American Water Spaniel Hunting Dogs and Puppies for sale

The American Water Spaniel was developed in the USA as a hunting dog in the mid to late 1800's. Most people accept the theory that the breed's development occurred mostly along the Wolf and Fox River valleys of Wisconsin. There were three known breeds utilized to produce the AWS - the English Water Spaniel, Curly Coated Retriever, and Irish Water Spaniel. Hunters needed a dog that could work on land as well as in the marsh and that could easily fit into a canoe or skiff. The AWS fit the bill and most breed historians will tell you that Midwest market hunters made wide use of this dog. The AWS was first recognized as a purebred dog by the United Kennel Club in 1920, then by the Field Dog Stud Book in 1938, and finally by the AKC in late 1940. Mostly a forgotten breed in America the AWS has enough of a following to keep the population going for years to come.