Temperament and care ratings
The American Kennel Club rates every breed from 1 to 5 on the traits below. They describe how the breed tends to be, not a promise about one dog.
Coat: Double coat, medium.
A American Water Spaniel suits
- A first-time owner who wants an eager learner (trainability 5 of 5)
- People who hate dog hair on the sofa (shedding 1 of 5)
What the ratings mean day to day
An energy score of 3 and mental stimulation needs of 3 mean a good daily walk and some play. With barking at 3 of 5 and a watchdog score of 3, expect some barking at the door. Grooming at 3 of 5 means weekly brushing.
Popularity
In 2020 it ranked 158.
Breeds with a similar profile
Closest matches across all 14 trait ratings:
Dandie Dinmont TerrierKidsEnergyShedding
Compare: American Water Spaniel vs Chinese Crested · American Water Spaniel vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier · American Water Spaniel vs Alaskan Malamute
Frequently asked questions
Are American Water Spaniels good with kids?
The AKC rates the American Water Spaniel 3 out of 5 for being good with young children. Supervise early meetings and teach kids how to handle a dog.
Do American Water Spaniels shed a lot?
Shedding is rated 1 out of 5 (very low), and coat grooming 3 out of 5.
Are American Water Spaniels easy to train?
Trainability is rated 5 out of 5 and mental stimulation needs 3 out of 5.
How much energy does a American Water Spaniel have?
Energy is rated 3 out of 5 and playfulness 3 out of 5.
Ratings: American Kennel Club breed pages, compiled February 2022 (AKC American Water Spaniel page). 2025 ranking: AKC, published August 2026. How we check.