What Kind Of Personality Does American Water Spaniel Have? [Answered]

Water spaniels from the United States have been around since the 18th century.

They excel at retrieving game birds on land or in water and were created as working gun dogs in the American Midwest, particularly Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Quail, pheasant, duck, grouse, and rabbit are the most common game animals hunted by this breed.

Although no one knows for sure, the dog’s coat and gun abilities indicate that it is a hybrid between a curly-coated retriever and an Irish water spaniel.

Despite having numerous traits that make them good family pets, the American water spaniel is an uncommon breed.

Only about 300 were registered with the American Kennel Club in 1990.

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Are American water spaniels suitable for families?

American water spaniels are recognized for being intelligent, obedient, friendly, and good with other animals and children.

They’re also excellent watchdogs.

They make ideal family pets because of these features.

Characteristics and qualities of the American Water Spaniel

Ensuring that you get enough exercise and mental stimulation.

The American Water Spaniel was bred to be a hunting dog.

They need to be able to let off steam and do engaging things on a regular basis.

Otherwise, they will become bored, which they would show by barking and chewing destructively.

You should be a dog owner who enjoys going for long walks, hiking, swimming, or going to the dog park on a regular basis.

Separation anxiety is a possibility.

American Water Spaniels, more than most other breeds, require a lot of human interaction.

They despise being left alone for more than a couple of hours.

They usually show their dissatisfaction by chewing and barking in a destructive manner.

This is not the breed for you if you work all day.

Ensuring enough socializing.

American Water Spaniels are naturally shy and require a lot of socialization as well as exposure to new sights and sounds.

Otherwise, their natural apprehension can turn into shyness or suspicion, both of which are difficult to live with.

They have their own thoughts.

American Water Spaniels have a reputation for being obstinate and manipulative.

You must demonstrate that you are serious about what you say.

“Respect Training” is required to train your spaniel to listen to you.

The program you require is discussed on my American Water Spaniel Training Page.

Barking is a possibility.

American Water Spaniels are notorious for barking excessively at every new sight or sound.

You must be equally quick to put a stop to their behavior before it becomes a harmful habit.

One can be found. American Water Spaniels are a rather uncommon breed.

Whether you want a puppy from a breeder or an adult dog from a rescue organization, you will almost likely have to join a waiting list.

The Health of Your American Water Spaniel

We realize that you want to provide your dog the best care possible because you adore her.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the health issues we’ll be discussing with you during your American Water Spaniel’s life.

We can create a preventive health strategy to look for and possibly prevent some predictable dangers if we know about health concerns specific to American Water Spaniels.

Many diseases and health concerns in pets are inherited, which means they are linked to their breed.

The diseases indicated above have a substantial rate of incidence and/or influence in this breed, according to canine genetic experts and veterinary practitioners.

We’ll go over the most prevalent problems with American Water Spaniels so you know what to expect in the future.

This information will assist you and us in preparing for your pet’s specific medical needs.

Keep your American Brown Spaniel looking and feeling her best at the conclusion of the brochure.

Periodontal disease can be avoided by brushing your dog’s teeth on a daily basis.

For your American Water Spaniel, here are some general health tips.

Dental Illness

Your American Water Spaniel, regrettably, is more likely than other dogs to have dental issues.

Tartar build-up on the teeth is the first sign, followed by gum infection and tooth root infection.

Your companion will lose her teeth and put her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints at risk if we don’t take steps to prevent or cure dental disease.

In fact, the lifespan of your American Water Spaniel could be reduced by one to three years!

Infections

The same bacterial and viral illnesses that affect all dogs, such as parvo, rabies, and distemper, affect American Water Spaniels.

Many of these infections can be prevented by vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we discover in our area, her age, and other factors.

Obesity

Obesity in American Water Spaniels can be a serious health issue.

It’s a risky condition that can cause or worsen joint pain, metabolic and digestive problems, back pain, and heart disease.

A roundworm egg can be seen under a microscope.

Parasites

Worms and pests of many kinds can infest your American Brown Spaniel’s body, both inside and out. F

Her skin and ears can be infested by leas and ticks, as well as ear mites.

Neuter vs. Spay

Spaying your American Water Spaniel is one of the best things you can do for her (neutered for males).

The ovaries and, in most cases, the uterus are surgically removed in females, whereas the testicles are surgically removed in males.

Spaying or neutering your pet lowers the risk of certain cancers and prevents it from becoming pregnant or fathering unintended children.

While your dog is under anesthesia, we can also diagnose and treat some of the problems that he is prone to while he is awake.

Get your pet’s hip X-rays , for example.

American Water Spaniel Genetic Predispositions

Problems with the eyes

There are several treatment techniques available, and once the hairs have been permanently removed, the prognosis is favorable.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a genetic illness that causes the hip joints to form incorrectly, resulting in arthritis, and it is frequent in American Water Spaniels.

You might notice that he has lameness in his hind legs or that he has trouble getting out of bed.

To avoid discomfort and pain, we can treat arthritis as soon as possible.

Keep in mind that overweight dogs are more prone than their normal-weight counterparts to develop arthritis, inflicting unnecessary pain and suffering.

Heart Problem

American Water Spaniels are susceptible to a variety of heart diseases, which can strike at any age.

We can treat your pet with medication if we diagnose cardiac disease early enough, extending his or her life for many years.

Veterinary dental care and weight management are the first steps in preventing heart disease.

Patent Ductus Arteriosis is a disorder in which a tiny conduit that conducts blood between two sections of the heart does not close as it should immediately after birth in American Water Spaniels.

This results in an excessive amount of blood being delivered to the lungs, fluid build-up, and heart strain.

Coughing, weariness during activity, weight loss, shortness of breath, or weakness in the hind limbs are all possible symptoms.

Heart failure is the major cause of mortality among senior American Water Spaniels.

A heart valve gradually deforms to the point where it no longer closes tightly.

The heart is then strained as blood flows back around the valve.

Heart valve disease (also known as mitral valve disease) causes a heart murmur in pets.

It can be prevented with veterinary dental care.

Thyroid Issues

Hypothyroidism is a prevalent ailment in American Water Spaniels, in which the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone.

Epilepsy

Primary epilepsy, also known as idiopathic epilepsy, occurs when no other cause can be detected.

This is a problem that is frequently passed down down the generations, with American Water Spaniels being the most common victims.

Seizures in a child who is prone to them usually start between the ages of six months and three years.

An first diagnostic examination may aid in determining the source of the problem.

To keep seizures under control, medicine must be used for the rest of one’s life, with frequent blood tests required to assess side effects and effectiveness.

If your dog has a seizure, keep a close eye on him to make sure he doesn’t hurt himself, but don’t try to control his mouth or tongue.

It won’t help him, and he might bite you inadvertently as a result!

Make a note of how long the seizure lasted and contact us or an emergency hospital.

Allergies

This type of skin allergy is known as “atopy,” and it is common in American Water Spaniels.

Symptoms normally start between the ages of one and three, and they can worsen as time goes on.

Licking the paws, stroking the face, and repeated ear infections are the most typical symptoms.

The good news is that there are numerous treatment options available for this ailment.

Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a condition that affects a large number of dogs.

Any breed can be impacted, but American Brown Spaniels have a higher rate than other breeds.

Diabetes affects dogs’ ability to regulate sugar metabolism, necessitating daily insulin injections.

It’s a critical condition that has to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

If he exhibits symptoms, we’ll do testing to see if he has this condition and talk to you about treatment options.

Treatment necessitates a significant time and financial investment.

Testicle Retained

A syndrome in which one or both testicles do not descend into the scrotum is present in certain male American Water Spaniels at birth (a condition called cryptorchidism).

Instead, the testicle remains in the abdomen, which can lead to complications later in life, including an increased risk of cancer.

When your pet is a puppy, we’ll check for this problem and recommend that both testicles be removed if he has it.

Baldness in a Pattern

Follicular Dysplasia is the medical word for pattern baldness, and it is a heritable disorder exactly like in people.

The illness is painless and causes no harm, just like baldness in humans, but there is presently no effective therapy or prevention.

On cold days, a trendy sweater can come in handy.

Taking Care of American Water Spaniel

Make careful to follow the examination and vaccine plan that we propose for her.

Throughout her life, she will almost probably require medical tests and operations, and pet health insurance will assist you in covering those costs.

Diet, Exercise, and Routine Care

Her water-resistant coat is a little oily, and bathing it too much can make it worse!

Brush her twice a week at the very least.

She’s an intelligent dog with a lot of energy, so keep her mind and body busy or she’ll become bored. That’s when the nasty behavior begins.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)