Group :Sheepdogs and Cattledogs Section : Sheepdogs
The American Water Spaniel is a highly versatile, incredibly resilient water retriever hailing from the Great Lakes region of Wisconsin. Recognizing by their dense, waterproof coat of crisp liver curls, they were bred for the most brutal, freezing water retrieves from small skiffs.
The AWS is highly intelligent, intensely eager to please, and deeply devoted to its family. They are very active and require vigorous daily exercise, particularly swimming. They are excellent watchdogs but can be naturally aloof with strangers. Their unique, curly coat is surprisingly low-maintenance but requires regular brushing to prevent matting.