English Springer Puppy: Everything You Need to Know

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Posted Oct 1, 2024

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Close-Up Shot of English Springer Spaniel
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English Springer puppies are a joy to have around, with their playful and affectionate nature making them a great addition to any family.

Their energy levels are high, requiring regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy.

They need to be socialized from an early age to prevent any behavioral issues later on.

With proper training, they can grow into well-behaved and loyal companions.

Physical Characteristics

Springer spaniels are a medium-size dog, standing around 50cm tall at the shoulder, with females being a fraction smaller than males.

Their relatively long legs are perfect for running long distances over uneven ground, making them a great companion for outdoor activities.

Springer spaniels have a double coat, which is made up of a longer top coat that can be flat or wavy, and a softer undercoat.

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Coat and Colors

English Springer Spaniels have a distinctive coat that's well-suited to their hunting heritage.

Their coats can be black, liver (dark brown), or predominantly white with black or liver markings.

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Field-bred dogs tend to have shorter, coarser coats than show-bred dogs.

They normally shed only in summer and spring months, but may shed occasionally in autumn.

The coat comes in a variety of patterns, including black and white, liver and white, and tricolour, with tan markings on the face, ears, and tail.

Any white portion of the coat may be flecked with ticking.

The double coat of an English Springer Spaniel helps to waterproof and weatherproof them, making them perfect for hunting in all weathers.

Their top coat is designed to give them protection from the elements, including some waterproofing, and also protects them from brambles and thorns.

Sizes

English Springer Spaniels typically stand between 18 to 21 inches tall at the withers, with males being slightly taller than females.

Males usually weigh between 40 to 60 pounds, while females weigh between 35 to 55 pounds.

They have relatively long legs, perfect for running long distances over uneven ground.

In the UK, the breed standard specifies that English Springer Spaniels should be 20 inches tall at the withers.

Springer Spaniels are a medium-size dog, standing around 50cm tall at the shoulder, with females being a fraction smaller than males.

Life Span & Health

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English Springer Spaniels can live up to 13.5 years, according to a 2024 UK study, which is even longer than the average life expectancy of 12.7 years for purebreds.

Their life expectancy can vary, but with proper care and a good diet, many English Springer Spaniels can live into their teens.

A 2005 Swedish study found that 29% of Springer Spaniels died by the age of 10, which is lower than the overall rate of 35% of dogs dying by the age of 10.

This breed is predisposed to certain health issues, including skin conditions like acral mutilation syndrome and otitis externa.

English Springer Spaniels are also prone to chronic hepatitis, which is more severe and affects younger dogs.

Cancer is the most common cause of death in English Springer Spaniels, accounting for 26.7% of deaths, according to a survey of UK breed club members.

With regular exercise and a balanced diet, many English Springer Spaniels can live a long and happy life, potentially up to 19 years and 6 months, as seen in the case of the oldest Springer Spaniel the UK Kennel Club knew of.

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Temperament and Training

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The English Springer Spaniel is a breed that's perfect for first-time dog owners, with a sweet and loving personality that makes them a joy to be around. They're also highly intelligent, which means training is relatively easy.

With an eagerness to please their owners, English Springer Spaniels thrive on positive reinforcement and consistent training schedules. Aim for one daily session lasting between 10 and 15 minutes, and be sure to bring treats to keep them engaged.

Here are some key training tips to keep in mind:

  • Keep training sessions short and fun, ideally lasting 10-15 minutes.
  • Use positive reinforcement techniques and plenty of treats to keep them engaged.
  • Be patient and consistent, as English Springer Spaniels can get overexcited and try to take things too fast.

Remember, with their high energy levels and love of being active, English Springer Spaniels need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

Heroic Dogs

Springers are heroic dogs.

Their bravery, loyalty, obedience, and intelligence have made them our close working partners for centuries.

Two springer spaniels have received the PDSA Dickin Medal for gallantry.

This is the highest honour an animal can receive, and only 34 have gone to dogs.

Temperament & Intelligence

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The English Springer Spaniel is a breed that's known for its friendly and outgoing personality. They're highly social dogs that thrive on attention and interaction with their human family.

One of the key characteristics of the English Springer Spaniel is their intelligence level. With an intelligence level that's high compared to many other breeds, they're considered to be relatively easy to train. This means that with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, they can learn to obey commands and perform tasks with ease.

English Springer Spaniels are also known for their eager-to-please nature, which makes training a breeze. They love to be busy and have a job to do, and they're highly motivated by rewards and praise. However, this enthusiasm can sometimes get the better of them, and they may need some guidance on mastering things like jumping up and leash manners.

In terms of their socialization, English Springer Spaniels are generally great with other dogs and pets, but they do have a hunting pedigree, which means they may have a strong instinct to chase small animals. With proper socialization and training, however, they can learn to live harmoniously with other pets in the household.

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Here are some key characteristics of the English Springer Spaniel's temperament and intelligence:

Overall, the English Springer Spaniel is a breed that's known for its friendly, outgoing, and intelligent nature. With proper training and socialization, they can make wonderful family pets and companions.

Named for Their

The English Springer Spaniel gets its name from its unique hunting style, where it flushes and springs game from its hiding spots.

This "springing" action is a crucial part of their job, and it's what earned them their name.

As springer spaniels are skilled at "springing" game, they would flush their prey out into the air for a falcon or shot to take it.

They would typically scout through grass and bracken to find birds and startle them out.

The birds would then take flight, where a hunter could try to shoot them.

The springer spaniel's ancestors, such as the Norfolk spaniel, were also skilled at this type of hunting.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a close relative of the English Springer Spaniel, but it's lighter in colour and size.

It's not as common as its English cousin, but it's still a valuable gundog and retriever.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Rhodesian Ridgeback for Hunting

Care and Maintenance

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English springer puppies require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They need to be fed well and given plenty of time to play and sleep, and training should start early to help them become well-balanced and obedient adult dogs.

They are intelligent and quick to learn, but their flushing nature and energy mean they can become difficult to control if not trained properly. A dedicated owner is essential to help them reach their full potential.

Springer spaniels have a moderate shedding coat that needs to be brushed two or three times a week to prevent tangles and keep their coat healthy. They also need regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care to stay healthy and happy.

Here's a quick guide to their grooming needs:

  • Brush their coat 2-3 times a week, paying special attention to their feathery ears, chest, and legs.
  • Trim their nails monthly to prevent overgrowth.
  • Check their ears regularly for dirt and wax buildup.
  • Brush their teeth daily to prevent tartar buildup and promote good oral hygiene.

Do Shed?

English Springer Spaniels do shed, and it's not a light shed either. They have a double coat that sheds moderately year-round.

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You can expect stray white hairs on your clothes at any time, but shedding is more noticeable twice a year. In autumn, they shed their summer coat for a thicker winter one, and in spring, they shed their winter coat for a lighter summer one.

Regular bathing and grooming can help minimize shedding, and using a shedding comb can also make a big difference.

Exercise

English Springer Spaniels need plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. A fenced-in yard is ideal, but frequent trips to the dog park can also work.

They require at least 1 to 2 hours of daily exercise, which can be a combination of walks, runs, and playtime. If you don't meet their exercise requirements, destructive boredom behaviors can easily develop.

Eager to please and highly intelligent, Springers are easy to train with positive reinforcement. Food is a great motivator, so be sure to have some training treats at the ready.

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Springers are naturally active dogs that love being outside, but they need secure fencing to prevent escape attempts. They also need varied walks and playtime to avoid boredom.

Here's a breakdown of the daily exercise needs of an English Springer Spaniel:

They also enjoy swimming and agility training, which can help keep them physically and mentally stimulated. With regular exercise and mental stimulation, your Springer will thrive and be a happy companion.

Grooming

Grooming is a crucial aspect of caring for your English Springer Spaniel. They have a double coat, with a shorter, insulating undercoat and a long, wavy top coat.

Regular brushing is essential to prevent tangles and keep their coat healthy. Aim to brush your Springer Spaniel two or three times a week, paying special attention to their feathery ears, chest, and legs.

You'll also want to check for lumps and bumps, as well as any ear problems, which Spaniels can be prone to. This is especially true for their pendulous ears, which can trap dirt and water.

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A good weekly brush will help keep loose hairs at bay, but you may need to increase brushing to several times a week if your Springer spends a lot of time roaming the fields. They are moderate shedders, so be prepared for some hair in your home.

Bathing is not a frequent requirement, but you'll want to give your Springer a bath about once every other month. Don't forget to brush their teeth daily to keep up with oral hygiene.

To keep your Springer's coat in top condition, you should also:

  • Trim the fur on their ears and the feathers around their rear every so often
  • Regularly trim the fur growing between their paws
  • Consider clipping their fur short for summer to help them stay cool and minimize shedding

By following these grooming tips, you'll be able to keep your English Springer Spaniel looking and feeling their best.

Puppy Care

English Springer Spaniels are highly energetic dogs that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

They need to be fed well and given time to play and sleep, just like any other puppy.

You should be training your puppy, including toilet training, to help them become a well-balanced and obedient adult dog.

Springer spaniels are very intelligent and quick to learn, making them relatively easy to train.

However, their high energy levels and flushing nature mean they require dedicated training to stay focused and obedient.

Without proper training, they can become difficult to control and easily distracted, leading to unruly behavior.

Diet and Nutrition

Credit: youtube.com, The Best Diet and Nutrition Tips for English Springer Spaniels

English Springer Spaniels tend to be easy when it comes to feeding time and are not fussy.

Their high-energy personalities require a protein-packed diet, so look for a high-quality kibble that meets their protein needs.

Feeding your English Springer puppy between 1¾ and 2½ cups of food daily will keep them at a healthy weight, but this depends on their activity level.

Divide feeding times into two meals per day to keep their metabolism going and prevent overeating.

Dry food is recommended for English Springer Spaniels because they love to chew and it helps keep their teeth clean and healthy.

A diet specifically formulated for working or high-energy breeds may be necessary for particularly active dogs to ensure they're getting enough nutrients and proteins.

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Owning an English Springer

Owning an English Springer is much like owning any other dog breed, but they do present a few of their own challenges. You want to go into any situation with a new pup with all the available information.

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English Springer Spaniels are a breed that requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Owning one is a big responsibility, but with the right knowledge and care, they can make wonderful companions.

Their independent nature means they can be stubborn at times, but with patience and consistency, they can learn to listen and obey commands.

Owning Essentials

Owning an English Springer Spaniel is a big responsibility, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Owning an English Springer Spaniel is much like owning any other dog breed.

They require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, which means daily walks and playtime are a must. They need at least an hour of exercise every day.

Their coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, which can be a challenge for some owners. They shed heavily, so be prepared for regular brushing.

English Springer Spaniels are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and ear infections, which require regular veterinary check-ups. They are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.

Their intelligence and energy make them a great breed for active families, but they can also be a handful for some owners. They are not suited for apartment living due to their high energy levels.

Adopt or Buy

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If you're considering bringing an English Springer Spaniel into your life, you'll want to think carefully about whether to adopt or buy. Adopting from a reputable rescue organization is a great option, and it's a chance to give a loving home to a dog in need.

Researching the breeder is crucial if you decide to buy, as it will help ensure you get a healthy puppy that has received vital early socialization. Expect to pay a quality breeder between $1,200 and $1,500 for a puppy.

Before you start your search, make sure you're aware of the laws surrounding buying and selling puppies. 'Lucy's Law' dictates that new puppies or kittens must be bought directly from a breeder or adopted from rescue, with third-party sellers being illegal.

If you're buying from a breeder, take your time to find a reputable one who allows you to inspect the facility and provides references you can contact. This will help ensure you're not accidentally supporting a puppy mill.

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If you do decide to adopt, you can start your search with reputable organizations like the English Springer Rescue America or the Eastern English Springer Spaniel Club.

Here are some reputable organizations to consider:

  • English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association
  • English Springer Rescue America
  • Eastern English Springer Spaniel Club

Remember, adopting or buying a dog is a big responsibility, but with the right care and attention, an English Springer Spaniel can make a wonderful companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a springer spaniel a good family dog?

Yes, English Springer Spaniels are well-suited for families with children and other pets, making them a great addition to active households. They thrive on involvement in family activities and are generally well-behaved.

Are English springer Spaniels good house dogs?

English Springer Spaniels can make excellent indoor dogs with proper care, adapting well to family environments. With the right attention, they can form strong bonds with their owners.

How much is an English Springer Spaniel?

The cost of an English Springer Spaniel can range from $800 to $2,500, depending on factors like lineage and coat color. Learn more about the costs of adopting from a breeder or rescue organization.

Do English Springer Spaniels ever calm down?

English Springer Spaniels typically calm down between 2-3 years old, but their high energy levels require proper training to manage.

Violeta Baciu

Junior Writer

Violeta Baciu is a wordsmith with a passion for storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a vibrant imagination, she weaves intricate tales that transport readers to new worlds. As a writer, Violeta has honed her craft through years of dedication and practice.