The American Water Spaniel is a gundog little known outside North America.
This breed is known for its superior sense of smell and friendly disposition. The AWS is equally adept at retrieving waterfowl, flushing game, and being a companion animal. Friendly, intelligent, and often willing to please, this dog is also very protective of its owner. It will become highly attached to the alpha of the house and will think of children as kennel mates until they grow up. Unspayed females will have a mind of their own when in heat (even when very well trained).