Description: Now, this is a beautiful dog!!! Not so just a few months ago. Read what his foster mom has to say: "I rescued him from my vet when his previous owner abandoned him and his sister. His sister, Peek'A'Boo, found a loving home. Unfortunately, because of his allergies and the neglect of his previous owner, Buddy had no hair from his shoulders down- he chewed it all off. As you can see by the pictures his hair is all back and he's a beautiful rusty red with med coat length. I adopted him with intention of keeping him, but am unable to spend time to walk and take care of him due to a busy work schedule. From what I found out in owning him for the last 3 months is that he would make a great family pet. He's a real sweety." What a blessing she has been in Buddy's life! I know there is a loving family out there just waiting for Buddy!
According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, the exact knowledge regarding the origin of this breed does not exist, but since the 18th century, the American Water Spaniel has been an all-around farm and hunting dog in the Midwestern United States, particularly in Wisconsin and Minnesota. The breed was probably developed from the Curly-Coated Retriever and Irish Water Spaniel - with possible additions of other early spaniels. The American Water Spaniel is an outstanding bird dog in swamps, woods, lakes and rivers. He has a gentle mouth and a fine nose and works well both flushing game and retrieving. He can even point out squirrels in trees by barking. The American Water Spaniel excels in swimming even in turbulent waters. Though he is the state dog of Wisconsin, the American Water Spaniel is still quite rare in the United States. Only about 270 were registered with the AKC in 1990, however since the American Water Spaniel is primarily a hunting dog rather than a show dog, owners often do not bother to officially register them, therefore there is probably many more born than registered. The American Water Spaniel makes a fine family companion. The American Water Spaniel is intelligent and very trainable. It is eager to learn and very enthusiastic about it's work. It is used above all for hunting quail, duck, pheasant, grouse, and rabbit. It also makes a good guard dog and companion. Friendly, energetic, confident persistent and obedient. . The American Water Spaniel is a pleasant , willing dog that is highly sensitive, so obedience training should be calm, quiet, and persuasive, rather then demanding or sharp. He is easy going, loving companion that is usually excellent with children, but he could snap defensively if startled or harshly disciplined. Heavy-handed training methods are not necessary with this willing spaniel. Socialize this breed well at an early age to avoid timidity and potential dog aggressiveness as an adult. They usually get along with non-canine pets. It loves attention, but can entertain itself. Some snore and some bark and whine quite a bit. It is an enthusiastic swimmer and makes a wonderful hunter in difficult waters, in the woods and over uneven terrain. This breed likes to roam. Some may drool. They have a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
Other Pictures of Buddy the Water Spaniel (click to see larger version):