American water spaniel

The American Water Spaniel remains a rare breed.

The limited popularity of the American Water Spaniel restricted development, resulting in the breed being relatively unchanged since its origins in the 19th century.

The American Water Spaniel and the Boykin Spaniel are noted for their water work.

Any coat type is acceptable, with some being almost curly like an American Water Spaniel to some with very straight fur like a Field Spaniel.

The American Water Spaniel was developed as a registered breed by Dr. F.J. Pfeifer of New London.

Dr. Pfeifer's own dog, named "Curly Pfeifer" was the first American Water Spaniel to be registered with UKC.

Descendant breeds of the English Water Spaniel are thought to include the American Water Spaniel which was also developed using additional stock from the Irish Water Spaniel and the Flat Coated Retriever breeds.

The 'Grand Barbet' depicted in Count George Louis Buffon's book 'Histoire Naturelle' (1750) is thought to be the original source of the various water dog breeds (Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, American Water Spaniel, and so on).

The differences between the Boykin and the AWS are negligible with some dog historians suggesting that the original Boykin, called "Dumpy", who was found on the streets of Spartanburg, South Carolina, was actually an American Water Spaniel who had been misplaced in transit.