Tweed Water Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Tweed Water Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom but American Water Spaniel is originated from United States. Tweed Water Spaniel may grow 14 cm / 6 inches higher than American Water Spaniel. Tweed Water Spaniel may weigh 12 kg / 27 pounds more than American Water Spaniel. Both Tweed Water Spaniel and American Water Spaniel has almost same life span. Both Tweed Water Spaniel and American Water Spaniel has same litter size. Both Tweed Water Spaniel and American Water Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance.

History

The Tweed Water Spaniel is extinct. Fortunately, we have some beautiful dogs that come from this dog. It is involved in bringing about the Golden Retriever. They were athletic dogs from Berwick-upon-Tweed.

It was in 1816 that Richard Lawrence wrote of the origins of the Tweed Water Spaniel which is thought to have come from the Newfoundland dog. It is believed that huntsmen used these dogs to retrieve the ducks and geese they shot. This purebred dog wasn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club or the FCI.

american water spaniel - historyThe American Water Spaniel was developed in the United States. He is the state dog of Wisconsin and was developed there in the 19th century. The bloodlines of this spaniel are varied but certainly include the English Water Spaniel and the Irish Water Spaniel. Even though they are the state dog of Wisconsin they were almost extinct when Dr. Fred J. Pfeifer rescued the breed. The numbers had fallen after World War II because hunting was now a recreational sport and not needed to provide food for the family. He then started a breed club and wrote a breed standard, both of which were recognized by the United Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club. When first developed the American Water Spaniel was known as the American Brown Spaniel. It was bred with a curly, thick coat so that it cold be sustained in Wisconsin winters and cold water. It was bred to hunt grouse, water fowl and prairie chickens as well as furry land animals. Pfeifer advertised his dogs for sale everywhere using a mailer that read: “, "The American Brown Spaniel is distinctively an American production. Hunters have known this type for years and it was through their efforts that this dog was propagated.... For years we have bred only selective stock, breeding for gameness, stability, courage, intelligence, and beauty. They are dogs to admire and trust under all conditions whether in the home circle or in the field with the outdoor man."[2]

In Wisconsin, around the wolf River and the Fox River, hunters were looking for a water dog that could also hunt on land. They needed a dog that could work a variety of fowl and game but who was small enough for a skiff and strong enough for the artic water temperatures of Wisconsin in the Winter. So, in addition to the spaniels named above, other breeds such as the Curly Coated Retriever, the Poodle, Native Indian dogs and the Sussex Spaniel were intermixed. When first developed the American Water Spaniel was known as the American Brown Spaniel. It was bred with a curly, thick coat so that it cold be sustained in Wisconsin winters and cold water. It was bred to hunt grouse, water fowl and prairie chickens as well as furry land animals. The American Water Spaniel was then itself used to develop another new breed, the Boykin Spaniel. In 1985 Wisconsin declared the American Water Spaniel to be the official state dog. Even so there remain only a few thousand dogs in existence. Though recognized by the AKC, they are neither spaniels nor retrievers and remain unclassified. Because of this they cannot compete in AKC field trials, but they do compete in AKC hunt tests. Though rare, the American Water Spaniel is a great hunting dog, retriever and companion.

Description

The Tweed Water Spaniel had a curly liver-colored coat with a long feathery tail and medium-sized floppy ears. It is thought that he was a large dog standing at between 50 to 60cm in height and weighing between 25 and 32kg.

The Tweed Water Spaniel, regarded as a moderate shedder, would have required being brushed from time to time.

Temperament:

The Tweed Water Spaniel had so many wonderful characteristics that made him a splendid family pet. He was smart and able to learn basic commands. He was also very playful and would have made a robust, playful friend for children.

They made gentle, loyal companions for their human family and wee able to get on well with other pets in the home. They would have got on well with other pets in the home too and it is believed that they were amicable enough to have been suited as a therapy dog.

They made good watchdogs too, being active and alert, just loving the outdoors. They’re well suited to life in the country or a home with a big garden and wouldn’t like to be cooped up on a small property in the city.

american water spaniel puppy - descriptionThe American Water spaniel is a midsized, muscular dog. There is nothing flashy about his looks or his work performance. He is however a consistent, competent swimmer and hunter. His brown coat is wavy or tightly curled, waterproof and dense. His feet have thick pads and webbed toes. The AWS is intelligent, happy, and easy going. He is a very versatile hunting dog on land and in water. The breed has not changed much since it originated in the 19th century. They can be liver, chocolate or brown. The eyes should be the same as the color of the coat. They have broad skulls with wide, long ears and an undocked tail.

They have a square, medium sized muzzle and wide nose. They have a bite that is level or scissors. The legs of the muscular American Water Spaniel are medium in length and the tail is full, with a medium length, curved and feathered. The dewclaws might or might not be removed.

Characteristics

Intelligent, courageous and friendly, it seems such a pity that the Tweed Water Spaniel is extinct because he seemed to have been a super dog.

Luckily we have dogs such as the Golden Retriever that remind us of what a good family pet he was.

american water spaniel dog - characteristicsBred to work the American Water Spaniels are loyal to their people, want to please them, but are not so great with strangers. They are stubborn and love to be the center of attention. They are often one person or one family dogs. They need an owner who is the pack leader and willing to put in the time to train them. However, they are a versatile breed and need variety in training and activities rather than repetitive activities. They are prone to resource guarding, slow maturation and dominance. These negative traits are dissipated with a strong leader, good training and a lot of daily activity. They are sensitive as well as stubborn. Do not use a punishment-oriented training with them. They will respond out of love and loyalty or not at all. This is a breed that wants to be the alpha over the people and will do so if you let him. Keep them fenced as being hunters they love to wander and will leave home whenever they can.

Health Problems

Because this dog is extinct and because no health records were kept, it is assumed that he would have had the same health issues as a Golden Retriever. Typical health issues of this dog would include hip dysplasia, obesity, cardiomyopathy.

Obesity:

This is a preventable disease in dogs, and if dog owners only knew what damage they do by allowing their dogs to become obese. Certainly, obesity shortens a dog’s life.

It is mind-boggling to realize that scientific evidence tells us that fat tissue is biologically active, secreting inflammatory hormones and also putting stress on the dog’s joints. Obese dogs develop an increased risk for cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Cardiomyopathy:

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle characterized by an enlarged heart. The heart doesn’t function properly with the ventricles becoming enlarged. The muscle wall of the heart becomes thinner and this causes the heart to lose the ability to pump blood to the rest of the body.

Fluid can accumulate in the lungs. This can all lead to congestive heart failure. Your dog will battle to breathe, be panting and coughing, have an extended abdomen and may even collapse.

american water spaniel puppies - health problemsThe American Water Spaniel is a hardy, healthy breed without a lot of the genetic concerns of other breeds. Some of the concerns of this breed include vision, cardiac, hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy. They might also have skin issues and metabolic disorders.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

The Tweed Water Spaniel had floppy ears and as a water dog, he may well have had ear infections in his day. One wonders if dog owners of that time were aware of the need to have the inside of the dog's ears clean and dry.

The Tweed Water Spaniel would have needed to have his eyes checked too. Pus in the eyes could indicate the dog wasn’t well.

Exercise:

The Tweed Water Spaniel would have required a lot of exercise and would have loved long walks and hikes. He wouldn’t need an invitation to go swimming and if you threw a stick or ball into the water, he’d be right there, jumping right in.

If you were a person that thrived on an active life this dog would have been for you.

Diet:

Nobody really knows what the Tweed Water Spaniel would have eaten in the 19th century when he was around. He’s the kind of dog you’d have to be careful with as he could put on weight easily.

If he were around today, you’d give him a high quality commercially manufactured food that was designed for large, active dogs. No doubt in those days, the owners gave the dog scraps off the table.

Today if you wanted to give your dog home-made food, you’d stick to healthy foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some healthy vegetables such as spinach, carrots and sweet potatoes.

Puppies would have required 4 bowls of food a day while the adult dog would require 2 meals a day.

Feeding

american water spaniel dogs - caringFeeding the American Water Spaniel is no mystery. They need a high quality dry dog food with an eye toward calorie consumption. Some AWS have a tendency to become obese. Treats are important to the AWS in training but can add to the obesity concerns.

Health

Like other isolated breeds that were bred true, the genetic issues we see in many other popular breeds are not seen as much in the American Water Spaniel. They do however have a few issues to contend with.

Eyes: These issues appear to be inherited with progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. Many AWS that develop cataracts do so at a very young age, usually under a year. Metabolic: Diabetes, hypothyroidism, glandular disorders and epilepsy. Baldness and Cardiac Issues. Orthopedic: Hip dysplasia. There is no evidence to suggest any elbow dysplasia. Additional concerns are hypothyroidism, allergies, epilepsy, diabetes and glandular disorders which Of course, the American Water Spaniel is an athlete who loves to be outdoors. He loves to swim, run and hunt. He needs daily exercise, or he can become loud and destructive. They thrive on having a job and they are not happy if they don’t have one. They are good at agility, obedience, dock diving and field trials. They also enjoy flyball and barn hunt.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Gun dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
United States
Height Male:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
36 - 46 cm
14 - 19 inches
Height Female:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
34 - 44 cm
13 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
11 - 20 kg
24 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
11 - 18 kg
24 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
4 - 6
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Ladykirk Spaniel
Amerikanischer Wasserspaniel • AWS • AM Water Spaniel
Colors Available:
Liver
Liver, Brown, Dark Chocolate
Coat:
Medium length, wavy to curly
DOuble, Wavy and Curly, thick
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Alert, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. English Springer Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  2. Brittany vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  3. English Setter vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  4. French Brittany vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  5. Boykin Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  6. Pudelpointer vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  7. American Water Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  8. American Water Spaniel vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  9. Picardy Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  10. Braque d'Auvergne vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. Ariege Pointer vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  12. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  13. Irish Water Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  14. Blue Picardy Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  15. Canadian Pointer vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  16. Deutsch Drahthaar vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  17. Clumber Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  18. Stabyhoun vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  19. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  20. Vizsla vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  21. Large Munsterlander vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  22. Tyrolean Hound vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  23. Cockalier vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  24. Braque du Bourbonnais vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  25. Cesky Fousek vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  26. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  27. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Chesapeake Bay Retriever - Breed Comparison
  28. Tweed Water Spaniel vs German Wirehaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  29. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  30. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Gordon Setter - Breed Comparison
  31. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Magyar Agar - Breed Comparison
  32. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Eurohound - Breed Comparison
  33. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Noir - Breed Comparison
  34. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Orange - Breed Comparison
  35. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Grand Anglo-Francais Tricolore - Breed Comparison
  36. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  37. Tweed Water Spaniel vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  38. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  39. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  40. Tweed Water Spaniel vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  42. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  43. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  44. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Samoyed - Breed Comparison
  45. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Labradoodle - Breed Comparison
  46. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Cane Corso - Breed Comparison
  47. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  48. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Mixed - Breed Comparison
  49. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds