American Water Spaniel

[Ken R]

I've been thinking about getting an AWS and was wondering if anyone had one and would be willing to share your thoughts good or bad. I have owned other dogs, English Pointer and three Siberian Huskies. I'm looking for a smaller dog that will hunt and just be a pleasure to be around. It is just my wife and I at home. No other pets. Lost my last 2 Huskies this year and looking to fill the void.

 

[Joe O]

Check Nick Wansha's tread on page #3 toward the bottom.Be carefull,pups are addicting.

 

[Ken R]

I know, thats how I ended up with 3 Siberians at the same time.

 

[MLBob Furia]

Gary March (Old Merganser) has a great AWS named River.

 

[nathan luft]

i have a 2 year old english springer and love him his name is aj and i would put him up against any lab out their early and late season but expect to spend alot of time with him

 

[Rich Alley]

Ken,

The only thought I can add would be for you to watch out for the puppy farms. I purchased a pup from one such place in the mid-west in the late 80's, and it was heartbreaking. Saw the ad in DU magazine. I thought I had covered all the bases, too. Once the pup is in your hands, the deal is done.

Sometime later, I believe the state and the AWS owners/breeders group ...to their credit...cleaned up a lot of the problems. Like anything else, it only takes a few bad actors to tarnish the good records of the many dedicated people.

Do your best to double & triple check references, and see the sire/ dam, records and performance. The Internet and folks on this site will be of help, as you can see.

The AWS is a neat dog and fun to hunt with, especially upland. Just about the right size, and real crowd pleasers, too!

Good luck!

 

[Ken R]

Thanks Rich, I have gooten alot of good info tips from a bunch of guys about good breeders and the AWS in general.. I have talked to a couple. I haven't made any comittment yet to any of them. I'm taking my time. I'm aware of the puppy mills. I still have to wrestle my wife to the ground on this. She doesn't want another dog after loosing 2 this year. She doesn't want to go through that again. She'll come around. I appreciate all the feeback. I was looking at the AWS as a duck hunter and some upland. I duck hunt more than upland. I'm in no hurry. I'm really hoping to find someone local with an AWS that I can take my wife to see. Help push her over the edge.

Thanks again to everyone for your replies.

 

[Rich Alley]

Ahhh,

My motto is this.... if the Wife is not happy, I know I won't be either.

My second motto is... She is usually right.

These mottos come from years of trial and error, and I am sure there are plenty of guys nodding their heads right now.

GOOD LUCK!

Rich

 

[Rick Kyte]

Where do you live?

 

[Ken R]

Williamstown, New Jersey. About half way between Philly and Atlantic City.

Yes I did just update my profile with my location.

 

[Rick Kyte]

Thanks Ken.

No point inviting you over to see an AWS when you live 1200 miles away. Of course, I'd be happy to drive 50 and meet you part way

Rick

 

[Ken R]

Rick, I left yesterday and should be there any minute

 

[nathan luft]

if u want a springer i know the guy i got mine from has some of the best dog i have ever hunted with

 

[Ken R]

Thanks Nathan, but I'm pretty much stuck on an AWS. You working too?

 

[H Boykin]

How about a Boykin Spaniel? ; )

 

[Ken R]

Thanks, but I'm still stuck on the AWS. Iread up on the Boykin and the French and Springer Spaniels. AWS just seemd right for me.

 

[Rick Kyte]

How about a Pekingese?

You seem as persistent as an AWS; should be a good match.

Rick

 

[Ken R]

LOL. Not the first time I've heard that Rick. I've hunted over Springers, labs (many), Viszla, GSP, English Setters and had an English pointer of my own. My buddy has 3 labs, too much energy for me. I want smaller that does it all. From what I read and learned from various sites on the web, AWS is my solution. This isn't something that just poped into my head. I've been thinking about this for a long time. I had 3 Siberians and knew that after they passed I wanted a hunting breed. I knew what I didn't want and was searching for THE dog. My last 2 Siberians passed this year, February and July. I miss them, they were great dogs for the last 17 years. It''s time for the next phase of my dog life.

 

[Joe O]

Ken,sounds like you've owned and hunted enough dogs to know what you want.I owned a Boykin that I didn't hunt,(phase of life)and have never seen a AWS except on TV dog shows.I like what I see,and would certainly have them on my "A" list if I were looking for a primary waterfowl dog and occasional upland.Who knows,they might excell in both venues.My guess is, that curley coat doesn't shed all over,similar to a Poodle or Boykin.Keeps the wife happy.Good luck finding a good breeder.

 

[Gary March]

HI Ken
I guess I will give you my two cents on American Water Spaniels. I have owned one for four yrs now and all I can say is WoW! I was determined to have one like you. At this stage of the game I couldn't imagine owning any other dog but an AWS. I have had labs, pointers ,setters and beagles. And all I can say is my AWS is everything one could ask for. She is incredible on phesants,chukar,and quail. But primarily I hunt waterfowl. She weighs in at 69 lbs and is quit large for the breed. She manhandles geese very well. She Hunts out of my MLB layout boats with ease. They are very,very smart. I am a very poor dog trainer ,and she has turned out quit well. I know we all think of our dogs being the best, But she truley has been incredible. There personality's will keep you laughing all day long. Never have I owned a dog like (River). I usually post my hunts on the MLB site, and usually only lurk here. I think your choice is right on. Pics enclosed.
Good Luck, Gary March