always meet at least one of the parents usually the mother is the one who's available to ensure that they have nice temperaments that you're comfortable with. If you're considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? Our ratings are generalizations, and they're not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. If you're looking for an active dog who loves to swim and retrieve and can be trained for different sports and activities, the American Water Spaniel could be an ideal fit for you. Harsh treatment can make your AWS timid or stubborn. Bunny earned her Grand Championship in January of 2011. See all dog breed traits and facts about American Water Spaniels below! This doesn't mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they're at an increased risk. *Special Announcement* UH HRCH Carolina's Duck Gumbo RN WDS was the 2010 winner of the American Water Spaniel Roust-a-bout run at the AWS Nationals in New London, WI.. ** Gumbo became the 1st AWS to earn an AKC Senior Retriever title. As long as his activity needs are met, he's a docile and loyal companion. Red is just the 6th AWS to earn a HRCH title. American Water Spaniel usually only shed during spring. His versatility serves him well in many dog sports and activities such as agility, obedience trials, hunt tests, rally, therapy work, tracking, and search and rescue, as well as conformation. Our American Water Spaniel puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Lastly, the AWS has very few health problems and this is a characteristic that can be attributed to the many years of ethical breeding practices of responsible breeders. The American Water Spaniel is gentle with children. She also participates in AKC Rally and Agility. 975 Bacons Bridge Rd Bunny has earned a Hunting Retriever (HR) titleand an Upland Hunter (UH) through HRC of the United Kennel Club and a Working Dog Excellent (WDX) through the American Water Spaniel Club. This can be achieved in a number of ways, most commonly by going on runs or playing fetch in the yard. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis. You should also pick up this dog fetch toy to help burn off your pups high energy! *******Gumbo finished his AKC Master Hunter Advanced (MHA) title at the Boykin Spaniel hunt test in March, 2013. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Contact us today to learn more about the availability of our American Water Spaniel puppies for sale. puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. If you're going to share your home with a dog, you'll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. UH HRCH CH Nighthawk's Carolina You Go Girl MH RAE WDS CGC TDI "Gurley"- Gurley was the first AWS to earn a Master Hunter title through AKC and the first female and youngest AWS to earn a Hunting Retriever Champion (HRCH) through HRC. Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog. We are members of The American Water Spaniel Club and recommend membership to our puppy buyers. ***Extra Special Announcement*** Carolina American Water Spaniels would like to congratulate Sue Liemohn of Minnesota and her dog HRCH CH Carolina's Just Plain 'Ol Gator WDX on earning Gator's HRCH title. These dogs are commonly used to retrieve waterfowl from the shore or boat, but given enough exercise and mental stimulation, these dogs can also make fantastic household companions. How much do American Water Spaniel weigh? When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you'll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying. The AWS's ancestors probably include the Irish Water Spaniel, Curly-Coated Retriever, Field Spaniel, and the now-extinct Old English Water Spaniel. Or looking for something different? You were the best!". In American Water Spaniels, you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease; from Auburn University for thrombopathia; and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certifying that eyes are normal. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or "herd" their human family members, and they need training to learn that it's fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. UH HR Nighthawk's Carolina Nappy Brown MH RN WDS CGC TDI "Nappy"- Nappy was the first male AWS to earn a Master Hunter title. They have a natural tendency for chewing, To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. I dare say that 2009 will see him earn a HRCH title. If you pick a breed that's prone to packing on pounds, you'll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time. The outer coat may have uniform waves called a marcel coat or tight curls. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Specializing in waterfowl, these skilled swimmers will happily retrieve from small boats, protected by their water-resistant double coats. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the most popular dogs in South Carolina are Labradors, German Shepherds, and Beagles. Developed by ISEA Media. Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Click here to sign up. A mature American Water Spaniel weighs anything from 25-45 pounds. Their ancestors loved running, swimming, hunting and retrieving game, hence, owners will have to substitute that for great exercise routines and sports. The study ranked South Carolina 4th in terms of pet-friendly restaurants. My crew and I average about 400 birds per year and in Kentucky this is hard core - so I know what kind of dog it takes to perform. Gumbo's disposition is laid back, but he lives to train and hunt, doing both aggressively. Submitted by: Al Hillard on January 8,2021. This includes the Irish Water Spaniel, the Field Spaniel, Curly Coated Retriever and although its presently extinct, the Old English Water Spaniel. Summerville, South Carolina 29485, 2022 Petland Summerville. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life. The AWS is a medium-size all-around hunting dog and retriever, so he's chock-full of energy and enthusiasm. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills. Please create a password to set up your PuppySpot account. If you don't see a rescue listed for your area, contact the national breed club or a local breed club and they can point you toward an AWS rescue. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Make sure your training methods use rewards rather than punishment, though; when treated harshly the AWS can become sulky or timid. Do you have neighbors nearby? On May 8, 2011, Gumbo became the 1st AWS to earn a Senior Hunter Retriever title in AKC. And train him yourself rather than sending him off to be tutored by a stranger. There are fewer than 75 dogs in the 1000 Point Club. Download our Petland App today for information on your local Petland's Available Pets and Pet Supplies. This isn't a dog you can leave alone for hours in the backyard. Gator, who is one of "Gurley's" pups, is the 5th AWS to earn a HRCH through HRC. Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? We look forward to helping you find your next family member. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. Discover more about our American Water Spaniel puppies for sale below! **** Congratulations to HR CH Carolina's Cow Creek Pirate WDS (PeeDee), owned by SteveO'Neal of Chesapeake, VA, on completing the requirements for a Working Dog Superior title. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. Go with a low-sensitivity dog. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they're more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells. Fortunately, he had a fan in Doctor F. J. Pfeifer of New London, Wisconsin, who's credited with saving the breed from extinction. They have a water-resistant double coating which enhances their swimming skills and helps them stay afloat. They ranked South Carolina as the 8th most pet-friendly state in the country! Begin accustoming your AWS to being brushed and examined when he's a puppy. Make sure to provide plenty of early obedience training and socialization to ensure a manageable AWS. Choose the middle-of-the-road puppy, not the one who's beating up his littermates or the one who's hiding in the corner. The American Water Spaniel is just an adorable dog breed. Nevertheless, this breed is quite playful and doesnt demand an insane amount of exercise. Hence, increasing the brushing frequency will prevent you from dealing with too loose fur. Having purchased our Maggie from Cow Creek Kennel in November of 2007she has proven to be a credit to her breed and a true pleasure in the house and the field. The American Water Spaniel was facing possible extinction before Doctor F.J Pfeifer took it upon himself to keep breeding and selling them. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site (offa.org). Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period. At 11 months, he was the youngest AWS to ever earn a Working Dog Excellent title through the American Water Spaniel Club. Males and females are 15 to 18 inches tall. He ran in the Master Nationals in October 2011. Gumbo is the only AWS to have earned that title. The AWS is a medium-size hunting dog and retriever, standing between 15-18 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 25-45 inches. I was so impressed with the intelligence and easy nature of this dog I dreamed of some day owning one myself. UH HRCH Carolina's Duck Gumbo MHA SHR RN WDS CGC TDI"Gumbo"- Gumbo was sired by Nappy with Cow Creek's UH HR "Jazz" WDXbeing his mother. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. Take a look and find the right sized dog for you! He loves people and gets along well with other dogs. Smart and trainable, the AWS responds best to short, motivational training sessions. They need early socialization and exposure to different views, sights, terrains or sounds just so they can be well-rounded. We get health clearances on all of our dogs for Hips, Heart, Eyes and DM Genetics. The American Water Spaniel was bred to be an all-around hunting dog. This is dependent on the age of the dog but mature dogs are expected to feed at least twice a day. This hunting breed retrieves the likes of ducks, quail, pheasants, grouse, something it can carry easily. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Our pet counselors can answer any questions you have about our. We look forward to helping you find your next family member. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. This breed has a high energy level hence they are always willing to play, which is what makes them great for kids and toddlers. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that's been stuffed with kibble and treats. Everyday his drive and determination to please me is second to none. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. One of Pfeifer's own dogs, "Curly Pfeifer," was the first registered American Water Spaniel. Originally raised as an all-round hunting dog, they have the adaptability for diverse terrains, water inclusive. Brush the coat weekly to keep it in good shape. What color is American Water Spaniel coat? Gumbois carrying on (and furthering) Nappy's legacy. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they've been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. They are a medium statured dog that stands 15" - 18" tall and weighs 30 - 45 pounds. Hunters along the Mississippi flyway and its northern tributaries often used the versatile AWS, taking advantage of the dog's ability to work in varied terrain from marshes to uplands, his endurance, and his ability to retrieve many birds in a day. The American Water Spaniel is actually a very beautiful dog breed that could have either brown, dark chocolate, or liver. If you've got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you're a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department. So, I promise they can carry a goose. She has such a remarkable intelligence, combined with a keen desire to please. This breed is very observant hence, they are quite easy to train. Are American Water Spaniel great with kids? He also enjoys flushing Pheasants, Quail, and Chukars. They do love running around in open fields, so a walk at the park should be included in the daily routine for this breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. The American Water Spaniel is a small dog breed and it fully matures between the height of 1ft 3 to 1ft 6. Yes. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can't pant as well to cool themselves off. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. If you decide to purchase one, be prepared to spend several months or even a year on a waiting list before a puppy is available to you. Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Click here for more information on this characteristic. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you'll need a high, secure fence in your yard. 10 Frequently Asked Questions About the American Water Spaniel. The amount of curl or wave can vary from one area of the dog's body to another. We decided to try a smaller breed dog after we changed our hunting style from hunting in big shore blinds to mostly hunting in float/boat blinds. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills. We truly got the best of Nappy and Jazz with this breeding. Out of 60 animal shelters, only 27 are no-kill shelters. The American Water Spaniel can be great for novice dog owners as they are small in stature and do not pose much threat. You can find a great jacket for your dog here! His efforts saved the breed and although there are less than 3,000 American Water Spaniels today, it was UKC recognized in 1920. They come fully packed with a ton of energy and although its in their genetic makeup to hunt and retrieve, with some training theyll make excellent house pets. They are generally great companions and can fairly adapt to apartment living too. The breed responds best to a gentle touch and training techniques that use rewards for getting it right, rather than punishment for getting it wrong. New varieties added. The American Water Spaniel is a very lively, loving, conscious, and obedient breed provided its owners create an environment filled with attention and consistent training. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. Three hundred sixty-six of the states 8,466 restaurants will welcome your dog. Discover more about our. South Carolina is a great place to own a dog! She is presently the top ranked female AWS in the field, but also has a show championship and a Rally Advanced Excellent title. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they're love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. T: Blake White (757) 725-4639 We lost Nappy in April 2011. His efforts paved the way for the United Kennel Club's recognition of the breed in 1920, the Field Stud Book in 1938, and the American Kennel Club's recognition of the breed in 1940. This is one of the highest ownership rates in the country and well above the 40% national average. The American Water Spaniel will be friendly toward people if they have been properly introduced. But when larger retriever breeds from England became popular, the little brown spaniel began to fall out of favor. Thisbreed has the high energy of a dog born to chase and retrieve game, but given enough exercise, they can also make great family companions. Like most retrievers, these dogs are chock-full of energy and enthusiasm and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and bad behavior within the household. Rest in Peace. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Submitted by: Billy Broderick on April 13, 2009. American Water Spaniels like to roam and may leave your yard or your side to go hunting on their own if they're not confined by a fence or restrained by a leash. The AWS sticks close to his human hunting companion rather than ranging far afield. Avoid heavy-handed techniques that use punishments for getting it wrong instead of rewards for getting it right they could make him sulky or withdrawn. He may chew when his people aren't home, so crate training is a must to keep your possessions safe and your AWS out of the doghouse. The AWS is a rare breed that originated in the State of Wisconsin. There are only 3 male AWS' to have earned a WDS. And then settle in for a good wait you may spend several months or even a year or more on a waiting list before a puppy's available. There are many American Water Spaniels in need of adoption and or fostering. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you'll need to shake into your dog's bowl. All at the tips of your fingers! DogTime recommends this dog bed to give a good nights sleep to your medium-sized American Water Spaniel. These are big dogs in a little package and at eight weeks when I first got him - he could carry a mallard. American Water Spaniels were approved to run AKC Retriever Hunt Tests on April1, 2011.