English springer spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel was developed as a gun dog to flush, or spring, game in the field. An athletic and versatile dog that is well known for participating in agility, hunt tests, tracking, obedience trails.
Springer Spaniel’s are named “springer” for the way they “spring” at game to flush it for the hunter. They are smart and eager to please and extremely enthusiastic. A really happy and perfect family dog. You shouldn’t worry about them being around children as their temperament is brilliant. They are also good with other pets in the household, even small ones, however they may see pet birds as prey since they’re bred to hunt.
With the Springer Spaniel being bred for hunting they do require a lot of exercise. If you’re a non hunting family I would suggest participating in activities like obedience, agility, flyball and tracking. This will keep them both mentally and physically active. With their brilliant temperament they make the perfect therapy dog, a company we work closely with is @PetsAsTherapy. Their volunteers and their friendly pets visit establishments such as care homes, hospitals, hospices, schools and prisons, bringing smiles to many faces. People of all ages get the chance to chat to someone — and stroke and cuddle a dog or cat.
Because of their affectionate nature, they aren’t a one-person dog, they are very people-oriented. Not to be left home alone or isolated from people for long periods.
Size
An English Springer Spaniel weigh between 45 and 55 pounds and stand between 18 to 22 inches tall. Normally the Field-bred springers are generally a bit lighter than those that are bred for the show ring.
Personality
An English Springer Spaniel is a friendly dog who is eager to please, a quick learner and very obedient. A dogs temperament can be affected by a number of reasons, including hereditary, training and socialisation. An English Springer Spaniel puppy with nice temperaments will be curious and playful. They’ll be willing to approach people and be held by them. It’s always advise when you’re picking from a litter to meet one of the parents. Making sure they have a nice temperament that you’ll be comfortable with, as this will help you evaluate what your puppy will be like as they grow up.
English Springer Spaniel’s will need socialising and training from an early age, if not they can become very timid. Get them used to different people, sights, sounds and experiences when they’re young.
Health
The English Springer Spaniel is on the whole a healthy dog. However like any breed they’re prone to certain health conditions. Below is a list some of the most common. Although not all Springers will get any of these, it is important to be aware of them.
A tip always given before buying is to ask the breeder to show you health clearances for both your puppy’s parents. These confirm that a dog has been tested and cleared of a particular condition. You should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, von Willebrand’s disease and the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certifying that eyes are normal. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA website (offa.org).
- 1) Hip Dysplasia – This is a heritable condition in which the thighbone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain and
lameness on one or both rear legs. You may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop.
It can also be triggered by environmental factors, such as rapid growth from a high-calorie diet, or injuries incurred from jumping or falling on slippy floors. - 2) Retinal Dysplasia – This is a developmental malformation of the retina that the dog is born with. Most cases are mild and there is no detectable loss in vision. Retinal dysplasia shouldn’t affect a dog’s ability to function as a companion, but affected Springers shouldn’t be bred.
- 3) Ear Infection – Because of their pendant ear flaps, ear infections are common in English Springer Spaniels. You may be able to prevent most ear infections by keeping the ears clean and dry.
Maintence
The English Springer Spaniel’s have a double coat, this means they have insulating undercoat that is covered with the top layer. This allows them to stay warm. The top coat is either flat or wav, and the undercoat is short, soft and dense. Both of the coats mean they’re waterproof, weatherproof and thornproof.
In terms of maintenance you should brush your springer at least three times a week to help them looking their best, and avoiding mats or tangles. Brushing them regularly will also help keep loose hair off your clothes and furniture. Because its floppy ears block air circulation, they must be checked and cleaned weekly to prevent ear infections. Gently wipe out the ear, only the part you can see. You should brush your springers teeth weekly to remove the tartar and the bacteria that can build up. Another tip is to trim their nails regularly, if you can hear their nails clicking on the floor then they’re too long.
