The American Water Spaniel

In everything that has to do with their origin, physical appearance and usage, the American water spaniel has proven to be a breed that is different from the rest. Endeavored companion with a spirited attitude and wit, this breed justifies itself to be a great companion for everyone, children and adults both. The American Water Spaniel is thoroughly described in this article under the following topics: Health problems, How to take care of an American Water Spaniel, Feeding an American Water Spaniel, Training your American Water Spaniel, and Understanding the temperament of the breed.

 History and Characteristics

The breed of American Water Spaniel is thought to have been developed in the state of Wisconsin during the late eighteen seventies. This breed was bred with the purpose of helping hunters in retrieving downed game on both land and water due to its swimming talent. Its probable origins are thus believed to be a cross of the Irish and the English Water Spaniels, the Curly-Coated Retriever, and some land spaniels and setters.

 Appearance

The American Water Spaniel is a medium-sized dog breed and withers ranging from 15 to 18 inches tall and their weight ranging between 30 and 45 pounds. It has a wavy coat, which is either impulse brown, liver, or black and white chest with tan under fur. The iris of their eyes is also generally black or brown, and their ears are rather small, V-shaped, and situated on the top of the head.

 Temperament

The standard size of this breed is medium, but it enjoys play, so it is active and friendly. American Water Spaniels are intelligent, meaning they can easily be trained, as they also have a strong work attitude. They are, in general, sociable with children and with other animals of their kind and may even shy away from strangers.

 Health Issues

Like any other breed of dog, the American Water Spaniel also has a number of diseases and health issues that are hereditary or genetic. Knowing them can assist the owners to prevent their pets from getting the diseases and also take the animals to a vet.

Common Health Concerns

1. Hip dysplasia: It’s a disorder that is inherited and is characterized by poor congruous hips, and this causes arthritis or lameness. Such factors include exercising often, taking a proper diet, and maintaining an ideal weight as they reduce the risks.

2. Seizure disorder: epilepsy is another ailment affecting some of the American Water Spaniels, and it is characterized by recurrent seizures. In case of any seizure activity, one should consult a veterinarian.

 3. Eye Problems: Perhaps two possible eye complications may be a cataract and progressive retinal atrophy. Early on, it’s easy to treat the following disorders: Having eye exams shows any existing problem that requires attention.

4. Skin Problems: Related to this, the dogs suffer from skin problems, especially from skin infections and allergies arising from their curly hair. Personal care, specifically in checking the skin for any sores or irregularities, should be practiced on a regular basis.

5. Elbow dysplasia: This disease affects the elbow and can cause both pain and lame movements in a dog. Thus, weight control and exercise are measures that have to be used consistently for the prevention of such diseases.

 Preventative Care

 Finally, proper and consistent follow-up with the veterinarian is important in early diagnosis and control of any disease. Both vaccinations, deworming, and prevention and treatment of fleas and ticks have to be given following the vet’s schedule.

Caring Details

This means that with good care, your American Water Spaniel will always live long, full, healthy, and well-tempered lives.

 Grooming

They cannot tolerate a long-haired coat, as the curls have a tendency of matting as well as causing skin problems. It is advised to brush the cat 2-3 times a week, brushing more often during the periods of hair shedding. Bathing is not very often, approximately once a 4-6 weeks, but when this is necessary, only a mild dog shampoo should be utilized.

Exercise

They are lively dogs that should be actively exercised for the sake of their health as well as for them to be happy. The daily amounts of walking, playing, and swimming are perfectly suitable. Again, playful stimulation as can be gotten from toys that require the pets to engage their brains through Congo, stimulates them and;

Socialization

It must be noted that socialization is important in the early stages of the pet dog's life for them to become well behaved. Make your American Water Spaniel interact with many people, animals, and terrains to enable him/her to master social behaviors.

Feeding Guidelines

Feeding is an important element of care as it helps in the provision of energy required for the dogs physical activities.

 Diet

The American Water Spaniel has a considerable need for dog foods that can be purchased through pet stores or other supermarkets. Choose meats where the ingredient list tops each product with meats and avoid foods that contain too many fillers and preservatives.

Portions

The quantity of foods that should be given to your dog differs based on his age, size, and how active he is. For grown-up dogs, they should consume about 1.5 to 2 cups of the dried food in a single day, divided into three. High activity and puppies will require more during each session than low or moderate activity and mature dogs, respectively.

Feeding Schedule

Feeding them at a regular time and in small portion sizes aids in setting a regular bowel movement, which also avoids overfeeding on the meals. They too should not be fed with table scraps, as this puts them in danger of being overfed and actually being fed on foods that are not suitable for their diet.

 Training Tips

It is a fun activity for the owner as well as for the dog as well.

  Basic Commands

Some of the simple commands that the dog must learn include the sit command, the stay command, the come command as well as the heel command. Positive enforcement techniques such as rewarding and consistency are attributes of training.

 Obedience Training

 You should take your American Water Spaniel to obedience classes. This not only concerns training, though it offers a chance of socializing as well.

 Leash Training

Train your dog how to move on a leash without pulling. When engaging them in a literacy activity, begin with an environment that can barely distract them and build up to the level of distraction as the learners gain confidence.

Behavior Tips

This is because understanding your American Water Spaniel’s behavior will enable you to deal with any problem effectively.

 Independence

They are warm-blooded, but they are not openly thoughtful at the same time. The physical and mental wellbeing of the dogs should be provided to avoid them developing boredom, which may manifest as chewing or barking.

 Resource Guarding

Take note of resource protection, particularly relating to food or toys in which a dog may become territorial. This can be attributed to a need for appropriate training of the staff and that they undergo through desensitization.

  Playfulness

It means the cat’s ability and inclination toward games and toys that enable them to interact with their surroundings as well as other creatures. Make sure they must have a chance to spend their energy in some safe manner, for example, by playing catch or running around.