The origin of the American Water Spaniel is something of a mystery; nevertheless, the virtues of the breed have long been appreciated by sportsmen in many parts of the US. The present-day specimen evolved principally in the Midwest, and color, coat, and conformation combine to show evidence of a heritage made up of Irish Water Spaniel and Curly-Coated Retriever. Prior to recognition by the AKC in 1940, the American Water Spaniel was purely a working gun dog, never making his way into the show ring for fear that it would ruin his reputation as a hunter. However, the merits of a show career soon encroached upon the breed and its place in the AKC has been secure ever since.
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American Water Spaniel History
The origin of the American Water Spaniel is something of a mystery; nevertheless, the virtues of the breed have long been appreciated by sportsmen in many parts of the US. The present-day specimen evolved principally in the Midwest, and color, coat, and conformation combine to show evidence of a heritage made up of Irish Water Spaniel and Curly-Coated Retriever. Prior to recognition by the AKC in 1940, the American Water Spaniel was purely a working gun dog, never making his way into the show ring for fear that it would ruin his reputation as a hunter. However, the merits of a show career soon encroached upon the breed and its place in the AKC has been secure ever since. |
