American Water Spaniel
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the American Water Spaniel. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | moderate | Present at meaningful rates; request OFA scores. |
| Hypothyroidism | moderate | A leading endocrine issue in the breed; routine screening recommended. |
| Eye disease (PRA, cataracts) | moderate | Hereditary eye conditions occur; annual eye exams recommended. |
| Heart disease (mitral valve) | moderate | Valve degeneration appears in seniors; annual auscultation advised. |
| Pattern baldness (follicular dysplasia) | low | Cosmetic hair thinning occurs in some individuals. |
Pet insurance for a American Water Spaniel
Insurers price a American Water Spaniel from the breed's documented claims profile — here, a clean bill of health with no dominant high-risk hereditary condition. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a American Water Spaniel is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 25–45 lbs and a grooming score of 2/5, the American Water Spaniel sits below the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the American Water Spaniel
The American Water Spaniel is Wisconsin's state dog, developed by Midwestern market hunters as a compact retriever that could work all day from a small boat. It is eager, trainable, and genuinely loves water, with high exercise needs and a protective, vocal streak unusual among spaniels. The dense curly coat is waterproof and low-fuss, needing occasional brushing. Generally healthy and long-lived, it suits hunters and active families wanting a versatile, homegrown sporting dog that swims like an otter.
Origin: United States (Wisconsin)
Temperament
Related reading for American Water Spaniel owners
American Water Spaniel FAQ
How long do American Water Spaniels live?
The typical American Water Spaniel lifespan is 10–14 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a American Water Spaniel?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The American Water Spaniel carries no dominant high-risk hereditary condition, which keeps it near or below that average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the American Water Spaniel a good apartment dog?
Conditionally. The American Water Spaniel can live in an apartment, but its 5/5 energy level means you'll need a consistent daily exercise routine.
What health problems are American Water Spaniels prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Hip dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Eye disease (PRA, cataracts). Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.