Are you looking for a friendly pet that’s as much at home on the water as in your living room? The American Water Spaniel might be the perfect match for you! Renowned for their agility and adaptability, these dogs are more than just furry bundles of cuteness. They are alert, lively, and obedient, which might get you wondering – could an American Water Spaniel double up as a guard dog? Let’s find out.
Contrary to popular opinion, the domain of guard duty is not just for the Bullmastiffs and Rottweilers of the world. Guard dogs aren’t all about size and strength. It also largely depends on their natural instincts, levels of intelligence, and training. So, does an American Water Spaniel tick these boxes? Well, yes, and no.
Most dog breeds have a historic job. Beagles were bred to hunt hares, Dalmatians guarded firehouses, and our American Water Spaniels? They were hunters, primed to retrieve waterfowl. Native to the Midwest region of the United States, these dogs are the perfect hunting partner. Equipped with boundless energy, webbed feet for stronger swimming, and a water-resistant double coat, these dogs can spend hours in bodies of water!
At home, you’ll find that they are gentle-natured, intelligent, obedient, and extremely adaptable. They can make themselves comfortable in a city apartment or a countryside cabin, as long as they have a loving family by their side, which also makes them excellent companion dogs.
What does this mean in the context of being guard dogs?
For starters, American Water Spaniels are known for being highly observant. They have a keen sense of surroundings and are incredibly alert. That “always on the edge” trait is a fundamental characteristic of a good guard dog. Their alertness means they tend to bark a lot, specifically when they sense any change in their environment or when strange people approach.
However, this should not be mistaken for aggression. They would beat a rock in the contest for being more friendly. Their temperament is usually described as “eager to please”, and they are generally good with children and other animals. They also enjoy attention.
While alertness is a good attribute, it does not necessarily qualify the American Water Spaniels as a breed suitable for guard duty. They lack the intimidating factor that typically deters threats and intruders. They are middle-sized dogs, only reaching about 15 to 18 inches in height, far from the towering figures of typical guard dogs like the German Shepherds.
These lovable pets are also not naturally protective or territorial. Their instinct lies more in retrieval than protection, making them less likely to exhibit the protective ferocity needed in guard dogs.
Training them to perform guard duties can be a tricky affair. They are intelligent, sure, but they are also known to be a bit stubborn. While they understand and grasp commands quickly, their problem-solving skills might incline them to find ‘workarounds’ for tasks instead of performing them as intended. Their slightly independent and stubborn tendencies might pose challenges when training them for a role that requires strict discipline and sharp response, such as that of a guard dog.
So, while the American Water Spaniel might not be the ideal breed for guard duty, they excel in many other areas. A sporting companion, a reliable hunting partner, or a lovable family pet – these little furry wonders are multifaceted, and they excel at being your loyal, loving companion.
That being said, if you’re in need of a guard dog specifically, it might be best to consider other breeds. Breeds like German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Bullmastiffs, which are revered for their protective instincts, might be a better fit for the job.
In the grand scheme of things, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to dog breeds. Individual dogs within a breed can vary greatly in temperament and aptitude. As such, while it can be said generally that the American Water Spaniel might not make the best guard dog, there may be exceptions.
So, if you’re considering an American Water Spaniel for a pet and are also looking for some form of household protection, don’t worry too much! What they might lack in the guard dog department, they more than make up for as a loyal and devoted companion. Your American Water Spaniel might not deter a burglar, but they will unquestionably enrich your life with their joyful energy and unwavering loyalty.
