There is something special about American Water Spaniels

One handsome canine breed seldom seen in these parts but certainly worthy of greater recognition is the American Water Spaniel.

While this versatile intelligent breed has never attracted a large number of followers unlike some other sporting breeds, the AWS continues to enjoy a small yet loyal legion of enthusiasts who are dedicated to preserving the rare breed.

Rehoboth dog-fancier Avis Prior has enjoyed American Water Spaniels for more than two decades. The life-long dog lover owned and bred several other breeds in the past and discovered the AWS in a magazine advertisement when she was looking for a smaller breed.

“I had Dobermans and they were big,” Prior recalls, adding that she also owned champion Pulik. “I realized that I needed a smaller dog.”

Following a lengthy discussion with a Minnesota breeder and learning more about the AWS’s versatile qualities, Prior purchased an AWS puppy from the owner sight unseen and quickly became one of this sporting breed’s most ardent supporters.

During the past two decades, the passionate dog lover has owned several AKC champions, including Grand Champion Game Crk-Waterway Kylends Joyia, a top-winning AWS that earned many titles and top awards, including several group placements in the sporting group.

“She was once-in-a-lifetime dog,” Prior recalls. “Joyia excelled in everything that she did.”

According to Prior, the AWS is an indigenous breed known as the official state dog of Wisconsin. The rare breed was developed during the 19th century in the Badger State by crossing several medium-sized varieties of water spaniels and small retrievers.

The average height at the withers for the breed is 15–18 inches and their weight around 25–45 pounds. The coat of the American Water Spaniel can fall in two different patterns, either tightly curled or in the "marcel pattern" where the coat is wavy.

One of the features of this interesting little dog is its brown color, which can range from dark chocolate to liver.

Prior says she often has to travel to dog shows held in the Mid-West to find some competition.

“The American Water Spaniel is almost a wash and wear breed,” Prior notes, adding that the breed requires little grooming. Nails should be clipped, coats should be brushed and burrs should be removed to keep one of these friendly dogs in excellent condition.

“They love children,” the distinguished dog breeder continues. “They have ‘family pet’ written all over them.”

In 2016, the American Water Spaniel ranked 156 on a list of 190 breeds. These dogs require mental stimulation and can be extremely vocal and become easily bored without an activity.

Prior keeps her dogs active and engage by training in conformation, obedience, agility, tracking, rally, therapy dog work and barn hunts that demonstrate a dog’s ability to find and mark rats in a “barn-like” setting, using straw and hay bales to introduce climbing and tunneling obstacles in a dog’s path.

“My dogs keep me young and they keep me broke,” Prior quips. “I have enjoyed my dogs. I get so much pleasure from them.”

For more information about the American Water Spaniel, visit the web site: www. americanwaterspaniel.org.