American Water Spaniel
Bred in Wisconsin to work from a canoe, so it is small enough to sit in one and steady enough not to tip it. The curly coat sheds a duck marsh straight off.
Photo by Noma's American Water Spaniels, CC BY 2.0
Overview
The American Water Spaniel was developed in Wisconsin in the nineteenth century to work from a canoe or a small skiff, retrieving duck and grouse. That requirement set the size: it had to be small enough not to unbalance a boat and strong enough to retrieve in cold water.
The coat is the other half of the job, curly or wavy and carrying enough natural oil to shed water. It is the state dog of Wisconsin and it remains genuinely rare.
Temperament
Eager, biddable and closely bonded. American Water Spaniels are affectionate with their families and often reserved with strangers, and they are more sensitive than most gundogs.
They are clever and they can be stubborn, and they respond badly to heavy handed correction. Some are barky, and some are inclined to guard food or possessions, both of which are manageable if addressed early rather than tolerated.
Care and grooming
A weekly brush for the curly coat. It should not be brushed too vigorously, because that pulls out the curl and the oil that makes it waterproof.
Drop ears in a water dog mean ear infections, so weekly checking and drying after swimming is routine. Hip dysplasia, cataracts and hypothyroidism occur in the breed.
Living and exercise
An hour or more a day, and water if it can be arranged. This is a working retriever and it is at its best with a job.
They are small enough for a flat and active enough that a flat without daily exercise does not work. The breed is uncommon, so finding a breeder takes time.
Something here wrong or out of date?