The English Springer Spaniel is a beloved breed known for its gentle and affectionate nature. They have a medium-length coat that requires regular grooming.
Their floppy ears and adorable face make them a popular choice as family pets. They are generally good with children and make excellent companions.
English Springer Spaniels are a medium-sized breed, typically weighing between 35-50 pounds and standing between 19-24 inches tall. They have a muscular build and a docked tail.
Temperament & Intelligence
English Springer Spaniels are highly intelligent dogs, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners.
They have a sweet and loving personality, which makes them a joy to be around. With an eagerness to please their owners, training them can be relatively easy.
These dogs love being part of a pack, so if you're thinking of adding more dogs to your family in the future, they'll fit right in. Just keep in mind that they may bond with one person more than the others.
They're extremely social dogs that love water and will often look for opportunities to splash around. English Springer Spaniels generally get along well with children and other animals.
However, field-bred Springers may have their hunting instincts triggered by cats or small animals, so it's essential to be aware of this. If left unsupervised in a backyard, they may try to hunt birds.
Despite their hunting nature, they're quick to greet humans with a wagging tail and sloppy kisses. They may alert bark as someone approaches the door, but it's always a friendly greeting.
English Springer Spaniels are quick learners and can pick up cues easily, making them an excellent candidate for agility coursework, hunting, and obedience competitions.
They're happiest when they have a job to do and will relish the daily training and practice these events require.
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Pet Care
English Springer Spaniels are social dogs that thrive on interaction, so they need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They require at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.
English Springer Spaniels have a high energy level and need plenty of physical and mental stimulation. This can be achieved through activities such as running, swimming, and playing fetch.
Their friendly and outgoing nature makes them a great fit for families with children. They are also good with other pets if socialized properly from an early age.
English Springer Spaniels have a medium-length coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. They should be brushed at least twice a week, with more frequent brushing during shedding season.
Their friendly nature also makes them prone to picking up bad habits, such as begging for food or getting into mischief. Consistent training and positive reinforcement can help to prevent these behaviors.
English Springer Spaniels are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues, such as ear infections and hip dysplasia. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet can help to prevent these issues.
Owning a Springer Spaniel
Owning a Springer Spaniel can be a rewarding experience, but it's essential to be aware of their unique characteristics. They have a hunting pedigree, which means they may have strong instincts to chase small animals.
You'll want to socialize your Springer Spaniel properly to ensure they get along with other pets in the household. With gradual introductions and proper training, there's no reason you can't keep them safely and happily with other pets.
Remember, owning an English Springer Spaniel is much like owning any other dog breed, but they do present a few of their own challenges.
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Pet Compatibility
Owning a Springer Spaniel can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to consider their compatibility with other pets in the household.
They generally get along well with other dogs and pets, but their hunting pedigree means you'll want to introduce them gradually to prevent any issues.
Proper socialization is key to mitigating these concerns, and with the right training, you can safely keep an English Springer Spaniel with other pets in your family.
Their friendly nature makes them a great addition to families with multiple pets, but it's crucial to remember that they were bred for hunting, so they might have a strong prey drive.
With patience and proper introductions, you can create a harmonious household where all pets thrive.
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Owning Essentials
Owning an English Springer Spaniel is much like owning any other dog breed, but they do present a few of their own challenges.
English Springer Spaniels are a high-energy breed and need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
They require at least an hour of exercise per day, which can be a challenge for busy owners.
English Springer Spaniels are prone to obesity if they don't get enough physical activity.
They love to run, play fetch, and go on long walks, making them a great breed for active families.
English Springer Spaniels are intelligent and trainable, but they can be stubborn at times.
Consistent positive reinforcement training is recommended to help them learn good behavior.
English Springer Spaniels are generally good with children and make great family pets.
They are also great with other pets, especially if socialized from an early age.
English Springer Spaniels are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming, but they do need regular nail trimming and ear cleaning.
Getting Started in Dog Sports
English Springer Spaniels are a great breed for dog sports, and with their high intelligence and eager-to-please nature, they can pick up commands quickly.
They love to be busy and have a job to do, which makes them respond very well to reward-based training methods. This is especially true for dog sports, where they can channel their energy and enthusiasm into something productive.
To get started, it's essential to stick with a consistent training schedule, aiming for one daily session lasting between 10 and 15 minutes. This will help them stay focused and prevent overexcitement.
Their hunting background means they may want to chase small furries, so you'll need to take care if you have small pets in the same household. You'll likely have to work on getting a rock-solid recall, too.
Here's a quick rundown of some dog sports you can consider with your English Springer Spaniel:
- Intro to Dog Sports
- Canine Partners / Enroll Mixed Breed
- Titles & Abbreviations
- Which Sport Should You Do With Your Dog?
- Get Started in Dog Training
- Virtual Dog Sports & Events
Health
English springer spaniels can be prone to ear infections due to their long ears, so regular ear inspections and cleanings are a must to prevent inflammation.
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Their floppy ears can also make them more susceptible to ear infections, which can lead to painful inflammation and potentially serious complications if left untreated.
Obesity is a significant health concern for English springer spaniels, especially if their physical activity needs aren't being met, and can lead to joint, back, and gastrointestinal problems.
Regular exercise and a balanced diet can go a long way in preventing obesity and keeping your English springer spaniel healthy.
Elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia, retinal dysplasia, and skin disorders are also common health issues for English springer spaniels, according to the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association (ESSFTA).
Phosphofructokinase deficiency (PFK) is a rare but serious condition that can make pups anemic and prone to muscle pain, and responsible breeders will test for this condition.
Hip dysplasia is a common condition in many breeds, including English springer spaniels, and can lead to mobility issues and pain if left untreated.
Eye problems, such as Retinal Dysplasia, Entropion, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), are also a concern for English springer spaniels, and can be tested for by responsible breeders.
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Securing your puppy from a reputable breeder that performs health checks on prospective parents can minimize the chances of your puppy developing these conditions.
Regular veterinary check-ups can help catch any potential health issues early on, and your vet can provide guidance on how to prevent obesity and other health problems in your English springer spaniel.
Adopting or Buying
If you're planning to bring an English Springer Spaniel into your life, you'll want to consider adopting or buying from a reputable source. Expect to pay a quality breeder between $1,200 and $1,500 for a puppy.
Finding a good breeder is crucial for a healthy, well-socialized puppy. Researching the breeder will help you avoid supporting puppy mills, which are unfortunately common in the industry.
You can also give a loving home to a dog in need by adopting. There are several organizations to consider.
Here are some resources to get you started:
- English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association
- English Springer Rescue America
- Eastern English Springer Spaniel Club
General Information
The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in England in the 16th century. They were bred to hunt game, specifically to "spring" game out of dens.
These dogs typically weigh between 35-50 pounds and stand between 19-24 inches tall at the shoulder. Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them a popular choice as family pets.
English Springer Spaniels are known for their beautiful, floppy ears and their distinctive "smiling" faces.
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History
The English Springer Spaniel has a rich history that spans centuries. Evidence of spaniel-type dogs in the U.K. dates back to 300 AD.
These early dogs were used for various tasks, including springing game for hawks, coursing hounds, and nets. The name "springer" likely originated from this early use.
By the 17th century, the wheel lock firearm emerged, and the spaniel thrived at flushing game for "flying shooting" hunting. This marked a significant shift in their role.
The 19th century saw the separation of spaniel litters into "springing" and "cocking" classes, based on size and weight. This eventually led to the development of the Cocker and Springer breeds.
The first definitive strain of pure English Springer Spaniels can be traced back to 1812. A wealthy family, the Bougheys of Shropshire, bred from a spaniel called Mop I.
The English Springer Spaniel gained recognition from the Kennel Club in the U.K. in 1902.
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Information
English Springer Spaniels are a versatile breed, coming in a variety of coat colors including black, white, and tan, as well as liver and white.
They're a great fit for active families, those looking for a low-shedding dog, and first-time pet owners.
This breed is known for being loyal, intelligent, easy to train, friendly, and social.
English Springer Spaniels typically stand between 19 to 20 inches tall.
They usually weigh between 40 to 50 pounds.
Their coat can be medium-length and flat or wavy, with a glossy topcoat and a short, profuse undercoat.
The ears, legs, and chest often have longer feathering.
Their lifespan is around 12 to 14 years.
English Springer Spaniels are known for their cheerful, attentive, intelligent, affectionate, and alert temperament.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 2 types of springer spaniels?
There are two types of Springer Spaniels: working and show types, with distinct physical characteristics and temperaments. Working Springers are bred for intelligence and trainability, making them a great choice for active owners.
How big is a full grown English Springer Spaniel?
A full-grown English Springer Spaniel typically stands 19-20 inches tall and weighs 40-50 pounds. This sturdy breed has a compact, athletic build with a moderate size that's perfect for active families.
Sources
- VCA Hospitals (vcahospitals.com)
- PetMD (petmd.com)
- AKC.TV (akc.tv)
- English Springer Rescue America (ESRA) (springerrescue.org)
- English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association (ESSFTA) (essfta.org)
- according to the ESSFTA (essfta.org)
- Eastern English Springer Spaniel Club (eessc.org)
- English Springer Rescue America (springerrescue.org)
- English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association (essfta.org)
- The Purebred English Springer Spaniel (dogbreedinfo.com)
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