General AWS Info
The temperament of the AWS (American Water Spaniel) is a very intelligent, happy, and merry dog. The AWS is a "Dog Lovers Dog", not to be left alone in a kennel and taken out only when it is hunting season. The AWS needs to be a part of your family in every way. The best way to socialize your dog is to take them everywhere and allow them to meet everyone. The AWS is born with natural hunting and quartering instincts. They are close working dogs and all you need to do is add obedience, love and 15 minutes a day of training. This will make a well rounded dog that is welcome into anyone’s home.
Our dogs are our children they eat with us and sleep with us. Yes we have outdoor kennels that our male sometimes prefers more than being inside the house, especially during the winter months (as long as it is not too cold) but he knows that he is always welcome in.
The size of the AWS is 15 to 18 inches for either sex. Males weigh 30-45 lbs. and females weigh 25-40 lbs. Females tend to be slightly smaller than the males. There is no preference for the size within the given range provided the dog is correctly proportioned, has good substance and balance is maintained. The colors are either brown, solid liver, or dark chocolate; a little white on the toes and/or the chest is permissible.
The AWS's coat can range from marcel (uniform waves) to closely curled. At Meadow Wood Kennels, we prefer the curly coat, because it is the original coat. The AWS has an undercoat to protect them from cold water or punishing cover. The tail is long and covered with curls or feathers, with feathering on the legs. Their ears are long with wavy to curly hair, covering both the inside and outside.
Grooming your AWS is really based on your preference, here sometimes it gets a little too hot and I like to give my dogs a good shave down once a year during the summer. They look funny at first, but it grows back quickly and gives them comfort they need to get through the hot summer days.
