The American Water Spaniel is an all-around farm and hunting dog in the Midwestern United States, particularly in Wisconsin and Minnesota. The breed was probably developed from the Curly-Coated Retriever and Irish Water Spaniel - with possible additions of other early spaniels. The American Water Spaniel is an outstanding bird dog in swamps, woods, lakes and rivers. He has a gentle mouth and a fine nose and works well both flushing game and retrieving. He can even point out squirrels in trees by barking. The American Water Spaniel is good in swimming even in turbulent waters. Though he is the state dog of Wisconsin, the American Water Spaniel is still quite rare in the United States.
The American Water Spaniel is primarily a hunting dog rather than a show dog, owners often do not bother to officially register them, therefore there is probably many more born than registered.
The American Water Spaniel is an active, muscular, hardy dog that makes a fine family companion. It has a crisp-textured, tightly curled or wavy outer coat lined with a protective undercoat. Coat colors include liver or chocolate - sometimes with a small white spot on the chest. The skull is broad with a moderate stop. The medium length muzzle is square and smooth. The ears are long and covered with curls and the medium length head is moderately long. The nose is either dark brown or black. The eye color corresponds with the coat color in shades of brown or hazel. The teeth meet in either a level or scissors bite. The feathered tail tapers, hanging with a slight upward curve. The tail is used as a rudder in swimming.