American Water Spaniel Grooming Guide

The AWS Coat

Understanding the American Water Spaniel Coat

The American Water Spaniel's coat can be either curly or wavy — both are correct for the breed — with a dense undercoat that provides insulation and water resistance. The coat is medium length, liver or brown in color, and functional rather than ornamental. This is a hunting breed developed in the Great Lakes region for retrieving from small boats and through marshes; the coat reflects those working origins.

Maintenance is moderate. The coat doesn't grow continuously like a Poodle's, but it does mat if left unbrushd in the dense areas behind the ears, under the armpits, and in the leg feathering. The more critical maintenance task is ear cleaning — floppy ears over a curly coat create a moisture trap that makes ear infections common without preventive care.

Grooming Tools You'll Need

• Slicker brush — for regular brushing
• Wide-tooth metal comb — for checking density and finding mats
• Undercoat rake — for managing the dense undercoat during shedding
• Ear cleaning solution (veterinary-approved) and cotton balls
• Scissors or thinning shears — for tidying the feet and occasional feathering trim
• Dog-safe shampoo
• Nail clippers or grinder

Regular Routine

Weekly and Monthly Grooming Routine

Weekly

• Brush through the entire coat with a slicker brush, paying extra attention to the areas behind the ears, under the armpits, and in the leg feathering where matting develops
• Follow with a metal comb through the dense areas to confirm there are no hidden mats
• Clean both ears thoroughly — weekly ear cleaning is non-optional for this breed; see below
• Check paw pads and between the toes for debris, especially after field or water work

Bathing

Bathe every 4–8 weeks or when genuinely dirty. The dense water-resistant coat sheds surface dirt reasonably well under normal conditions. After water work, rinse the coat with fresh water to remove any contaminants from ponds, marshes, or lakes — this is good practice rather than a full shampoo bath. A full bath should use a dog shampoo suited for double coats. Rinse thoroughly; residue in the dense coat causes skin irritation.

Trimming

The American Water Spaniel's coat doesn't require the regular professional trimming that Lagottos or Portuguese Water Dogs need. Occasional tidying of the feet (trim the hair between the pads and around the foot), light trimming of the ear fringe at the ear opening to improve airflow, and feathering trim on the legs when they become excessively long is the typical scope. Many owners manage these trims at home; a professional groom 2–3 times per year is also a reasonable option.

Ear Care

Ear Cleaning — Essential for Water Spaniels

American Water Spaniels swim and wade regularly — and their floppy ears trap moisture against the ear canal. This is the primary source of chronic ear infections in the breed. Weekly ear cleaning is the minimum maintenance standard; cleaning after every swimming session is better practice.

Post-Water Ear Care

After swimming or water work, tip the dog's head to one side and gently massage the base of the ear to help drain any pooled water, then dry and clean with ear cleaning solution. This two-minute routine done consistently prevents the cycle of recurring infections that many spaniel owners deal with when they skip it.

Recognizing Ear Problems

Head shaking, scratching at ears, odor, redness, swelling, or dark discharge indicate an active infection requiring veterinary treatment. Don't attempt to clean through an infection — it doesn't treat the underlying cause and may delay appropriate care. A veterinary exam, swab, and microscopy identifies whether bacteria or yeast are present and guides the correct treatment. Chronic ear infections that don't resolve may need a culture and sensitivity test to identify the specific organism and the correct treatment.

Monitoring During Grooming

The American Water Spaniel has documented cardiac concerns — Progressive Cardiac Disease has been identified in some lines. During regular grooming and handling sessions, note any exercise intolerance, unusual fatigue, coughing, or changes in respiratory pattern. These may warrant veterinary evaluation. Catching cardiac changes early allows for more effective management.