About the American Water Dog Club

Of the American Water Dogs, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever (CBR) has already become established in the UK and has a moderate following; mostly amongst Waterfowlers but also by owners Beating, Picking Up and Shooting on Upland Shoots.

The Breed is relatively popular with Show Owners, a large proportion of whom also work their dogs on game or dummies.  A small proportion compete in Working Tests.

Unfortunately no Chesapeakes have competed in KC licenced Field Trials for many years now, although quite a few competed in the 1980’s, in the early days of the breed in the UK.

A very versatile breed, UK Chesapeakes have also trained and competed in Obedience, Rally, Agility, Heelwork To Music, Working Trials, Tracking, Bikejor, Canicross, Tri-Dog, and more recently Barn Hunt.

The American Water Spaniel (AWS) is recognised by the FCI and therefore by reciprocal agreement is also recognised by the Kennel Club (KC), but cannot be shown in the UK until an Interim Breed Standard is created and agreed upon by a Breed Club.

There has been a lot of interest in establishing the breed in the UK, by owners who wish to have a true Dual Purpose dog, with similar attributes and abilities to the Chesapeake, but in a more compact sized dog.

The split in other gundog breeds, such as the Cocker Spaniel, to Show and Working lines is now huge, offering an opportunity to promote and establish the American Water Spaniel in the UK.

The Boykin Spaniel is a lesser known breed, rare even in the US.  Not currently recognised by the KC or the FCI. 

Mostly owned by waterfowlers there are an increasing number seen in the AKC / UKC / CKC show ring and taking part in other activities as they are another truly versatile breed.  There has been an increasing interest in establishing the breed in the UK.