The AKC calls the American Water Spaniel an upbeat, outdoorsy athlete who loves to hunt and swim. It is smaller than the Irish Water Spaniel but just as keen.
Weight range and kennel
Males weigh 30 to 45 pounds and females 25 to 40, at 15 to 18 inches for either sex. That is a sturdy medium dog, and the Economy kennel (about 16 square feet inside plus 48 outside) holds it comfortably at $52 a night. Two spaniels from the same home share for $52 and $44.
Marcel waves to close curls
The standard allows a coat from marcel waves, which are uniform and flat, to closely curled, with an undercoat that gives density against weather and water. The AKC notes the amount of wave varies across the body. For the bath chart effective January 1, 2024, a medium coat is $45 at 26 to 50 pounds, and a lighter female under 25 pounds would be $40 at 16 to 25. Please ask to confirm.
Loves a ball and a long walk
An active, reserved-with-strangers spaniel burns off nerves in motion. The large fenced play areas and the grass field are the right kind of room, and walks are included. The AKC adds that the breed can be somewhat headstrong, so a dog that ignores a call may simply be following its nose.
A dense coat in July
Wavy-to-curly coats with an undercoat hold heat. The air-conditioned side of the run is open all summer, and the doggie door lets the dog decide. After play in the grass field, ask the staff about a bath before pick-up if you want one. Afternoon pick-up, between 2:00 and 5:00 PM, is half of the nightly fee, and check-out is by 11:30 AM.
Records, food and booking
Dogs need rabies, distemper/parvo and Bordetella current through the last day. Canine influenza is recommended but not required. House food is free; your own food is welcome in its original bag. See the Irish Water Spaniel, the Boykin Spaniel, and medium dog boarding.