Everything You Need to Know About Red English Springer Spaniels

The Red English Springer Spaniel is a breed of dog that's known for its striking appearance and friendly demeanor. They have a distinctive coat that's a deep red color, which can range from a rich, dark red to a lighter, more golden hue.

These dogs are medium-sized, with males weighing between 45-55 pounds and standing about 22-24 inches tall at the shoulder. They're a relatively healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.

One of the most important things to know about Red English Springer Spaniels is that they require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need daily walks and playtime, as well as opportunities to run and play off-leash.

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English Springer Spaniels are a medium-sized breed, with males typically ranging from 19 to 21 inches in height at the withers.

Males can weigh anywhere from 40 to 60 pounds, while females usually tip the scales at 35 to 55 pounds.

The UK Breed Standard specifies that English Springer Spaniels should be around 20 inches tall at the withers, with females being slightly shorter, ranging from 18 to 20 inches.

English Springer Spaniels come in a range of sizes, but males in the show dog line typically stand between 19 to 21 inches at the withers.

Males in the show dog line typically weigh between 40 to 60 pounds.

Females are slightly smaller, measuring between 18 to 20 inches at the withers.

Females typically weigh between 35 to 55 pounds.

Working types of English Springer Spaniels can be lighter in weight and finer in bone.

English Springer Spaniels have a distinctive appearance that varies depending on their breeding background. The bench-bred variety has a longer, silkier coat with more feathering and fewer freckles, also known as "ticks".

Their field-bred counterparts, on the other hand, have a shorter coat with more ticks scattered throughout their mostly white coat. This is likely due to their working heritage.

Bench-bred English Springer Spaniels tend to have a more refined appearance, whereas field-bred ones have a more rugged look.

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English Springer Spaniels are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.

Their life expectancy is above average, with a 2022 UK study finding a life expectancy of 11.92 years, and a 2024 UK study finding a life expectancy of 13.5 years.

Skin conditions such as acral mutilation syndrome, intertrigo, lichenoid psoriasis–form dermatitis, Malasseziadermatitis, otitis externa, and primary seborrhoea are common in the breed.

Ear infections can be a problem for English Springer Spaniels, especially if their ears aren't regularly cleaned and dried.

Obesity is also a concern, as it can lead to joint, back, and gastrointestinal problems, and even trigger diabetes.

Other common health issues in English Springer Spaniels include elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia, retinal dysplasia, and skin disorders.

Phosphofructokinase deficiency (PFK) is a genetic disorder that can cause anemia and muscle pain in puppies.

To keep your Red English Springer Spaniel healthy, it's essential to maintain a regular exercise routine, including daily walks and playtime, and a balanced diet.

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Here are some key health concerns to watch out for:

English springer spaniels are highly intelligent and playful dogs that thrive on social interaction. They love water and will often seek out opportunities to splash around.

Their friendly nature makes them a great match for families with children, but it's essential to remember that field-bred springers may have strong hunting instincts around small animals like cats.

English springer spaniels are quick to greet humans with a wagging tail and sloppy kisses, but they can also alert bark as someone approaches the door - always in a friendly greeting, never a warning.

English springer spaniels are highly intelligent, playful, and extremely social dogs.

They love water and will look for every opportunity to splash around, making them a great match for families who enjoy outdoor activities.

English springer spaniels generally get along well with children and other animals, but field-bred springers may have their hunting instincts triggered by cats or other small animals.

They're quick to greet humans with a tail wag and sloppy kisses, and may alert bark as someone approaches the door, but always in a friendly greeting.

English springer spaniels are excellent candidates for agility coursework, hunting and obedience competitions, and are happiest when they have a job to do.

The more you can understand about a pup's bloodlines, the better you can gauge how an individual pup will behave.

Pay attention to the parents, especially the mother, who is often the one available, and watch their demeanor to get a good clue about the pups.

An English Springer Spaniel's primary occupation is that of a game bird flushing dog, and they require specific skills to excel in this role.

One of the essential skills is to retrieve a bird to hand, which means the dog must hold the bird until told to give it to the hunter directly. This is a crucial requirement for most hunters and field trial judges.

A Springer must be taught to deliver game with a soft mouth, ensuring the bird remains intact and fit for the table. If a Springer damages the bird, it may be considered hard-mouthed, which is a serious fault.

The primary role of a flushing spaniel is to work in a zig-zag pattern in front of the hunter, seeking game birds. This pattern is one of the primary criteria used to judge a dog in a field trial.

A Springer should have a good nose in both wet and dry conditions, allowing it to scent game effectively. This ability to scent game is vital for the hunter, and a dog with a good nose will learn to use the wind to its advantage.

Some field trial dogs may get airborne during a flush, but this is not a necessary requirement to win. Most hunters prefer their Springer to flush in a positive manner, without hesitation or pointing.

A Springer must be responsive to hand signals, allowing the hunter to direct the dog into areas of particular interest. This is essential for game bird hunting, where the dog must investigate likely covers for game birds.

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A flushing dog should be steady to wing and shot, sitting when a bird rises or a gun is fired. This allows the dog to mark the fall and avoid flushing other birds when pursuing a missed bird.

Here are the essential skills required of an English Springer Spaniel:

English Springer Spaniels are known for their exceptional temperament and behavior, making them a popular breed among families and hunters alike.

They have been recognized for their bravery, with some individuals receiving prestigious awards for their heroic actions.

Their calm and gentle nature makes them an excellent choice for households with children or other pets.

Awarded the PDSA Gold Medal for animal bravery, this breed has proven itself to be courageous and loyal.

Their intelligence and trainability also make them a favorite among hunters and trainers.

Taking care of a Red English Springer Spaniel is relatively easy, as they have pretty basic grooming needs. They should be brushed twice a week to prevent matting and keep their coat beautiful.

One of the best things about English Springer Spaniels is their high intelligence, making them a willing and able training partner. They thrive on positive reinforcement, so use treats and praise to encourage good behavior.

To keep your Red English Springer Spaniel happy and healthy, it's essential to establish a routine that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary check-ups. A high-quality diet and exercise routine can help them live longer, stay healthier, and be happier.

Here are some essential care tasks to include in your routine:

English Springer Spaniels are relatively easy to groom, requiring only a brush-down twice a week to prevent matting and tangling of their coat.

They can be moderate shedders, especially in the spring when they drop their thick undercoat, so be prepared for regular brushing and vacuuming.

Their high intelligence makes them a willing and able training partner, but always use positive reinforcement for the best results.

To keep your English Springer Spaniel's teeth perfect, brush them at least twice a week, as they generally have good teeth.

Clean their ears weekly, even as a puppy, to prevent infections and keep them dry.

English Springer Spaniels love the water and swimming is a great form of exercise for them, but make sure to introduce them to it gradually to avoid overwhelming them.

A daily routine of exercise, including walks and playtime, is essential for their physical and mental health.

Here's a rough guide to their exercise needs:

A consistent and high-quality diet is essential for their health, so feed them a balanced and nutritious food appropriate for their age.

They're also prone to separation anxiety, so make sure to provide them with plenty of attention and interaction, and consider crate training if you need to leave them alone for extended periods.

A well-fenced yard and regular leashed walks are a must to keep them safe and happy.

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The English Springer Spaniel is a beloved breed with a rich history. They've been around since at least 1807, as shown in the early drawing of an English Springer Spaniel from that year.

One of the most striking things about this breed is their versatility. They're not just a pretty face - they've also been used as sniffer dogs, as seen in the photo of British Transport Police officers with a Springer Spaniel at Waterloo station.

English Springer Spaniels are known for their gentle nature and high energy levels. They require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, and they love to run around and play.

Here are some key milestones in the life of an English Springer Spaniel:

Their intelligence and trainability make them a popular choice for families and working roles. They're also relatively low-maintenance compared to some other breeds.