English Springer Spaniel

In my own words

Are you busy at the moment? I’m bored indoors, can we go out for a walk? Maybe we can go to the beach for a swim? I’ll bring you back a nice stone to say thank you, promise! Or if we waited until later, maybe the children can come for walkies too, wouldn’t that be nice? I love playing with them even if they do pull my ears sometimes. Can we play now? I’m sorry if I start barking soon and I’ll try not to bite your new shoes but they are very tempting and I get so bored in here. I want to be outside running around free because I have lots of energy, you see.

Wow, did you see that out of the window? It was a bird! Can I chase it? Would you like me to go get it for you? I’m really good at that. I like hunting fowl, that’s my job. I still like family though, and people, I love people. I love long walks and swimming most of all though... Can we go for a walk yet?

Information essential about the English Springer Spaniel

Kennel Club Group:

KC UK – Gun Dog

AKC – Sporting

Size:

Medium: Weight Male 45 – 55 lb (20 – 25 kg) Female 40 – 50 lb (18 – 23 kg)

Height Male 19 – 21” (48 – 56 cm) Female 18 – 20” ( 46 – 51 cm)

Popularity:

Breed History:

Dating back to 17th Century, Springer Spaniels have long been prized for their ability to assist hunters by driving or “springing” birds from bushes, trees and fields hence where the dog gets it's name. During the Renaissance, it was considered the ideal companion for the European hunter. In the late 1880s, Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels often appeared in the same litters, and it was not until 1902 that they were classified as distinct breeds based on size (the Springer being larger) by the UK Kennel Club. The English Springer Spaniel was first registered by the AKC in 1927, and to this day English Springer Spaniels continue to be valued for their agility, hunting skills, obedience and companionship.

The English Springer Spaniel is the founder of all the English hunting spaniels and is the largest of the Spaniel breeds. The Clumber, the Sussex, the Welsh Springer, the Field, the Irish Water, and the Cocker Spaniel have all developed out of the English Springer Spaniel.

The English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association was formed in 1924 and field trials were held for the first time. Their talents include hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdog, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks. Currently, there are two distinct "types" of the English Springer Spaniel. Those bred for the conformation ring are referred to as "bench bred". Those that are bred for hunting and/or field trials are referred to as "field bred".

Character:

English Springer Spaniels love everybody, and everybody loves them. They are humble enough to adapt to child’s play, but they are secure enough to be comfortable around strangers and other pets. They are wonderful playmates for children and greet most strangers with an open heart. However, they have great protective instincts and will definitely sound the alarm if they sense a threat.

Springers are people-orientated dogs. They need lots of attention, companionship and positive feedback to feel settled and centered. Left alone for too long, they can get bored and could start to dig up a garden, bark for no reason or chew on shoes.

Temperament:

English Springer Spaniels are sociable, gregarious, and gentle. They are also courageous, highly intelligent, and sincere. They are excellent with children and love everyone. The English Springer Spaniel thrives on human interaction and need lots of attention from their family. If they are left alone for extended periods of time they will become destructive and are prone to excessive barking. They are good with other pets, but may not tolerate same sex dogs. Due to their fowl hunting nature they are not suitable for homes with pet birds.

Conformation:

English Springer Spaniels are medium-sized dogs with compact bodies and medium-length coats that grow feathery on their long ears, legs, chest and belly. Their heads are strong without seeming heavy, and their faces have a chiseled shape that gives them a pleasant expression. Their eyes are medium-sized, oval-shaped and somewhat sunken, giving off a bright and loving expression. They have long necks (about the length of their heads) that slope down to deep, developed chests. Their tails are usually docked (note that docking tails is illegal in most parts of Europe), and their flat or wavy coats can come in black and white, liver and white, or blue or liver roan. Overall, English Springer Spaniels have a gallant, alert and sturdy look.

Colour:

The coat can come in colours ranging from liver and white, black and white, predominantly white with black or liver markings, blue or liver roan, or a tricolor pattern of black and white or liver.

Training:

The English Springer Spaniel benefits from early intensive socialization and obedience. They must have firmness, fairness, praise, and consistency. This breed enjoys and excels in agility, flyball, tracking, retrieving, obedience, and, of course, hunting. They are also capable of making wonderful therapy dogs.

Care:

Health:

The lifespan of a healthy individual is between 12 and 14 years, which is normal for a dog of this size.  If you buy from a reputable, responsible breeder, health problems should not occur.  Common health issues include hip dysplasia, epilepsy, kidney disease and eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts. Springers are prone to hip dysplasia so it is a good idea to get your puppy hip scored if you are thinking of breeding later on.

Other problems can include patella luxation, where the kneecap slips in and out of place and blood disorder Phosphofructokinase deficiency (PFK).  This breed tends to gain weight easily and must not be overfed. The English Springer Spaniel has recently become afflicted with a serious personality disorder called "Rage Syndrome". A rare disorder, this syndrome will cause an otherwise normal dog to go into a sudden rage and viciously attack. Should this occur, the English Springer Spaniel will not respond to any commands. This condition has been found to be a form of epilepsy and is treatable.

Exercise:

Springers are energetic and require daily exercise. They enjoy brisk walks, bicycling, ball chasing, and swimming. They can adapt to city life and will do well in an apartment dwelling provided they are sufficiently exercised and given a safe space to run. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. They should have chances to take daily long walks or jog alongside the human, and they will also benefit from a run and play off the leash. These dogs perform very well in both agility skills trials and obedience competitions.

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