American Water Spaniel

Brushing Routine

Brush 2-3 times weekly with a slicker brush and wide-toothed comb. Their distinctive tightly curled to wavy double coat is water-resistant and moderately prone to matting. Work through the curls gently without straightening them. An undercoat rake helps manage the dense underlayer during shedding season.

Bathing Tips

Bathe every 4-6 weeks with a gentle, curl-enhancing shampoo that maintains the coat's natural wave pattern. Avoid heavy conditioners that weigh down the curls. Their oily, water-resistant coat has a natural odor that bathing manages but never fully eliminates. Scrunch-dry with a towel to maintain curl definition.

Common Issues

• Natural oily coat odor that is characteristic of the breed
• Matting in the dense undercoat if brushing is neglected
• Ear infections from floppy, curly-haired ears
• Coat pattern varies from marcel wave to tight curls
• Seasonal shedding can be substantial from the undercoat

Extend Your Grooming Results

Scrunch rather than brush the curls when possible to maintain their natural pattern. Apply a leave-in curl-defining spray after baths. Clean ears weekly and after every water activity. Accept that some coat odor is normal and functional for this breed -- it is part of their water-resistant design.

Seasonal Care

Moderate shedding in spring and fall, primarily from the undercoat. Houston heat is well-tolerated by this water breed -- provide swimming for exercise and cooling. Their curly coat provides good insulation in both directions. Winter coat is denser with more pronounced undercoat. Humidity helps maintain curl definition naturally.

Maintenance Schedule

Brush 2-3 times weekly, ear cleaning weekly and after water activities, nail trim every 3-4 weeks, paw pad check weekly. Professional groom every 6-8 weeks with curl-preserving technique.