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General Appearance
The American Water Spaniel was developed in the United States as an all-around
hunting dog, bred to retrieve from skiff or canoes and work ground with relative
ease. The American Water Spaniel is an active muscular dog, medium in size with
a marcel to curly coat. Emphasis is placed on proper size and a symmetrical
relationship of parts, texture of coat and color.
Size, Proportion, Substance
15 to 18 inches for either sex. Males weighing 30-45 lbs. Females weighing 25-40
lbs. Females tend to be slightly smaller than the males. There is no preference
for size within the given range of either sex providing correct proportion, good
substance and balance is maintained. Proportion--is
slightly longer than tall, not too square or compact. However, exact proportion
is not as important as the dog being well-balanced and sound, capable of
performing the breed's intended function. Substance --a
solidly built and well-muscled dog full of strength and quality. The breed has
as much substance and bone as necessary to carry the muscular structure but not
so much as to appear clumsy.
Head
The head must be in proportion to the overall dog. Moderate in length. Expression
is alert, self-confident, attractive and intelligent. Medium size eyes
set well apart, while slightly rounded, should not appear protruding or bulging.
Lids tight, not drooping. Eye color can range from a light yellowish brown to
brown, hazel or of dark tone to harmonize with coat. Disqualify yellow eyes.
Yellow eyes are a bright color like that of lemon, not to be confused with the
light yellowish brown. Ears set slightly above the eye
line but not too high on the head, lobular, long and wide with leather extending
to nose.
Skull rather broad and full, stop
moderately defined, but not too pronounced. Muzzle
moderate in length, square with good depth. No inclination to snipiness, The
lips are clean and tight without excess skin or flews. Nose dark in color, black
or dark brown. The nose sufficiently wide and with well-developed nostrils to
insure good scenting power. Bite either scissor or
level.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck round and of medium length, strong and muscular,
free of throatiness, set to carry head with dignity, but arch not accentuated. Topline
level or slight, straight slope from withers. Body
well-developed, sturdily constructed but not too compactly coupled.
Well-developed brisket extending to elbow neither too broad nor too narrow. The
ribs well-sprung, but not so well-sprung that they interfere with the movement
of the front assembly. The loins strong, but not having a tucked-up look. Tail
is moderate in length, curved in a rocker fashion, can be carried either
slightly below or above the level of the back. The tail is tapered, lively and
covered with hair with moderate feathering.
Forequarters
Shoulders sloping, clean and muscular. Legs medium in length, straight and
well-boned but not so short as to handicap for field work or so heavy as to
appear clumsy. Pasterns strong with no suggestion of weakness. Toes closely
grouped, webbed and well-padded. Size of feet to harmonize with size of dog.
Front dewclaws are permissible.
Hindquarters
Well-developed hips and thighs with the whole rear assembly showing strength and
drive. The hock joint slightly rounded, should not be small and sharp in
contour, moderately angulated. Legs from hock joint to foot pad moderate in
length, strong and straight with good bone structure. Hocks parallel.
Coat
Coat can range from marcel (uniform waves) to closely curled. The amount of
waves or curls can vary from one area to another on the dog. It is important to
have undercoat to provide sufficient density to be of protection against
weather, water or punishing cover, yet not too coarse or too soft. The throat,
neck and rear of the dog well-covered with hair. The ear well-covered with hair
on both sides with ear canal evident upon inspection. Forehead covered with
short smooth hair and without topknot. Tail covered with hair to tip with
moderate feathering. Legs have moderate feathering with waves or curls to
harmonize with coat of dog. Coat may be trimmed to present a wellgroomed
appearance; the ears may be shaved; but neither is required.
Color
Color either solid liver, brown or dark chocolate. A little white on toes and
chest permissible.
Gait
The American Water Spaniel moves with well-balanced reach and drive. Watching a
dog move toward one, there should be no signs of elbows being out. Upon viewing
the dog from the rear, one should get the impression that the hind legs, which
should be well-muscled and not cowhocked, move as nearly parallel as possible,
with hocks doing their full share of work and flexing well, thus giving the
appearance of power and strength.
Temperament
Demeanor indicates intelligence, eagerness to please and friendly. Great energy
and eagerness for the hunt yet controllable in the field.
Disqualification
Yellow eyes.
Approved March 13, 1990
Effective May 1, 1990
For More information visit AKC.org