Grooming the American Water Spaniel

By Tasha Mesina, Cindra Grooming Products — USA-Made Professional Grooming Essentials

The American Water Spaniel is a purpose-built working water dog from the lake country of the upper Midwest, developed for cold water, harsh conditions, and long days in the field. Grooming this breed is about preserving coat function and skin health, not cosmetic styling — the goal is a coat that feels resilient and weather-ready, never fluffy or overly soft.

Coat

The American Water Spaniel has a dense, water-resistant double coat that ranges from marcel (uniform waves) to closely curled, with the amount of wave or curl varying across the body. The undercoat is essential for insulation and protection in cold water. Colors are solid liver, brown, or dark chocolate, with a little white on toes and chest permissible. The throat, neck, and rear are well covered with hair; the forehead is covered with short smooth hair without a topknot; legs carry moderate feathering with waves or curls matching the body coat. Because this is a working water-dog coat, grooming should preserve natural oils and function rather than fluffing or over-softening it.

Character

The American Water Spaniel is a happy, eager, outdoorsy athlete with strong hunting instincts and a love of water — Wisconsin's state dog, bred to retrieve from skiffs and canoes. They are intelligent, affectionate, and devoted to their people, though somewhat aloof with strangers and capable of a stubborn streak. They do best with consistent training and a job to do, and thrive with active, outdoorsy families.

Recommended Cindra Products

  • Texturizing Shampoo — maintains coat structure and body without over-softening the wave-to-curl pattern
  • Cleansing Shampoo — for true lake buildup and swimmer smell; use as a first lather to remove residue cleanly
  • Moisturizing Shampoo — keeps skin and coat balanced while supporting elasticity in working curls
  • Moisture Plus Conditioner — use selectively on feathering, friction zones, and dry ends; rinse thoroughly to avoid a heavy feel
  • Reconstructor — for coats stressed by frequent swimming, seasonal change, or repeated bathing; a professional support step for recovery and resilience

Problems & Solutions

Problem: Swimmer smell / lake water buildup — Solution: Start with Cleansing Shampoo as your first lather, rinse extremely well, then follow with Moisturizing Shampoo for a balanced finish

Problem: Dry coat / brittle curl pattern — Solution: Use Moisturizing Shampoo and follow with Moisture Plus Conditioner (light application, rinse thoroughly)

Problem: Mats behind ears / friction areas — Solution: Apply Moisture Plus Conditioner full strength to the mat, wait 10–15 minutes, then gently separate with fingers and finish with a comb; work small sections at a time

Problem: Flat coat / no body after bathing — Solution: Use a lighter amount of conditioner, rinse longer, and let the coat dry naturally or with a low-force dryer; rotate in Texturizing Shampoo for added structure when needed

Problem: Greasy feel (especially at skin level) — Solution: Use Cleansing Shampoo and extend rinse time — greasy coats are often a rinse issue

Problem: Feathering tangles (ears/legs/tail) — Solution: Lightly condition with Moisture Plus Conditioner and comb out while damp; keep feathering clean and fully dry after swimming

Hands-On Grooming Guide

Brushing & Maintenance Between Baths

Comb or brush 2–3 times per week, focusing on ears, armpits, groin, and feathering — more often during heavy activity, wet weather, or seasonal shedding. After swimming, rinse with fresh water, towel blot dry, then comb feathering once the coat is dry. Avoid brushing the whole coat out like a drop coat; this disrupts the wave/curl pattern and can reduce function. Keep ear leather clean and dry, as water dogs are prone to ear trouble — seek veterinary guidance if odor, redness, or discharge appears.

Bathing & Drying

  1. Pre-rinse with warm water until the coat is fully saturated to skin level.
  2. First lather as needed: Cleansing Shampoo, then rinse thoroughly.
  3. Second lather: Moisturizing Shampoo, let sit 2–3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
  4. Condition lightly with Moisture Plus Conditioner on ends, feathering, or dry areas; rinse until the coat feels clean, not coated.
  5. Towel blot — don't aggressively rub curls. Dry ears carefully and ensure the coat is fully dry, especially in cool weather.
  6. If the coat has been stressed by frequent water work, rotate in Reconstructor as a support step, then rinse fully.

Trimming

This is a functional coat. Minimal tidying is usually enough — neatening feet, trimming stray feathering, and keeping sanitary areas clean. Owners who hunt with the breed sometimes clip the coat or shave the ears for tough terrain, both of which are permitted but not required by the breed standard. Avoid sculpting, thinning, or fashion outlines that alter the natural wave/curl or remove protective coat elements.

Shedding

The American Water Spaniel sheds moderately year-round, with heavier shedding during spring and fall transitions as the dense winter undercoat is stripped. During seasonal shed, increase combing frequency to prevent undercoat compaction in friction zones, and prioritize rinsing and full drying — trapped undercoat and damp skin are a common source of odor.

Puppy vs. Adult Coat

Coat Stage: Puppy — Care Priorities: Gentle handling, light combing, calm bathing exposure, keeping ear and feathering areas clean after play and water

Coat Stage: Adolescent coat change — Care Priorities: Watch behind ears, armpits, and feathering for friction mats; keep sessions short and consistent to prevent tangles from tightening

Coat Stage: Adult — Care Priorities: Maintain texture and function with strategic cleansing, selective conditioning, and drying habits that protect curl and undercoat performance

Quick Grooming Schedule

Task: Comb friction areas (behind ears, armpits, groin) — Frequency: 2–3 times per week

Task: Feathering comb-out — Frequency: Weekly (more often with swimming)

Task: Bath — Frequency: Every 3–6 weeks or as needed

Task: Fresh-water rinse after swimming — Frequency: Same day

Task: Ear check and dry — Frequency: Weekly (and after swimming)

Task: Nail trim — Frequency: Every 2–3 weeks

Resources

How I Approach This Coat

Grooming the American Water Spaniel is about respecting the breed's working design. My Cleansing Shampoo and Moisturizing Shampoo support skin comfort, coat integrity, and functional texture so the coat stays weather-ready and true to the breed. Made in the USA since 1982.