Male Names for American Water Spaniel

This name is a direct tribute to Dr. Fred J. Pfeifer of New London, Wisconsin, the man singularly credited with saving the American Water Spaniel from extinction.[1, 2] It embodies a story of preservation and dedication, a recognition that the dog's very existence is a legacy. 'Pfeifer' is not just a sound; it's a historical anchor, grounding the dog in the narrative of a passionate advocate who saw the breed's intrinsic worth when others had moved on to more specialized, foreign hunters after World War II.[1, 3]

A German surname meaning 'pipe-player' or 'fifer'. It honors Dr. Fred J. Pfeifer, the pivotal figure in the American Water Spaniel's history who established the breed standard and gained its initial kennel club recognition in 1920.[1, 4]

While the AWS is the state dog of Wisconsin, 'Badger' is the state animal and a nickname for the state itself.[8] This name creates a powerful symbolic link, positioning the dog as the ultimate Wisconsinite. The badger is known for its tenacity, strength, and ruggedness—qualities mirrored in the AWS's determined hunting style and ability to handle punishing cover.[9] It’s a name that speaks of a deep-rooted, hardworking, and resilient character, emblematic of the 'rugged people' who developed this 'rugged dog'.[3]

Refers to the American badger, the state animal of Wisconsin. The state's nickname, 'The Badger State,' originated with lead miners in the 1820s who dug tunnels for shelter, resembling badgers.[8]

This name honors the very first American Water Spaniel registered with the United Kennel Club in 1920, a dog belonging to Dr. Fred J. Pfeifer himself.[1, 4] It is the foundation name, representing the moment the 'little brown dog' of the Wisconsin river valleys was formally recognized as a distinct breed. 'Curly Pfeifer' is a name that carries the full weight of the breed's official history, symbolizing the culmination of decades of development and the beginning of its journey toward preservation.

The registered name of the first American Water Spaniel recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1920, owned by Dr. F.J. Pfeifer. 'Curly' describes the coat, and 'Pfeifer' is the owner's surname.[1, 4]

Like 'Pfeifer', this name is a direct homage to a key historical figure, Thomas Brogdan, who played a vital role in the breed's journey to AKC recognition.[1] While Pfeifer saved the breed from extinction, Brogdan helped elevate it to the national stage. The name 'Brogdan' signifies the importance of advocacy and the formal structures that ensure a breed's standards and lineage are maintained. It represents the crucial step of codification and official acceptance.

The surname of Thomas Brogdan of Rush Lake, Wisconsin. He was a key collaborator in the effort to have the American Water Spaniel officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1940.[1]

An eddy is a circular current of water, a small whirlpool that runs contrary to the main stream. This name is a beautiful metaphor for the American Water Spaniel's energetic and dynamic nature. It captures the image of a compact, muscular dog turning quickly in the water, creating its own currents as it retrieves a bird. It suggests a contained but powerful energy, a force that is both playful and purposeful, perfectly mirroring the dog's lively spirit and focused work ethic in its native aquatic environment.

From the Old English 'ed', meaning 'back, again,' and 'ea', meaning 'water'. It refers to a current of water running contrary to the main current, especially one in a circular motion.

An anchor provides stability and security, holding a vessel firm against currents and winds. This name is a metaphor for the American Water Spaniel's role both in the skiff and in the family. In the boat, its compact, steady presence is a literal anchor. In the home, its loyal and deeply bonded nature makes it an emotional anchor for its chosen person.[1, 9] The name speaks of reliability, strength, and a deep, unwavering connection that holds fast in any weather.

From the Greek 'ankura', via Latin 'ancora'. An anchor is a heavy device used to connect a vessel to the sea bed to prevent it from drifting.

Flint is the hard, gray rock used to create a spark in a flintlock firearm, the type of weapon used during the era of the AWS's development. This name positions the dog as the essential catalyst for the hunt—the spark that ignites the action. It is a metaphor for the dog's 'hard flush', that moment of explosive energy that puts a bird into flight.[9] 'Flint' suggests something fundamental, reliable, and capable of creating fire and excitement from a moment of stillness.

A hard, sedimentary form of quartz. Historically, it was crucial for making stone tools and for creating sparks in early firearms.

A roustabout is a laborer who can do a variety of tasks, a jack-of-all-trades. This name perfectly captures the American Water Spaniel's identity as a true 'all-around hunting dog'.[11, 13] It was not a specialist but a versatile worker, capable of flushing upland birds, retrieving waterfowl from icy water, and handling various kinds of game.[1, 5] 'Roustabout' celebrates this rugged, adaptable, get-the-job-done attitude that made the breed so valuable to practical hunters.

An Americanism from the mid-19th century, likely from 'roust' and 'about'. It refers to an unskilled or transient laborer, especially on a dock, oil rig, or in a circus.

In firearms, gauge is a measure of the bore of a shotgun, a standard of power and utility. This name suggests precision, reliability, and fitness for purpose. It metaphorically positions the American Water Spaniel as the perfect 'gauge' for the conditions of the Wisconsin wetlands—not too large, not too small, but perfectly calibrated for the task of retrieving from a skiff.[7] It also subtly nods to the importance of the breed standard, the 'gauge' by which the dogs are judged.

From the Old North French 'jauge', 'a measuring rod'. It refers to a standard of measure, particularly the internal diameter of a firearm barrel.

A name that evokes the quintessential American river story, 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'. This name connects the American Water Spaniel to a broader narrative of American identity, one tied to rivers, independence, and a spirit of adventure. Like Huck Finn, the AWS is a product of the American heartland, unpretentious, resourceful, and most at home on the water. The name suggests a dog with a mischievous streak and a loyal heart, a perfect companion for exploring the great outdoors.

A diminutive of Huckleberry, famously associated with Mark Twain's character Huckleberry Finn. 'Huckleberry' is a North American shrub.

In ammunition, the primer is the small component that ignites the main propellant charge. It is the initial spark, the source of potential energy. This name is a metaphor for the American Water Spaniel's role in the field. The dog is the 'primer' for the action; its flush or retrieve initiates the most exciting moments of the hunt. The name suggests a creature full of latent power and the promise of what's to come, the critical first step in a chain of events.

From the Latin 'primus', meaning 'first'. In firearms, it refers to the device that initiates the main explosive charge.

The keel is the structural backbone of a vessel, providing stability and preventing it from being overturned by the wind or waves. This name is a powerful nautical metaphor for the American Water Spaniel's role. The dog's low-slung, muscular build and steady temperament act as a stabilizing force, both physically in a small boat and emotionally for its owner. 'Keel' suggests a foundational strength and a deep, unwavering balance that is essential for navigating challenging waters.

From the Old Norse 'kjölr'. The keel is the main structural member of a boat, running along the centerline of the bottom.

Ballast is heavy material placed in the hold of a ship to ensure its stability. This name speaks directly to the American Water Spaniel's 'substance' as described in the breed standard—a solidly built, muscular dog with enough weight to be sturdy but not clumsy.[11, 13] 'Ballast' is a metaphor for the dog's grounding presence in a small skiff, its compact weight providing a low center of gravity. It suggests a dog that is a source of physical and emotional stability for its hunting partner.

Of Low German or Scandinavian origin. Ballast is heavy material, such as gravel, sand, or iron, placed low in a vessel to improve its stability.

The rudder is the part of a boat used for steering. This name is a metaphor for the dog's intelligence and focus, which help to 'steer' the hunt towards success. The dog's keen nose and ability to read the environment provide crucial information, guiding the hunter's efforts. 'Rudder' suggests a creature that provides direction and control, a thinking partner whose instincts and observations are essential for navigating the complexities of the field and water.

From Old English 'rōther', meaning 'paddle, oar'. A rudder is a flat piece hinged vertically near the stern of a boat for steering.

To scull is to propel a boat with a single oar over the stern, a subtle and skillful technique used for quiet maneuvering. This name captures the nuanced and efficient way an AWS works. It’s not about crashing through the water with brute force, but about agile, purposeful movement. 'Scull' evokes the image of the dog's tapered, rudder-like tail in action and its powerful, webbed feet propelling it with quiet determination.[13, 17] It speaks of skill, control, and grace in the water.

Origin uncertain, but related to the skull of the head, possibly due to the shape of the oar's handle. To scull is to propel a boat by moving a single oar from side to side over the stern.

A tiller is a lever used to turn a boat's rudder. It is the direct connection between the person steering and the boat's direction. This name is a metaphor for the AWS's responsiveness and the deep, intuitive connection it has with its owner. The dog acts as an extension of the owner's will, responding to subtle commands and cues to navigate the hunt. 'Tiller' symbolizes that sensitive, immediate link that makes for a seamless and effective partnership.

From Middle English 'tiller', meaning 'a weaver's beam' or 'handle'. It refers to the lever attached to a rudder for steering a boat.

A bailer is a simple but essential tool for removing water from a boat. This name is a humble yet powerful tribute to the dog's utility. It positions the AWS not as a flashy showpiece, but as a fundamental, indispensable piece of equipment for any water-based outing. 'Bailer' suggests a dog that is reliable, hardworking, and always there to handle the messy, essential tasks. It’s a name that celebrates the beauty of pure, unadorned function.

From the Old French 'baille', meaning 'a bucket'. A bailer is a container used to remove water from a boat.

This name is taken directly from the official breed standard, which describes the AWS's coat as ranging from 'marcel (uniform waves) to closely curled'.[11, 13] A 'marcel wave' was a popular women's hairstyle of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, created with a hot iron. The name therefore connects the dog's appearance to the very era of its development. It suggests a classic, timeless beauty—a natural elegance that has remained unchanged for over a century.

Named after Marcel Grateau, a 19th-century French hairdresser who invented the 'Marcel wave' hairstyle. The term is used in the AWS breed standard to describe a coat with uniform waves.[11]

Umber is another natural brown earth pigment, darker and less red than sienna. It is known for creating deep, rich shadows in paintings. This name captures the darker, more mysterious shades of the AWS's coat—the deep chocolate and dark liver colors.[11] 'Umber' suggests a dog with depth and substance, a creature that is at home in the shadows of the forest and the murky depths of the water. It evokes a sense of quiet, powerful presence.

From 'terra d'ombra', Italian for 'earth of Umbria', the region in Italy where it was originally extracted. It is a natural brown or reddish-brown earth pigment.

This name refers to the tight curls and dense texture of the AWS's coat, which can form 'knots' if not groomed. But it's also a metaphor for the dog's character. A knot is a complex fastening, a symbol of strength, security, and intricacy. The name 'Knot' speaks to the breed's solidly built, muscular body and its complex, intelligent mind. It suggests a creature that is both physically tough and mentally intricate, a puzzle of stubbornness and loyalty that binds it securely to its owner.

From Old English 'cnotta'. A knot is a fastening made by looping a piece of string, rope, or something similar on itself and tightening it.

Grit is courage and resolve; strength of character. This name perfectly encapsulates the American Water Spaniel's tenacious spirit. It speaks to the dog's determination to push through cold water, dense cattails, and punishing cover to get the job done.[9] 'Grit' is not about aggression, but about a deep, quiet resolve and a refusal to give up. It is the mental toughness that was prized by the hunters who developed the breed for its 'gameness' and 'courage'.[1]

From Old English 'grēot', meaning 'sand, gravel'. In modern American English, it has come to mean 'courage, resolve, and strength of character'.

A talisman is an object thought to have magic powers and to bring good luck. For a hunter, a great dog is the ultimate talisman—a partner whose skill and presence seem to ensure success. This name celebrates the deep, almost superstitious bond between a hunter and their dog. It speaks to the AWS's role as a trusted companion and a 'secret weapon' in the field.[14] The name suggests a dog that is not just a tool, but a cherished charm, a bringer of good fortune and joy.

From the Arabic 'tilsam', ultimately from the Greek 'telesma', meaning 'completion, religious rite'. It refers to an object, typically an inscribed ring or stone, that is thought to have magic powers.

The Tamarack, or American Larch, is a coniferous tree found in the cold, boggy, forested wetlands of Wisconsin.[15] It is unique among conifers for being deciduous, dropping its needles in the fall. This name symbolizes the breed's toughness, its ability to thrive in cold northern climates, and its rugged, adaptable nature. Like the Tamarack, the AWS is a hardy native of the Northwoods, a creature of resilience and unique character.

From an Algonquian language, likely meaning 'wood used for snowshoes'. The Tamarack (Larix laricina) is a deciduous conifer native to North America.

Rushes are grass-like plants that grow in marshy ground, another key component of the AWS's native habitat.[16] The name also means to move with urgent haste. This dual meaning makes it a perfect name for the breed. It simultaneously grounds the dog in the reedy wetlands while also describing its fast-working, energetic nature in the field. 'Rush' is a name of both place and action, of habitat and of instinct.

The plant name is from Old English 'risc'. The verb 'rush' is from Anglo-French 'russer'. The two distinct meanings combine perfectly for the breed.

The river otter is a master of the aquatic environment, a sleek, powerful, and playful swimmer that shares the same habitat as the AWS.[21] This name is a metaphor for the dog's own prowess in the water. It speaks to the AWS's strong swimming ability, its webbed feet, and its natural love for the water. 'Otter' also captures the breed's playful, intelligent, and sometimes mischievous nature, suggesting a creature that finds pure joy in its element.

From Old English 'otor'. The otter is a semiaquatic, carnivorous mammal in the weasel family, known for its playful behavior and skill in water.

The Gadwall is a common dabbling duck, more subtly colored than the mallard but prized by discerning hunters. This name, like 'Teal', connects the dog directly to its quarry. However, 'Gadwall' suggests something more understated and appreciated by the expert. It’s a name for a dog that is not flashy, but is a reliable, high-quality worker—a connoisseur's choice, much like the bird itself. It reflects the AWS's own status as a rare, unpretentious breed for those in the know.

Origin uncertain, but first recorded in the 17th century. The Gadwall is a common and widespread dabbling duck in the family Anatidae.

The Northern Pike is a large, predatory freshwater fish found in the lakes and rivers of Wisconsin, known for its explosive power and aggressive nature.[8, 16] This name is a metaphor for the American Water Spaniel's strength and drive in the water. It suggests a creature that is a powerful, determined force in its aquatic element. 'Pike' evokes a sense of raw, predatory instinct and a mastery of the underwater world.

A shortening of 'pike-fish', named for its long, pointed head, from Old English 'pīc', meaning 'a sharp point'.

The fisher is a medium-sized mammal of the weasel family, native to the forests of Wisconsin.[21] Despite its name, it does not eat fish. It is known for being a fierce, agile, and elusive predator. This name is a metaphor for the AWS's tough, tenacious, and intelligent nature. 'Fisher' suggests a creature that is a skilled and powerful hunter, perfectly adapted to its environment and possessing a wild, untamed spirit. It also subtly nods to the fishermen and hunters who developed the breed.

Named for its resemblance to the European polecat, 'fitch'. The fisher (Pekania pennanti) is a carnivorous mammal native to North America.

Corcoran is an Irish surname meaning 'ruddy-faced' or 'of reddish complexion'. This name is a clever and subtle way to honor the breed's Irish heritage while also referencing its distinctive color. The liver, brown, and chocolate tones of the AWS often have warm, reddish highlights. 'Corcoran' connects the dog's appearance to a specific Irish characteristic, weaving together its potential ancestry and its physical traits into a single, meaningful name.

An anglicized form of the Irish surname 'Ó Corcráin', from 'corcair', meaning 'purple' or 'ruddy'.

For a rare breed with a story of near-extinction and a dedicated savior, 'Legend' is a fittingly epic name. It positions the dog as a character in a grand narrative, a living embodiment of a story that deserves to be told. The name speaks to the breed's resilience and the almost mythical status it holds among its small circle of admirers. 'Legend' suggests a dog whose every action contributes to the ongoing saga of the American Water Spaniel.

From the Latin 'legenda', meaning 'things to be read'. A legend is a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated.

A relic is an object surviving from an earlier time, especially one of historical or sentimental interest. For a rare breed like the AWS, which preserves the characteristics of a 19th-century gundog, this name is profoundly fitting. It positions the dog as a precious artifact, a tangible link to a bygone era of American history. 'Relic' speaks to the breed's rarity, its value, and its importance as a piece of living history.

From the Latin 'reliquiae', meaning 'remains'. A relic is an object, custom, or belief that has survived from an earlier time.

This name pinpoints the geographical heart of the breed, New London, Wisconsin, the town where Dr. Pfeifer established his kennels and where a historical marker designates the 'Birthplace of the American Water Spaniel'.[2, 3] It evokes a sense of small-town American ingenuity and rugged, unpretentious origins. The name suggests a dog developed not by aristocrats, but by practical farmers and hunters in the backyards of a Midwestern community, a symbol of grassroots creation.[3]

Named for the city of New London, Wisconsin, in Waupaca County. This location is historically recognized as the center of the breed's development and preservation efforts by Dr. F.J. Pfeifer.[2]

This name directly references one of the two primary river valleys—the Fox and Wolf Rivers—where the American Water Spaniel was first developed.[5, 7] It is a name steeped in the wild, untamed spirit of 19th-century Wisconsin. 'Wolf River' suggests not just a place, but an active, flowing force of nature that is both beautiful and demanding. It perfectly captures the essence of a dog bred to navigate those very currents, a creature as much a part of that river system as the fish and fowl.

Named for the Wolf River, a tributary of the Fox River in Wisconsin. This river valley is the documented region where the American Water Spaniel breed originated in the 19th century.[1, 5]

This name refers to Waupaca County, the specific Wisconsin county where the town of New London is located.[2] It offers a more subtle and unique geographical anchor than the town or rivers themselves. The name, of Native American origin, adds a layer of deeper history, acknowledging the land's heritage long before European settlement. It suggests a dog that is not just a product of 19th-century hunters, but is tied to the ancient soul of the land itself.

The name of a county in Wisconsin, home to New London. The name is believed to be derived from a Menominee or Potawatomi term, possibly meaning 'white sand bottom' or 'looking on.'.[2]

A rill is a small, shallow stream or brook. This name captures a quieter, more intimate aspect of the breed's connection to water. It moves away from the grand lakes and powerful rivers to the smaller tributaries and marshy trickles where much of a hunter's work is done. 'Rill' suggests a gentle but persistent current, a subtle and methodical approach. It reflects the AWS's intelligence and its ability to work thoughtfully and stay close to the gun, rather than just relying on brute force.[9]

Of Germanic origin, related to Middle Low German 'rille' and Dutch 'ril', meaning 'a small stream' or 'furrow'.

The Driftless Area is a unique region of Wisconsin (and neighboring states) that was never covered by glaciers during the last ice age, resulting in a landscape of steep, rugged hills and deeply carved river valleys.[12] This name is a sophisticated metaphor for the AWS itself: a breed that is ancient in its form, rugged in its constitution, and shaped by forces different from those that created more modern, specialized breeds. It suggests a character that is original, authentic, and has remained unchanged by passing trends.[3]

A geological term for a region that lacks 'drift,' the glacial deposits of rock and soil left behind by retreating ice sheets. The Driftless Area of Wisconsin is known for its distinctive, unglaciated topography.[12]

While geographically associated with the American South, 'Bayou' perfectly describes the slow-moving, marshy waterways and wetland environments where the AWS excels. It evokes a world of dense vegetation, murky water, and hidden game—a landscape that requires a tenacious and intelligent dog with a keen nose. The name carries a sense of mystery and a deep connection to a complex, water-logged ecosystem, much like the Wisconsin river valleys of its origin.[15, 16]

From the Choctaw word 'bayuk', meaning 'small stream'. It entered American English via Louisiana French and refers to a body of water typically found in a flat, low-lying area.

A simple, direct, and powerful name that defines the breed's primary hunting ground. The AWS was bred to work in the icy waters and marshy banks of Wisconsin.[10] A marsh is a wetland dominated by herbaceous plants like cattails and rushes, a challenging environment of mud, water, and dense cover. The name 'Marsh' grounds the dog in this specific biome, celebrating its ability to thrive in a landscape that would deter other breeds. It is a name of place and of purpose.

From Old English 'mersc', meaning 'a tract of low, wet land'. A marsh is a type of wetland ecosystem, the natural working environment of the American Water Spaniel.

A decoy is an essential tool in waterfowl hunting, used to lure birds within range. While the dog is a retriever, not a lure, this name places it firmly within the constellation of essential hunting equipment. It suggests the dog is an indispensable part of the entire process, as vital to success as the decoys, the boat, and the gun. The name 'Decoy' evokes the quiet stillness of a duck blind before the action, a scene of patient partnership between the hunter and their tools.

From the Dutch 'de kooi', meaning 'the cage' or 'the trap'. It refers to a real or imitation bird or mammal, used by hunters to lure game.

This name is inspired by the description of an AWS that gets bored with repetitive training dummies but excels on a real hunt, being a 'gamer'.[14] It perfectly captures the breed's intelligent and purpose-driven mindset. A 'gamer' is a competitor who rises to the occasion when the stakes are real. This name celebrates the dog's smarts, its refusal to engage in pointless tasks, and its deep, instinctual understanding of the 'real game'. It reframes potential stubbornness as high intelligence.

In sports terminology, a 'gamer' is an athlete who plays with exceptional determination and performs well under pressure. The term highlights a competitive and resilient spirit.[14]

An oar is the tool that propels a small boat through the water. This name positions the dog as a vital part of the boat's motive force. While the hunter provides the primary propulsion, the dog's eager retrieve and powerful swimming are what complete the mission. 'Oar' symbolizes the rhythmic, collaborative effort of the hunt. It speaks to the dog's role as an active partner, not just a passenger, contributing its own power and energy to the shared goal.

From the Old English 'ār'. An oar is a pole with a flat blade at one end, used for rowing or steering a boat.