English Springer Spaniels are known for their beautiful, feathered tails, but they require regular maintenance to stay healthy and happy. A well-groomed tail is essential for preventing matting and tangling, which can be painful for your dog.
English Springer Spaniels are prone to matting and tangling due to their long, feathered coats. Regular brushing can help prevent this, but it's especially important to focus on the tail area.
To keep your English Springer Spaniel's tail in top condition, brush it daily, paying special attention to the feathered areas. This will help prevent matting and keep your dog comfortable.
Regular trimming of the tail feathers can also help prevent matting and keep your dog's tail looking its best.
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English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized breed, typically standing 19-20 inches tall at the shoulders and weighing between 40-50 pounds. They have a moderate-length coat that varies in coarseness, with feathering behind the legs, ears, and tail.
Their coats come in a variety of colors, including liver/white, black/white, tri-color, and blue or liver roan. In some countries, other colors like lemon and white, orange and white, and red and white with markings are also recognized.
Here are the AKC-recognized colors for the breed:
- Liver/white
- Black/white
- Tri-color (black and white or liver and white with tan)
- Blue or liver roan
Their tails are also a notable feature, with bench dogs typically docked around ¼ length and field dogs docked around ¾ length.
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Characteristics
English Springer Spaniels are a medium-sized breed, typically measuring 19-20 inches at the shoulders and weighing 40-50 pounds.
Their coats are moderate in length and vary in coarseness, with feathering behind the legs, ears, and tail. They come in a variety of colors, including liver/white, black/white, tri-color, blue, and liver roan.
In terms of tail length, English Springer Spaniels can have either docked or undocked tails, with bench dogs typically having tails docked at ¼ length and field dogs having tails docked around ¾ length.
Here are the recognized coat colors for English Springer Spaniels:
- Liver/white
- Black/white
- Tri-color (black/white with tan or liver/white with tan)
- Blue or liver roan
They are prone to some health issues, including ear infections, hereditary eye disorders, hip dysplasia, and elbow issues.
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Grooming
English Springer Spaniels are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, but they still require regular attention to stay healthy and happy.
Their coats are moderate in length, requiring daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling. They shed moderately, so be prepared for regular vacuuming and grooming sessions.
Their floppy ears need regular cleaning to prevent infections, so make sure to check them weekly and clean them as needed.
Their nails grow quickly, so trim them every 4-6 weeks to prevent overgrowth and cracking.
Their eyes are prone to tear staining, so clean them regularly with a damp cloth to prevent unsightly stains.
Daily brushing and regular grooming sessions will help keep your English Springer Spaniel's coat in top condition and reduce the risk of skin problems.
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Health
English Springer Spaniels are prone to certain health issues, particularly hip dysplasia, which affects their joint mobility and can lead to arthritis.
Hip dysplasia can cause pain and discomfort for your Springer, making it difficult for them to walk or run.
Purpose
The English Springer Spaniel is a breed that's all about purpose - they were originally bred to flush game out of dens and thick underbrush. Their name "Springer" comes from their ability to "spring" game out of its hiding spots.
Their strong instinct to follow a scent and chase game is a testament to their original purpose. They're natural hunters at heart.
English Springer Spaniels are highly social dogs that thrive on interaction with their human family. They need regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners.
Care
English Springer Spaniels require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, so aim for at least an hour of physical activity per day.
They love to run and play, but be careful not to overdo it, especially in hot weather, as they can be prone to heatstroke.
English Springer Spaniels are social dogs and need plenty of attention from their family, so make sure to spend quality time with them every day.
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They thrive on positive reinforcement training, so be patient and reward good behavior with treats and praise.
English Springer Spaniels are prone to certain health issues, including eye problems and ear infections, so keep an eye out for any signs of illness and schedule regular check-ups with your vet.
Regular grooming is also essential, as their beautiful coats require regular brushing and cleaning to prevent matting and tangling.
Common Issues
English Springer Spaniels can be prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears, which can trap moisture and create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.
Their friendly and outgoing nature can sometimes lead to unwanted attention from strangers, making them a great choice for families who want a social companion.
English Springer Spaniels are generally good with children, but they can be boisterous and may accidentally knock them over if they're not careful.
Their high energy levels require regular exercise, such as daily walks and playtime, to keep them happy and healthy.
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English Springer Spaniels are relatively easy to train, but they can be stubborn at times, requiring patient and consistent training methods.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, but they do need regular nail trimming and ear cleaning to prevent infections.
English Springer Spaniels are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems, which can be inherited from their parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do they cut English Springer spaniels' tails?
English Springer Spaniels' tails are docked to maintain their breed's balanced outline and functional purpose, as defined in the breed standard. This practice is common among both field and conformation Springer enthusiasts.
Are springer spaniels born without a tail?
No, Springer Spaniels are not born without a tail, but some breeders may choose to dock their tails, although this is becoming less common.
Sources
- Eastern English Springer Spaniel Club (eessc.org)
- English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association (essfta.org)
- English Springer Spaniel Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- http://www.englishspringer.org/breed-history/ (englishspringer.org)
- Happy Tail Syndrome | English Springer Spaniel (flickr.com)
- English Springer Spaniel - Happy Tails Veterinary Clinic (happytailsvetclinicwv.com)
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