American Water Spaniel Dog Breed Information
American Water Spaniel - The American Water Spaniel developed primarily in the Great Lakes region of the United States in the mid 1800's, with ancestors that include the Irish Water Spaniel and Curly-Coated Retriever. They were the first breed developed in this country as an all-around hunter that could retrieve from boats. Breed enthusiasts kept the AWS out of the show ring for a short time in fear of ruining his reputation as a hunter, but the breed became recognized by the AKC in 1940.