Anyone hunt with a Water Spaniel?

Looking for advice and experience with these dogs...

I saw an Irish Water Spaniel at a hunt test and it was most definitely the ugliest dog I have ever seen

American Water Spaniel (AWS), state dog of Wisconsin, does well in cold climates with its double layered coat. Trained with the Hunting Retriever Club point leading AWS one time, nice dog. Consider looking into the Boykin Spaniel as well, could tell you more about that.

I have an AWS. Love him. 36lbs of energy. Great all around hunting dog for all birds, not just retrieving for ducks. They are truly a one person dog. They will do anything for the person they choose. Everyone else, not so much.

Very sturdy and durable little dogs. The legs on my pup are as big around as a buddy's black lab.

This is not a trainers dog. They do not like repetition and get board with training routines very quickly. Of course, I get bored throwing dummies pretty quickly so we are s good match.

AWSs are quite vocal. If you can't handle barking, you won't like this breed.

I think Texas is a bit warm for my dog. Probably going to at least look at a Toller next time because they are a bit more heat tolerant. Mostly to keep the family happy since this is the first family pet.

Boykins are a similar breed which is more heat tolerant than the AWS, but they have more genetic issues than the AWS. Boykins are also much easier t come by in Texas.

Boykins do have genetic issues, but many of these genetic issues have been uncovered via genetic testing, and responsible breeders are testing for this to prevent them.

Check into English Cocker Spaniels. Very nice versatile dogs and built great for the family. They are very popular on the east coast but not many here in Texas. I do know a guy who has a few if your interested. It will be our next house/hunting dog.

I have 2 and love them. I got one here in Texas and one from North Carolina. Great dogs.

Can you send me his information?

Look into this breed Deutscher Wachtelhund

I"m not recommending Boykins, in fact I just bought an English Cocker ------- that being said,,,, here is a pic of my old Boykins.

here is a movie of my 12 week old English cocker.

Eng cocker fetching at 12 weeks

If you're interested in a Boykin, check my post in this forum at the link below. We just whelped a litter on Saturday, have male pups available. http://texashuntingforum.com/forum/ubbth...Bre#Post6410687

Need to post some pics. Boykins are the cutest puppies of all.