Grooming the American Water Spaniel

By Cindra Grooming Products – USA-Made, Professional Grooming Essentials

The American Water Spaniel is a purpose-built, working water dog developed for cold water, harsh conditions, and long days in the field. Grooming this breed is not about cosmetic styling—it’s about preserving coat function, maintaining skin health, and supporting the natural wave-to-curl pattern that allows the dog to work effectively in water.

When groomed correctly, the American Water Spaniel’s coat should feel resilient, slightly textured, and weather-ready—not fluffy, limp, or overly soft.

COAT

The American Water Spaniel has a dense, water-resistant double coat that ranges from marcel (uniform waves) to closely curled. The amount of wave or curl can vary across the body, and the undercoat is essential for insulation and protection in cold water. Because this is a working, water-dog coat, grooming should preserve natural oils and coat function rather than “fluffing” or over-softening.

CHARACTER

The American Water Spaniel is a happy, eager, outdoorsy athlete with strong hunting instincts and a love of water. They’re typically affectionate and devoted to their people, sometimes a bit aloof with strangers, and they do best with consistent training and a job to do.

Recommended Cindra Grooming Products for the American Water Spaniel

Cindra Texturizing Shampoo helps maintain coat structure and body without over-softening the wave-to-curl pattern.
For true lake buildup and “swimmer smell,” start with Cindra Cleansing Shampoo as a first lather to remove residue cleanly.
Follow with Cindra Moisturizing Shampoo to keep skin and coat balanced while supporting elasticity in working curls.
Use Cindra Moisture Plus Conditioner selectively on feathering, friction zones, and dry ends—then rinse thoroughly to avoid a heavy feel.
For coats stressed by frequent swimming, seasonal change, or repeated bathing, add Cindra Reconstructor as a professional support step when the coat needs recovery and resilience.

Common American Water Spaniel Coat Problems & Solutions

Problem	Solution
Swimmer smell / lake water buildup	Start with Cleansing Shampoo as your first lather, rinse extremely well, then follow with Moisturizing Shampoo for a balanced finish.
Dry coat / brittle curl pattern	Use Moisturizing Shampoo and follow with Moisture Plus Conditioner (light application, rinse thoroughly).
Mats behind ears / friction areas	Apply Moisture Plus Conditioner full strength to the mat, wait 10–15 minutes, then gently separate with fingers and finish with a comb. Avoid ripping—work small sections at a time.
Flat coat / no body after bathing	Use a lighter amount of Moisture Plus Conditioner, rinse longer, and let the coat dry naturally or with a low-force dryer to encourage the natural wave/curl. If the coat is still too soft, reduce conditioning frequency and rely on Moisturizing Shampoo as your primary maintenance wash. For added structure when needed, rotate in Texturizing Shampoo.
Greasy feel (especially at skin level)	Use Cleansing Shampoo and extend rinse time. Greasy coats are often a rinse issue—extra rinse, then rinse again.
Feathering tangles (ears/legs/tail)	Lightly condition with Moisture Plus Conditioner and comb out while damp. Keep feathering clean and fully dry after swimming.

Key Coat Elements to Preserve in the American Water Spaniel

The American Water Spaniel coat is meant to function in water and cold weather. Your grooming goal is a clean, healthy, weather-resistant coat with a natural wave or curl—never over-fluffed, overly scissored, or overly softened.

Water-Resistant Texture

This breed’s coat relies on a dense undercoat and a protective outer coat. Over-bathing, harsh degreasers, and heavy conditioning can strip or flatten the coat. Choose balanced bathing intervals and focus on thorough rinsing to protect coat function.

Natural Wave-to-Curl Pattern

Coat can range from marcel waves to tight curls. Avoid heavy brushing that “blows out” the coat. Instead, use gentle combing to prevent mats and keep the curl pattern intact.

Feathering Management

Ears, legs, and tail can have light feathering that tangles—especially after swimming. Keep these areas clean, fully rinsed, and fully dried to prevent mats and odor.

Brushing & Maintenance Between Baths

Comb 1–2 times per week (more often during heavy activity or wet weather), focusing on ears, armpits, groin, and feathering.
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 can disrupt curl and reduce function.
Keep ear leather clean and dry; water dogs are prone to ear trouble. Seek veterinary guidance if odor, redness, or discharge appears.

Bathing & Drying Routine (Groomer Method)

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

Seasonal Shedding & Coat Changes

The American Water Spaniel sheds moderately year-round, with heavier shedding during spring and fall transitions. During seasonal shed:

Increase combing frequency to prevent undercoat compaction in friction zones.
Keep baths functional: remove buildup when present, but avoid stripping the coat unnecessarily.
Prioritize rinsing and full drying—trapped undercoat and damp skin are a common source of odor.

Puppy vs Adult Coat Care

Coat Stage	Care Priorities
Puppy	Gentle handling, light combing, calm bathing exposure, and keeping ear/feathering areas clean after play and water.
Adolescent coat change	Watch behind ears, armpits, and feathering for friction mats; keep sessions short and consistent to prevent tangles from becoming tight mats.
Adult	Maintain texture and function with strategic cleansing, selective conditioning, and drying habits that protect curl and undercoat performance.

Trimming: What’s Appropriate for This Breed

This is a functional coat. Minimal tidying is usually enough—neatening feet, trimming stray feathering, and keeping sanitary areas clean. Avoid sculpting, thinning, and high-fashion outlines that alter the natural wave/curl or remove protective coat elements.

Common Owner Mistakes (and How Groomers Avoid Them)

Over-conditioning the whole dog: condition where needed, then rinse thoroughly to prevent heaviness and flatness.
Not rinsing long enough: most “greasy” coats are incomplete rinsing—extend rinse time, especially after swimming and conditioning.
Blasting curls with high-force airflow: low-force drying helps preserve curl return and prevents blowing the coat out.
Brushing curls dry: it can break pattern and create frizz; comb strategically in friction zones instead.
Leaving the dog damp after swimming: fully dry ear leather and friction areas to reduce odor and skin trouble.

Quick Grooming Schedule

Task	Frequency
Comb friction areas (behind ears, armpits, groin)	1–2 times per week
Feathering comb-out	Weekly (more often with swimming)
Bath	Every 3–6 weeks or as needed
Fresh-water rinse after swimming	Same day
Ear check and dry	Weekly (and after swimming)

The Cindra Touch

Grooming the American Water Spaniel is about respecting the breed’s working design. Cindra Grooming Products are made in the USA and built for professional results—supporting skin comfort, coat integrity, and functional texture so the coat stays weather-ready and true to the breed.

A well-groomed American Water Spaniel should feel resilient to the hand, keep its natural wave-to-curl pattern, and remain ready for water and field work.