About
Characteristics
Healthcare
Normally Treatment Method
Supplements

About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 53.0-61.0 cm

Height range  : 38.0-46.0cm

Weight range : 11.0-20.0kg

Coat : medium|double coat|curly or wavy outer coat|waterproof|brown coat

Life expectancy years : 10-14

Colors: solid liver|brown|dark chocolate|chocolate|some white on chest and toes.

Activitity Level : High

Origin: United States

Similar Breeds : Irish Water Spaniel|Curly-Coated Retriever|Boykin Spaniel|Clumber Spaniel

 

History

The breed developed in the American Midwest , especially Wisconsin and Minnesota , in the 18th to early 19th century as a working gun dog able to retrieve from skiffs or canoes and work ground with ease. It became associated with Wisconsin as the state dog and later became rare as hunting patterns changed and duck numbers declined. Its background is often linked to curly-coated retriever and Irish water spaniel ancestry.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

upbeat|outdoorsy|aloof with strangers|obedient|affectionate|smart|sometimes stubborn|controllable on the hunt

Personality

happy|eager|charming|affectionate|intelligent|friendly|enthusiastic|lively

Needs

moderate to high exercise|mental stimulation|companionship|early socialization|weekly brushing

Social Needs

moderate to high social needs|good with children and other pets when socialized|reserved with strangers

Grooming 

weekly brushing year-round|brush more during spring and fall shedding|bath every 3 months or when dirty|coat may be oily and odorous|trim fur near ear entrance|light shedder

Nutrition

high-quality age-appropriate food|AAFCO-compliant medium-breed diet|watch portions because the breed can become overweight|treats in moderation|fresh water always available

 

Breed Standard

medium-sized muscular sporting gun dog|curly or wavy waterproof brown coat|long floppy ears|webbed paws|moderately long feathered tail

Did you know?

The American Water Spaniel is Wisconsin’s state dog and remains notably rare with only about 3 , 000 in existence according to breed club information cited by PetMD.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Hip Dysplasia, Degenerative Myelopathy, Hypothyroidism, Cataracts, Otitis Externa

 

Symptoms

1. lameness
2. slowness to rise
3. bunny-hopping gait
4. reluctance to run , jump , use stairs
5. holding the leg out while sitting

1. hind limb weakness
2. hind paws knuckling or rolling
3. worn hair on top of back feet
4. balance loss or wobbling
5. eventual paralysis , incontinence , swallowing difficulty may occur

1. weight gain without increased appetite
2. lethargy
3. cold intolerance
4. dry dull thinning coat
5. skin and ear infections

1. cloudy or opaque lens
2. reduced vision
3. clumsiness or bumping into objects may occur
4. blindness may develop in severe cases
5. lens-induced uveitis or glaucoma may occur

1. head shaking
2. ear scratching
3. brown waxy or purulent green discharge
4. ear pain
5. erythema , self-trauma or thickened canals

Onset of symptoms

 

Hip Dysplasia

1. signs may begin in younger dogs as joint laxity develops
2. signs may also appear later as arthritis progresses

Probability Of Onset:

1. this is a major breed concern and AWSC recommends hip screening
2. breed-focused external health text suggests high concern though severity may vary

Degenerative Myelopathy

1. usually affects older or middle-aged dogs
2. AWSC often shows up between 8 and 11 years , sometimes later

Probability Of Onset:

1. AWSC lists it as an occasional breed condition
2. dogs with 2 mutated gene copies may be at high risk to develop disease

Hypothyroidism

1. generally affects middle-aged dogs
2. average onset may be around 6 to 7 years

Probability Of Onset:

1. AWSC lists it as an occasional breed condition and VCA it is one of the most common endocrine diseases in dogs

Cataracts

1. hereditary cataracts may appear in young dogs
2. other cataracts may appear later and progress variably

Probability Of Onset:

1. eye disorders are important enough that AWSC recommends eye screening and PetMD notes breed predisposition to eye problems

Otitis Externa

1. can be acute or chronic
2. may begin after swimming , bathing , allergy flares or other primary triggers

Probability Of Onset:

1. the breed may be prone because swimming can trap moisture in the ear canal and predispose infection

Reasons

Hip Dysplasia       

 1. no single chemical lack is identified because the disease is hereditary and structural
2. diseased joints may inadequately produce glycosaminoglycan and hyaluronate

 

Hypothyroidism:

1. thyroid hormone is lacking and metabolic rate is reduced

 

Hip Dysplasia       

 1. no single chemical lack is identified because the disease is hereditary and structural
2. diseased joints may inadequately produce glycosaminoglycan and hyaluronate

Hypothyroidism:

1. thyroid hormone is lacking and metabolic rate is reduced

 

Degenerative Myelopathy

 1. no specific chemical lack is identified because the disease involves inherited degeneration of spinal cord white matter

Cataracts

1. no specific chemical lack is identified because cataracts are commonly hereditary , age related , traumatic or disease associated
2. antioxidant support for eye health is discussed in provided external text

Otitis Externa

  1. 1. no specific chemical lack is identified because risk is linked to moisture , anatomy , allergy , parasites and abnormal sebum or keratinization

Normally Treament Methods

Hip Dysplasia:

  1. 1. management may include weight control , controlled exercise , medications and surgery in more severe cases
    2. JPS , DPO-TPO , THR or FHO may be considered in appropriate cases
    3. highly athletic activity without control is not recommended when painful dysplasia is present

 

Degenerative Myelopathy:

  1. 1. physical therapy , rehabilitation , hydrotherapy , slow leash walking and mobility support may help slow progression
    2. harnesses , slings , booties and wheelchairs might be helpful later
    3. there is no cure and humane euthanasia might be considered with poor quality of life

 

Hypothyroidism

  1. 1. diagnosis may use TT4 and free T4 by ED
    2. lifelong oral levothyroxine may be used with periodic monitoring
    3. overdosing is not recommended because hyperthyroid signs may occur

 

Cataracts:

  1. 1. ophthalmic exam may confirm diagnosis
    2. surgical removal by a veterinary ophthalmologist may improve eyesight in suitable cases
    3. untreated advanced cataracts may need anti-inflammatory eye drops to reduce inflammation and help prevent glaucoma

 

Otitis Externa:

  1. 1. underlying causes may need correction
    2. ear cleaning and cytology-guided topical therapy may be used
    3. chronic or severe cases may need oral medication and surgery may be considered when medical care fails. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Hip Dysplasia :

  • 1. joint supplements can,might be helpful for joint support
    2. omega-3 fatty acid supplements can,might be helpful for reducing joint inflammation
recommend product

Degenerative Myelopathy

  • 1. antioxidant support such as vitamin E and vitamin C might be helpful for neurologic support
    2. no supplement may stop the disease according to the content
recommend product

Hypothyroidism

  • 1. no supplement is specifically recommended in the provided text because treatment may rely on levothyroxine
recommend product

Cataracts

  • 1. antioxidant blends containing lutein , zeaxanthin , vitamins C and E might be helpful for overall eye support
    2. omega-3 fatty acids , especially DHA , might be helpful for retinal support
recommend product

Otitis Externa

  • 1. vet-approved ear cleaner can,might be helpful for reducing moisture and debris after swimming
    2. astringents can,might be helpful for dogs used to swimming to minimize maceration
recommend product

電話

+852 6358 3131

地址

香港中環德輔道中84-86號章記大廈9樓01室

營業時間

週一到週日，早上10點到下午9點

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