Did you know that the American Water Spaniel, a Christmas-card perfect cuddle of fur, was the first-ever dog to come about in the Midwest United States? This good-tempered fluff ball with a knack for hunting and fetching is one of the least known breeds, even though it’s been around since the 18th century!
But, is owning one like having a furry toddler or a disciplined companion? Is it worth all the praises or does it tag along pseudonyms like ‘needy,’ ‘acting-out,’ or our personal non-favorite, ‘high-maintenance?’
Let’s find out!
The American Water Spaniel, or the AWS for short, is historically a working dog, known for its adeptness in waterfowling and retrieving. While they may not be much to look at with their double-layered, wavy or curly coat, they make excellent companions, exhibiting utmost love and loyalty for their families.
But here’s the fun part – simply referring to their coats as ‘wavy’ or ‘curly’ doesn’t cut it. Each AWS can have a unique fur pattern that ranges from ‘marcel’ (tight waves like you see in vintage hairstyles!) to close curls akin to that of the Poodle’s – a genetic cousin of the AWS. Yes, you heard that right, an AWS coat can be as unique as a human fingerprint!
Now, this individuality comes with a semi-consequence – grooming. An AWS is not entirely a wash-and-go breed. A weekly brushing is in order to keep its coat healthy and free from mats. Luckily, this isn’t a Herculean task and a simple slicker brush works great for the job. Bathe your furry friend once a month, or when it starts to look too grubby, and you’re good to go. Be informed though – their ears are prone to infection, so a regular check and clean-up is advisable.
One of the truly endearing things about this breed is that they are very accommodating and can adjust well to different living conditions. They’re happy in an apartment, given they have their share of exercise and mental stimulation, and equally thrilled in a home with a big backyard to romp and play in.
But boredom and isolation are an AWS’s enemies. If not given enough physical and mental stimulation, they can get destructive, which is usually labeled as being ‘high maintenance’. The truth, however, is that they’re smart, energetic dogs that need to have their minds and bodies engaged. So, be prepared for daily walks, play sessions, and a round of hunting fetch in the park.
Training them, fortunately, is not as challenging it sounds. AWS is an intelligent breed and is quite eager to please its human. You just need to be consistent and use positive reinforcement techniques. Stubbornness can creep in at times, especially during a boring, repetitive exercise. To avoid such instances, keep the training sessions short and interesting.
And yes, as with any dog, this breed, too, has the potential for certain health issues. These generally include hip dysplasia, mitral valve disease, progressive retinal atrophy, and hypothyroidism. While the risks cannot be completely avoided, finding a responsible breeder, regular vet check-ups, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce these health concerns.
At the end of the day, an AWS tends to reflect the time, training, and love you invest in it. If continuously nurtured with attention and care, these dogs can turn out to be remarkably low-maintenance, remarkably fast.
In conclusion, labeling an American Water Spaniel as ‘high maintenance’ is a broad-brush phrase and relatively subjective. If one could juggle a routine of regular exercise, mental stimulation, and grooming, an AWS would be a snug fit to their life! This active, intelligent, and friendly breed does require some work, but the love and companionship they reciprocate with are truly unrivaled. So, while yes, any dog can be ‘high-maintenance,’ it’s all a matter of perspective and a little bit of flexing of your routine!
