The American Water Spaniel breed of dog was developed in the United States as an all-around hunting dog, bred to retrieve from skiff or canoes and also work the ground with relative ease. The American Water Spaniel is an active muscular dog, medium in size with a marcel to curly coat. Emphasis is placed on proper size and a symmetrical relationship of parts, texture of coat and color. Expression is alert, self-confident, attractive, and intelligent. Medium size eyes set well apart, while slightly rounded, should not appear protruding or bulging. Lids tight, not drooping. Eye color can range from a light yellowish brown to brown, hazel or of dark tone to harmonize with coat. Yellow eyes (a bright color like that of lemon, not to be confused with the light yellowish brown) are disqualifying. Ears set slightly above the eye line but not too high on the head, lobular, long and wide with leather extending to nose. The neck of the American Water Spaniel breed of dog should be round and of medium length, strong and muscular, free of throatiness, set to carry head with dignity, but its arch not accentuated. Top-line level or slight, straight slope from withers. Body well-developed, sturdily constructed but not too compactly coupled. Well-developed brisket extending to elbow neither too broad nor too narrow. The ribs well-sprung, but not so well-sprung that they interfere with the movement of the front assembly. The loins are strong, but without a "tucked-up" look. The tail of the American Water Spaniel is moderate in length, curved in a rocker fashion, can be carried either slightly below or above the level of the back. The tail is tapered, lively and covered with hair with moderate feathering. An American Water Spaniel's shoulders should be sloping, clean and muscular. Legs are medium in length, straight and well-boned but not so short as to handicap for field work or so heavy as to appear clumsy. Pasterns strong with no suggestion of weakness. Toes closely grouped, webbed, and well-padded. The size of the feet should harmonize with the size of the dog. Front dewclaws are permissible. Well-developed hips and thighs with the whole rear assembly showing strength and drive. The hock joint slightly rounded, should not be small and sharp in contour, moderately angulated. Legs from hock joint to foot pad moderate in length, strong and straight with good bone structure. Hocks parallel The coat of the American Water Spaniel breed of dog can range from marcel (uniform waves) to closely curled. The amount of waves or curls can vary from one area to another on the dog. It is important to have undercoat to provide sufficient density to be of protection against weather, water, or punishing cover, yet not too coarse or too soft. The throat, neck, and rear of the dog should be well-covered with hair. The ears also should be well-covered with hair on both sides, but with the ear canal evident upon inspection. Forehead covered with short smooth hair and without topknot. Tail covered with hair, with moderate feathering. Legs also should have moderate feathering with waves or curls to harmonize with coat of dog. The coat may be trimmed to present a well-groomed appearance; the ears may be shaved; but neither is required. The color of the American Water Spaniel breed of dog is solid liver, brown, or dark chocolate. A little white on the toes and chest is permissible. The American Water Spaniel moves with well-balanced reach and drive. An oncoming dog should show no signs of elbows being out. When viewing the dog from the rear, one should get the impression that the hind legs, which should be well-muscled and not cowhocked, move as nearly parallel as possible, with hocks doing their full share of work and flexing well, thus giving the appearance of power and strength.