The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized dog breed that was originally developed in England as a gun dog to flush gamebirds and retrieve them. They are also known as fowl hunters because they excel at water work and can swim well. Today, they are still used for hunting but are also popular as family pets, show dogs, and performance dogs.
History of the English Springer Spaniel Breed
The English Springer Spaniel is one of the oldest spaniel breeds in the world. It is believed that they originated from the ancient land Spaniels that were brought to England by the Romans. These spaniels were used for hunting birds and small game by flushing them out of their hiding places.
In the 19th century, the Spaniels were divided into two groups: the land and the water. The land spaniels were further classified by size: the larger ones were called springers because they sprang at the game, and the smaller ones were called cockers because they hunted woodcock. The springers and cockers were often born in the same litter but were separated by size when they grew up.
The first official recognition of the English Springer Spaniel as a distinct breed was in 1902 by the Kennel Club of England. The first standard was written in 1906 by a group of enthusiasts who formed the English Springer Spaniel Club. The breed was imported to America in 1907 by James Watson, who became the first president of the American Spaniel Club. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1910.
The English Springer Spaniel was mainly used as a hunting dog until the 1940s when it started to gain popularity as a show dog. The show lines became more refined and elegant than the field lines, which remained more rugged and functional. Today, there are two different types of English Springer Spaniels: the field-bred and the show-bred.
The field-bred Springers are smaller, lighter, faster, and more athletic than the show-bred Springers. They have shorter coats, less feathering, longer ears, and more white on their faces.
The show-bred Springers are larger, heavier, slower, and more graceful than the field-bred Springers. They have longer coats, more feathering, shorter ears, and less white on their faces.
Both types of Springers can still perform well in their original roles as hunting dogs, but they have different preferences and abilities. The field-bred Springers are more suited for field trials and hunt tests, where they have to work independently and cover a lot of ground. The show-bred Springers are more suited for showing and companion roles, where they have to be obedient and attentive to their handlers.
Breed Overview
| Dog Breed | English Springer Spaniel |
|---|---|
| Nicknames | Springer, Springerdoodle (when crossed with a Poodle) |
| Coat | Double coat, medium-length, flat or wavy, glossy, weather-resistant |
| Coat Colors | Black or liver with white markings, or blue or liver roan |
| Coat Patterns | Solid, parti-color, ticking, flecks |
| Weight | 40 to 50 pounds (male), 35 to 45 pounds (female) |
| Height | 20 inches (male), 19 inches (female) |
| Lifespan | 10 to 14 years |
| Origin | England |
| Breed Ranking | 26th out of 199 breeds by the American Kennel Club |
Breed Standard Appearance
The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized dog that has a balanced and symmetrical appearance. They have strong and muscular body that is slightly longer than tall. They have a moderately long, arched neck that blends smoothly into the shoulders. They have a deep and broad chest that reaches the level of the elbows. They have a level back that slopes slightly to the tail, with well-sprung ribs that extend well back. They have a moderately tucked-up abdomen that gives them a graceful outline.
The English Springer Spaniel has a noble and refined head that is in proportion to the body. They have a moderately long and slightly domed skull that is fairly broad and flat between the ears. They have a well-defined stop that divides the skull from the muzzle. They have a long and clean-cut muzzle that is about the same length as the skull. They have a strong and square jaw that meets in a scissors bite. They have medium-sized and almond-shaped eyes that are set well apart and slightly oblique. The eyes are usually brown or hazel, depending on the coat color. They have long, wide ears that align with the eyes and hang close to the cheeks.
The English Springer Spaniel has a lively and expressive tail that is set low and carried horizontally or slightly elevated. The tail is usually docked to about one-third or one-fourth of its natural length, but this practice is illegal in some countries. The tail is well-feathered with straight or slightly wavy hair.
The English Springer Spaniel has a beautiful double coat consisting of a dense, close-fitting undercoat and a medium-length, flat, wavy outer coat. The coat is weather-resistant and protects the dog from water, cold, and thorns. The coat is longer and more feathered on the ears, chest, legs, and tail. The coat can be black or liver with white markings or blue or liver roan. The white markings can also have ticking or flecks of color.
The English Springer Spaniel has a smooth, effortless gait showing power and endurance. They move with long strides that cover a lot of ground. They have good reach in the front and good drive in the rear. They move in a straight line without crossing or weaving.
The English Springer Spaniel has an ideal height of 19 to 20 inches at the withers for males and 18 to 19 inches for females. The ideal weight is proportionate to the height but usually ranges from 40 to 50 pounds for males and 35 to 45 pounds for females.
Personality
The English Springer Spaniel is a cheerful, friendly, and affectionate dog that loves to be around people. They are loyal and devoted to their owners and will follow them everywhere. They are also very sociable and get along well with other dogs, cats, and small animals, as long as they are properly socialized from an early age. They are especially good with children and will play with them for hours. They are gentle, patient, and protective of their family members, and they will alert them of any strangers or dangers.
The English Springer Spaniel is a smart, obedient, and eager-to-please dog that is easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement, praise, and treats and will do anything to make their owners happy. They are also very sensitive and intuitive and can sense their owners’ moods and emotions. They will try to comfort them when they are sad or cheer them up when they are bored. They are not aggressive or dominant but can sometimes be stubborn or independent. They need a firm but fair leader who can set clear rules and boundaries for them.
The English Springer Spaniel is a lively, energetic, and playful dog that needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation. They are not couch potatoes and will not be happy if left alone for too long. They need at least an hour of exercise every day, preferably in a fenced yard or a park where they can run freely and explore. They also need interactive games, toys, puzzles, and training sessions to keep their minds busy and prevent boredom. They love to chase, fetch, swim, and retrieve anything that moves or flies. They also have a strong hunting instinct, so they should be kept on a leash or under control when outside.
All in all, these are extremely versatile dogs that can adapt to different lifestyles and environments. That doesn’t mean they are suitable for everyone, though, since they need someone who can provide them with enough attention, affection, exercise, and stimulation. They need someone who can handle their shedding, grooming, and health issues. And they are not recommended for people who are allergic to dog hair or dander or who have very busy schedules or small living spaces.
Caring for an English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is a relatively easy dog to care for, but they do have some specific needs that owners should be aware of.
Grooming
The English Springer Spaniel has a beautiful double coat that needs regular maintenance to keep it healthy and shiny. The coat should be brushed at least twice a week to remove loose hair, dirt, mats, and tangles. The coat should also be trimmed every few months to keep it neat and tidy. The ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infection, as they are prone to ear problems due to their long and floppy shape. The nails should be trimmed as needed to prevent cracking or splitting. The teeth should be brushed daily or at least weekly to prevent dental problems.
Exercise
The English Springer Spaniel is a very active dog that needs a lot of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They need at least an hour of exercise every day, preferably in a fenced yard or a park where they can run freely and explore. They also need interactive games, toys, puzzles, and training sessions to keep their minds busy and prevent boredom. They love to chase, fetch, swim, and retrieve anything that moves or flies. They also have a strong hunting instinct, so they should be kept on a leash or under control when outside.
Diet
The English Springer Spaniel is not a picky eater, but they do have some dietary requirements that owners should follow. They need high-quality food that is appropriate for their age, size, activity level, and health condition. They should not be overfed or given too many treats, as they can easily become overweight or obese.
Health
The English Springer Spaniel is a healthy dog breed that can live up to 14 years or more. Some of the common health problems that can affect this breed are:
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Retinal dysplasia
- Ear infections
- Skin allergies
- Epilepsy
Responsible breeders will screen their dogs for these conditions and provide health certificates to buyers.
Where to Buy English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is a moderately popular and available dog breed in the United States. The average price for a puppy from a reputable breeder ranges from $800 to $2000, depending on the location, demand, and quality of the breeder.
To find a good breeder near you, you can search online through websites such as AKC Marketplace or ask for referrals from local dog clubs or veterinarians. Always check the credentials and reputation of the breeder before making a purchase and ask for health certificates, pedigree information, and socialization opportunities for the puppy.
Another option to consider is adopting an English Springer Spaniel from a rescue or shelter. Many English Springer Spaniels need loving homes for various reasons, such as abandonment, abuse, neglect, or owner surrender. Adopting an English Springer Spaniel can be a rewarding experience that can save a life and give you a loyal companion.
You can also check out the English Springer Rescue America website (ESRA), a national organization that rescues and rehomes English Springer Spaniels across the United States.
Conclusion
The English Springer Spaniel is a wonderful dog breed that can make a great companion for anyone who can provide them with enough attention, affection, exercise, and stimulation. They are friendly, cheerful, and obedient dogs that love to be around people and other animals.
So if you are looking for a loyal and energetic companion who will always be by your side, the English Springer Spaniel might be the perfect dog for you. They will be your best friend for life.
Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it informative and helpful. 😊
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FAQ
Are English Springer Spaniels hypoallergenic?
No, English Springer Spaniels are not hypoallergenic. They have a double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year and more heavily during seasonal changes. They also produce dander and saliva, which can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
Do English Springer Spaniels shed?
Yes, English Springer Spaniels shed. They have a double coat consisting of a dense, close-fitting undercoat and a medium-length, flat, wavy outer coat.
