English Springer Spaniel

Overview of English Springer Spaniels

English Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels were originally born in the same litters; the smaller “Cockers” hunted woodcock while their larger littermates were utilized to flush, or “spring,” game.

English Springer Spaniels have a double coat, which means that they have an insulating undercoat that’s covered with a topcoat, in much the same way that you might layer a sweater and a coat for warmth.

English Springer Spaniels are prone to several eye diseases: progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), multi focal retinal dysplasia, entropion (inward folding of the eyelid), and primary glaucoma.

English Springer Spaniel temperament, personality, training, behavior, pros and cons, advice, and information, by Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books

The English Springer Spaniel is an athletic, intelligent, and versatile dog breed that is always a firm favourite at dog shows which include agility, field trials, tracking and obedience trials.

English Springer Spaniels do seem to suffer from minor vision problems as they age, but they’re much less likely to develop serious genetic disorders that are common in other breeds.

English springer spaniels, poodles, Old English sheepdogs, bichon frise, collie breeds, and miniature pinschers are at increased risk (McManus and Craig, 2001; Miller et al., 2004).

English Springer Spaniels are strong and fast; they grow to 43-51 cm (17-20 in) tall, and they have a well-balanced body and a keen sense of smell.

The English springer spaniel is a medium-sized, compact dog standing 19 to 20 inches (48 to 51 cm) and weighing 40 to 50 pounds (18 to 23 kg).

English Springer Spaniel
Body, sides and back only #7F, #5F, #4F
Head, neck and ears #10
Tail, legs and underbody – scissors

Allergies

Allergies are a common example of skin disorders in English Springer Spaniels.The signs that something is wrong with their skin include greasiness, itching, signs of infection, hair loss, and scaling skin.

Barking

Also, you may want to give your dog a bath at least once every few months or as needed.And while they are not major droolers, they are known to slobber just a bit.If your English Springer Spaniel is left alone too long, barking can become a problem, especially if you live in an apartment or condominium, which is not recommended.Keep an eye out for burs and thorns since your dog romps around in the brush a lot.The English Springer Spaniel is not hypoallergenic since they are constant shedders, although they do not shed too much.They are not smelly most of the time, but after a long day of hunting and jumping in water to retrieve birds, they may need a bath.They need plenty of physical and mental stimulation and appreciate a daily walk or trip to the dog park.You will need to brush your English Springer Spaniel at least once or twice a week with a hard bristle brush to keep the coat conditioned.

Breed

In fact, it was once true that Cocker Spaniels and English Springer Spaniels could be born in the same litter — until the separation of the breed in the 1880s by the American Spaniel Club.That organization set the breed standard and determined that any spaniel over 28 pounds was a Springer.

Cancer

Cancer is a leading cause of death among dogs in their golden years.Early detection is critical!Many cancers are curable by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy.We’ll do periodic blood tests and look for lumps and bumps at each exam.Your English Springer Spaniel is a bit more prone to certain kinds of cancer starting at a younger age.

Coat

This slightly larger type of spaniel was bred in the 19th Century; there are two kinds of English Springer Spaniels; those meant for shows, with soft coats and big ears, and those bred to work, with coarser and shorter coats.

Eye Problems

Genetic Predispositions

At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Springer looking and feeling her best.This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for English Springer Spaniels.This information helps you and us together plan for your pet’s unique medical needs.You will know what to watch for, and we will all feel better knowing that we’re taking the best possible care of your pal.

Grooming

All the information is specific to English Springer Spaniels and in easy-reading comprehensive detail.Find answers to questions like:In The Complete Guide to English Springer Spaniels you will learn everything you need to know from start to end; how to choose a puppy, training, traveling, grooming, health care and senior care.You will also learn all about the background of the breed, its history, breed pre-disposed diseases, and special traits.

Health

A dog owner should always find the actual costs applicable to his own situation before making any decision.Figures provided in this article are for informational purposes only.Make sure to take these considerations seriously before adopting or purchasing an English Springer Spaniel, as they are imperative to your dog leading a healthy, happy, and comfortable life in your home.Moreover, the dog should not be a financial burden on you or your family, so make sure to carefully read through each section to better understand the expenses that come with owning a Springer Spaniel.To help you out, this guide contains all the primary expenses that are necessary to ensure your future dog’s well-being.

Infections

As with most dogs with long ears, ear infections can be a problem for English springer spaniels, and owners should inspect and clean their ears regularly, to prevent inflammation in the ears. 

Obesity

Additionally, obesity is a problem for the breed, especially if their physical activity needs aren’t being met.Obesity can create or exacerbate joint, back, or gastro-intestinal problems, as well as triggering the English springer spaniel’s higher than average propensity for diabetes.Talk to your vet about how much and how often you should feed your springer spaniel to help with weight management.

Social

But as long as those needs are met and it’s provided with plenty of social time with people, an English springer spaniel can adapt readily to any kind of living situation, from downtown apartment to sprawling ranch.English springer spaniels are active, curious, and energetic dogs.They are eager to please humans, but will require training to keep from becoming unruly.This is a dog that will require regular outdoor exercise.

Temperament

If you think an English Springer Spaniel sounds like the right dog for you, deciding between working and show temperaments is your first big task.Whichever you choose, you are certain to have a lot of fun, laughs and love with this gorgeous dog.

Training

The English Springer Spaniel, named for the way he “springs” at game to flush it for the hunter, has long been a favorite with sportsmen, but this lively, beautiful dog also makes a wonderful family companion if he receives the training and exercise he needs.

Are English Springer Spaniels a Popular Breed?

Obedient, affectionate, and athletic- the English Springer Spaniel is consistently a family favorite.Whether they are bred for their strength or appearance, this breed is the perfect companion when properly trained.Today, this dog is ranked as the 26th most popular breed in the United States by the AKC.

Are English Springer Spaniels child-friendly?

English Springer Spaniels are child-friendly because they do well with children when they get a chance to run around in a spacious place from sun up to sundown.These dogs are highly energetic breed which makes the best playmate to kids.

Are English Springer Spaniels Good with Kids?

As long as your English Springer Spaniel has been socialized with children at a young age, they should have no problems living within a family setting.This breed is gentle and affectionate by nature, and love the attention that children so often provides them.Once both the child and the dog understands how to properly interact with one another, they will be able to create a lasting friendship for years to come.

Are They Good For Emotional Support Purposes?

Yes – English Springer Spaniels are great emotional support dogs.They are lovable, high-spirited dogs that have great energy, stamina, and brains.They are also quite intelligent and highly trainable, especially when they are young pups, and only require weekly brushing to remove dirt and loose hair.However, you need to be extra careful about leaving them alone for long periods of time as they tend to get miserable when neglected and adopt undesirable behaviors as a result.

Did You Know?

The English Springer Spaniel was originally bred to be a hunting companion and a bird dog centuries ago.Before the 17th century and the invention of the wheel-lock firearm, hunters relied on sporting spaniels to help them flush out birds in high grass, point, and retrieve them.They were prized for their tough, muscular stature that was built specifically for long days out in the field assisting their humans.After the hunting rifle was perfected, the English Springer Spaniel was prized as a reliable and valuable gundog.

Do English Springer Spaniels Make Good Family Pets?

An English Springer Spaniel could be a perfect family pet, if he fits your family’s lifestyle.Although Springers are generally good with children and other dogs, it is best to supervise their interactions.This is especially true if they are unfamiliar with each other.

Do springer spaniels shed?

Springer spaniels do shed a moderate amount because of their double coat.As such, they are not a hypoallergenic dog and are not suitable for anyone with severe allergies.English springer spaniels shed their fur year-round, so you can always expect a few stray white hairs stuck to your clothes.

How many breeds of Spaniel are there?

There are four main breeds of Spaniel that are popular not just in the UK, but all over the world.

How much daily exercise does a springer spaniel need?

If you research the amount of daily exercise a springer spaniel needs, you’ll soon see that it’s not a dog suitable for a sedentary household.

How much does an English Springer Spaniel cost?

An English Springer Spaniel can set you back between $700 and $1000, although the exact price will vary depending on the breeder.Show Springers can often be more expensive because more attention is paid to how the pups look.

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Should English Springer Spaniels be professionally trained?

According to expert animal behaviorist and dog trainer Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., English Springer Spaniels usually do not require private training lessons.Group lessons for basic obedience and socialization, however, are recommended.These typically range from $150-$200 for five 1-hour weekly sessions.

What Do Show-bred Springer Spaniels Look Like?

Show-bred Springers have a more domed head and heavier, longer ears than their working cousins.They also have more extensively feathered coats and are more likely to have loose, drooping eyelids.Because they are bred more for looks than function, they are similar in appearance to each other.

What Do Working Springer Spaniels Look Like?

The appearance of working Springers differs quite extensively.This is because they are chosen for their ability to hunt rather than for how they look.Working Springers have become faster and, in some cases, smaller than their show cousins.There is also a lot of variation in weight and size between the two lines.

What Health Tests Should I look for?

When considering a breeder of English Springer Spaniel puppies, it is advisable to look for one who screens for PFK disorder, Cord1 PRA, hip and elbow dysplasia and eye problems.Breeders should be testing the parents before breeding, to ensure that they are free from these diseases.

What is the difference between a Show Springer and a Field Springer?

While Show Springers and Field Springers are both types of English Springer Spaniels with very similar characteristics and needs, there are some slight differences.Field Springers are, of course, bred to work out in the field as gun dogs, flushing out game.Show Springers are bred for dog shows, with more focus on the way they look.

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Which type of Spaniel should I get?

Are you ready to decide which Spaniel breed best suits your life? It’s not just a working or show breed you’ll need to determine.With each Spaniel having different appearances, personalities and temperaments, it’s important to pick the breed that suits your lifestyle best.

History of English Springer Spaniels

In 2018, the English Springer Spaniel was ranked as the 27th most popular breed by the American Kennel Club.

In 1801, Sydenham Edwards wrote in Cynographia Britannica that the “Land Spaniel” is divided into two types: the hawking, springing/springer and the cocking/cocker spaniel.[4] The term “cocker” came from the dog’s use in hunting woodcocks.[5] During the 19th century, a “cocker spaniel” was a type of small Field Spaniel; at the time, this term referred to a number of different spaniel hunting breeds, including the Norfolk Spaniel, Sussex Spaniel, and Clumber Spaniel.

In 1848 and made its way into the United States on Pinterest but the two breeds are heavily long!

In 1881 the American Spaniel Club was formed and included many types of Spaniels.

In 1892, English Cocker Spaniels and English Springer Spaniels were recognized as separate breeds by The Kennel Club.[11]

In 1892, English Cocker Spaniels and English Springer Spaniels were recognized as separate breeds by The Kennel Club.[11]

In 1902 the groups were separated as the English Cocker Spaniel and the English Springer Spaniel.During the 1900’s the English Cocker Spaniel gained popularity in America, but American’s also started breeding the dog with traits that many English breeders found distasteful.

In 1902 the Kennel Club of England recognized the English Springer Spaniel as a distinct breed (separate from English Cockers).

In 1902, England’s Kennel Club granted a special place in their Stud Book for the English Springer Spaniel, and a separate classification at their show in 1903.

In 1902, the English Kennel Club finally recognized them as separate breeds.

In 1902, the English Springer Spaniel was officially recognized as its own breed by the UKC.

In 1902, The Kennel Club recognized the English Springer Spaniel as a distinct breed.[2] They are used as sniffer dogs on a widespread basis.

In 1913, an English Springer Spaniel was imported by a Canadian breeder.

In 1913, the English Springer Spaniel made its way to the United States and, over the course of the following decade, the breed became one of the most popular in America.

In 1921, a cocker spaniel took home Westminster Kennel Club’s Best in Show for the first time.

In 1924, the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association was formed and eventually became the parent club of the breed.

In 1934, they were recognized by the AKC in the name Brittany Spaniel, which was further shortened to Brittany in 1982.

In 1946, the American Kennel Club recognized the American cocker spaniel and the English cocker spaniel as two distinct breeds.

In 1993, a 7-year-old female Jindo named Baekgu (백구; 白狗; translated as a White Dog), raised by Park Bok-dan (박복단), an 83-year-old woman on Jindo Island, was sold to a new owner in the city of Daejeon which is located about 300 km (180 mi) away from the island.

In 1999, German shepherd dogs were third on the American Kennel Club’s list of the Top 50 Breeds.

In 2010, 15.8 percent of dogs seen in Banfield hospitals were diagnosed with otitis externa.

In 2015, Wisconsin became the first state to introduce a bill to make blaze pink a legal hunting color.

In 2016, an important genetic study of the Bulldog was published.

In the 1800s, the Duke of Norfolk became interested in the spaniels and developed his own line, initially called the Norfolk spaniel and now the English springer spaniel.

In the 1930s, the decision was taken to categorize them as separate breeds when it got clear that Cocker Spaniel in the U.S.