It is important to have undercoat to provide sufficient density to be of protection against weather, water or punishing cover, yet not to coarse or too soft. The throat, neck and rear of the dog well covered with hair. The ear well covered with hair on both sides with ear canal evident upon inspection. Forehead covered with short smooth hair and without topknot. Tail covered with hair to tip with moderate feathering.
Legs have moderate feathering with waves or curls to harmonize with coat of dog.
Color Color either solid liver, brown or dark chocolate. A little white on toes and chest permissible. The American Water Spaniel moves with well balanced reach and drive. Watching a dog move toward one there should be no signs of elbows being out. Upon viewing the dog from the rear, one should get the impression that the hind legs which should be well muscled and not cow hocked, 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.