Gadwall Name for American Water Spaniel

Teal are small, fast-flying river ducks, a common quarry for the hunters who developed the American Water Spaniel. This name is a direct and specific link to the breed's primary function: waterfowl retrieval. It evokes the challenge of the hunt—the speed and agility of the bird, which requires an equally quick and agile dog. 'Teal' is a name that is steeped in the action and excitement of a day on the water, a tribute to the dog's purpose.

The common name for several species of small dabbling ducks in the genus Anas. The name is of Germanic origin.

A covey is a small flock of birds, particularly partridges or quail. While the AWS is a renowned waterfowl retriever, it is also a superb upland flushing dog, used for hunting ruffed grouse and prairie chicken.[1, 9] This name specifically honors its upland capabilities, evoking the sudden, explosive flush of a hidden flock. It also carries a secondary meaning of a small, close-knit group, reflecting the breed's tendency to be a 'one-family dog' that bonds deeply with its pack.[1]

From the Old French 'covée', meaning 'a brood of birds', from 'cover', 'to hatch'. It refers to a small flock of game birds.

The American Kestrel is North America's smallest falcon. It is known for its incredible speed, agility, and keen eyesight. This name is a metaphor for the American Water Spaniel's character as a hunter. Though a medium-sized dog, the AWS is quick, athletic, and possesses a sharp, focused intensity when on game.[9] 'Kestrel' suggests a compact but powerful hunter, a creature with a high prey drive and a remarkable ability to pinpoint its target.

From Old French 'crécerelle'. The kestrel is a small falcon that hovers with rapidly beating wings while searching for prey on the ground.

The Ruffed Grouse is a classic upland game bird of the Wisconsin Northwoods, known for its explosive flush and cryptic camouflage.[1, 21] This name specifically celebrates the AWS's role as a versatile upland flushing dog, a key part of its 'all-around hunter' identity. 'Grouse' evokes the scent of pine needles, the crisp autumn air, and the thrill of a bird bursting from cover. It is a name that honors the dog's adaptability and its skill on land as well as water.

Origin uncertain, possibly from Old French 'grieche', 'a moorhen'. Grouse are a group of game birds from the order Galliformes, often found in temperate and subarctic regions.

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.

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 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.