English Springer Spaniel

Other Names: Springer Dog Group Kennel Club: Sporting (AKC) Gun Dog KC (GB) Appearance The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized sporting dog, with a compact body, long ears and a docked tail. With their strong legs they were built to cover rough ground well and quickly. Coat Their coats are medium length, with feathering on his legs, ears, and chest. Coat colours include black & white, liver & white and tricolour. They have deep brown or dark hazel eyes.

Weight: 51 to 55 lbs

Average Life Span: 9 - 15 years

Temperament
Springer Spaniel are, energetic, friendly, extremely affectionate, loyal, well behaved dogs that require daily attention from their human companions. They love to be apart of family life and activities. They do not do well in out door kennels or when left alone inside for long periods of time. They are excellent with children and other animals making them ideal family pets.These dogs are very popular and are a good all rounder.

Training
Training the springer spaniel is fairly easy as they are eager to please, quick to learn and willing to obey. Training should be positive and consistent. As with all dogs springer's should be socialized with people and animals from an early age.

Grooming
They medium length coats need to be brushed and combed at least 3 times a week to remain tangle free and prevent matting. Their feathering on their legs chest and ears will need combing after country walks as they will pick up all types of debris. The ears also pick up food when eating and should be brushed gently. The inner ear should also be checked and cleaned regularly. Professional grooming 2 - 3 times a year is recommended.

Exercise
Springer's are active dogs that require long daily walks to meet their energy levels. They should have have the chance to run off leash. They love to swim and care should be taken ensure their safety. Springer's also love to run and retrieve. Owners must have the time for long walks and the opportunity to play with this breed to keep them happy and healthy.

English Springer Spaniel Health Issues

Prone to ear infections. The ears must be checked cleaned regularly  Hanging close to the ground as they do, they can become host to ticks or seeds, often the cause of deafness. The feathery fur that fringes the body must be combed frequently to avoid mats and kept free of seed pods, twigs, and other debris.

Hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joint resulting in a poor fit between the head of the femur bone and the hip socket. This condition can be alleviated by surgery, at some cost to dog and owner. Because dysplastic dogs often produce dysplastic puppies, buyers should ask if both the sire and the dam of the puppy in which they are interested have been rated clear of hip dysplasia. Do not take yes for an answer without seeing a certificate, and ask for a copy to take to your veterinarian.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a hereditary disease of the eye that has been identified in Border collies. PRA is a blanket term for many types of retinal diseases, all of which result in blindness. All Border collies, regardless of age or breeding status, should be examined yearly by a member of the Veterinary Ophthalmologists

VON WILLEBRAND'S DISEASE (vWD) - is an autosomally (not sex-linked) inherited bleeding disorder with a prolonged bleeding time (somewhat similar to hemophilia in humans) and a mild to severe factor IX deficiency. A DNA test for vWD is now available. Carrier-to-carrier breedings, in theory, will produce puppies that are 25% clear, 50% carriers, and 25% affected. Ideally, only clear-to-clear or clear-to-carrier should occur, so that no puppies will be affected. Not all dogs that are vWD affected will have severe bleeding problems, but they ARE at risk whenever they need to have surgery or have an accident. Some unlucky affected dogs will actually bleed out from a needle stick or minor wound.

English Springer Spaniel History

Spaniels can be traced back to 14th century Spain, with the word "spaniel", meaning "dog of Spain". They were breed and used for hunting and retrieving skills. From Spain the dogs were transported, traded, given away as gifts, or simply traveled with their masters to England.The actual distinction between 'Springer' spaniels and other spaniels, did not come about in this country until the 1880's. Until that time there were no formally defined differences between Cocker and Springer spaniels.

In the 1800's, these dogs were separated into 2 groups, the smaller "cocking" spaniels, were chiefly used for hunting woodcocks. The larger spaniels became known as "Springers" and "Field", and were used to "spring" game for a hunting net.

The English gave the Springer official breed status in 1902.

By springing the game, it made hunting easier and more productive for the hunter. To this day, English springer spaniels are considered by many to be one of the best hunting dogs that retrieve well in undergrowth and marshland. They work well on land as well as water.