It was developed in the state of Wisconsin during the 19th century from a number of other breeds, including the Irish and English Water Spaniels.

They are medium-sized dogs, and have a double layered coat, which comes in a variety of brown related shades.

A versatile hunting dog, they are also suitable for apartment life due to work by breeders to develop a breed with an even temperament.

Hunters also wanted a hunting dog compact enough to be transported in a small skiff, one that was able to withstand Wisconsin's cold water temperatures.

[4] Over the years the numbers of the breed began to dwindle due both to a reduction in the duck population through those valley areas, and because of a switch in hunting – from a means to gather food for survival to that of recreation.

[4] Dr. Fred J. Pfeifer, from New London, Wisconsin, set up Wolf River Kennels in order to save the breed.

"[3] Due to Pfeifer's work, the breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) as the American Water Spaniel in 1920, and by the Field Dog Stud Book in 1938.

During 1998 only 233 puppies were registered with the AKC, with an estimated 3,000 dogs in existence mostly around the Midwestern United States,[8] in particular in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan.

[5] The limited popularity of the American Water Spaniel restricted development, resulting in the breed being relatively unchanged since its origins in the 19th century.

Since these times, breeders have been working to breed even tempered dogs that are suitable for both hunting and family life.

[14] The AWS has a mind of its own at times and reaches peak performance with the owner who is dedicated to teaching the dog just what is expected of it.

Even though they were originally bred to hunt, due to their size, they are suitable for apartment living as long as they receive enough exercise.

[19] The hair loss occurs at around six months of age, affecting the neck, thighs and tail; however the frequency has been reduced through work conducted by the breed clubs.

[18] Hip dysplasia is seen in around 8.3% of the breed, according to surveys conducted by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals over a twenty five-year period between 1974 and 1999.