Oar Name for American Water Spaniel

The gunwale (pronounced 'gunnel') is the upper edge of the side of a boat. It is the boundary between being in the boat and in the water. This name symbolizes the AWS's perfect poise on that edge. The dog is always ready to launch into the water, yet remains steady and controlled within the skiff until commanded. 'Gunwale' represents that moment of potential energy and discipline, the perfect balance between eagerness and obedience that defines a great water dog.

From 'gun' and 'wale' (a timber plank on a ship's side). Originally, it was the upper planking that supported the ship's guns.

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 thwart is a structural crosspiece in a boat, a seat that braces the sides and provides support. This name is a metaphor for the American Water Spaniel's role as a connecting and supporting element. The dog is the link between the hunter and the game, bridging the gap between land and water. 'Thwart' suggests a creature that provides essential structure and support to the entire hunting enterprise, a reliable brace that holds everything together.

From Old English 'thweort', meaning 'transverse, across'. A thwart is a seat or structural crosspiece running from side to side in a boat.

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.

This name refers to the small, flat-bottomed boat that was the primary working platform for the 19th-century hunters who developed the AWS.[1, 13] The breed was specifically designed to be compact enough to work from a skiff without capsizing it.[7, 14] The name 'Skiff' therefore encapsulates the breed's core design principle: a perfect balance of size, power, and stability. It symbolizes the intimate partnership between hunter and dog in the close confines of a small boat.

From the Middle French 'esquif', meaning 'a small boat'. A skiff is typically a small, open boat, often used for fishing or as a tender, and was the vessel from which the AWS was bred to hunt.[13]