The English Springer Spaniel is a beloved breed known for its friendly and outgoing personality. They were originally bred to "spring" game out of dens, hence their name.
Their medium-length coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
English Springer Spaniels are a medium-sized breed, with males weighing between 50-60 pounds and standing 20-24 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a sturdy build and a wagging tail that's always ready for action.
Their friendly nature makes them an excellent family pet, but they do require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Physical Characteristics
The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized breed, with males typically reaching 19-21 inches in height and weighing 40-60 pounds. They have a moderate-length coat with feathering on the legs and tail.
Their coats come in a variety of colors, including liver/white, black/white, tri-color, and blue or liver roan.
In terms of size, males in the show dog line are typically approximately 19 to 21 inches at the withers and weigh 40 to 60 pounds. Females should be 18 to 20 inches and usually 35 to 55 pounds.
Here is a summary of the breed's size and weight:
Their tails are typically docked, but equal consideration is now given to docked and undocked tails in the USA conformation ring.
Springer Characteristics
Springer Spaniels are a medium-sized breed, with males typically ranging from 19 to 21 inches in height and weighing 40 to 60 pounds. They have a moderate-length coat with feathering on the legs and tail.
In terms of size, males in the show dog line are typically 19 to 21 inches tall, while females are 18 to 20 inches tall. Working types can be lighter in weight and finer in bone.
Their coats are moderately long and range in coarseness, with show-bred dogs having longer fur and field-bred dogs having shorter, coarser coats. Field-bred dogs tend to have a feral look with wiry coats and less pendulous ears.
Here's a comparison of the sizes of Springer Spaniels in the show and working lines:
The English Springer Spaniel is a well-proportioned, balanced dog with a gentle expression. Their tails are often docked, but the AKC has approved giving equal consideration to docked or undocked tails in the USA conformation ring.
Their personalities are perhaps their most appealing feature, with Springer Spaniels being fun-loving, aim to please, and eager to be their owner's best friend.
Appearance
The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized breed with a compact body. They typically range between 19-20 inches at the shoulders and 40-50 pounds in weight.
Their coat is moderately long with feathering on the legs, ears, and tail, varying in coarseness. Field-bred dogs tend to have shorter, coarser coats than show-bred dogs.
The English Springer Spaniel comes in a variety of colors, including black and white, liver and white, and tri-color. These colors can be flecked with ticking, and some dogs may have a predominantly white coat with black or liver markings.
Here are the AKC competition-approved colors for the English Springer Spaniel breed:
- Black & White
- Black White & Tan
- Liver & White
- Liver White & Tan
Field-bred dogs often have tails that are docked around ¾ length, while bench dogs typically have tails docked around ¼ length. In some countries, the docking of tails is illegal, and the tails are left intact.
History and Origins
The English Springer Spaniel has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The breed's origins can be traced back to the British Isles and possibly the European continent.
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In the 16th century, English physician John Caius described the spaniel in his book "The Treatise of Englishe Dogs", marking the first work to describe British breeds by function. The breed was initially used for hunting with hawks and falcons.
The English Springer Spaniel was developed from a single breed that was split into two kinds: the Springing, Hawking Spaniel, or Starter; and the Cocking or Cocker Spaniel. This split was based on the dog's size and weight, with the smaller dogs being used for hunting woodcock.
The breed was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1902, and the American Kennel Club followed in 1910. This recognition marked a significant milestone in the breed's history.
Over the centuries, the English Springer Spaniel has undergone significant changes, with advances in firearms making the breed further suited for hunting pursuits.
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Breed Purpose and Abilities
English Springer Spaniels are bred to be game bird flushing dogs, and they excel at this job due to their strong noses, quartering pattern, and athleticism. Their original purpose was to find live game and retrieve shot game.
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They have a natural instinct to flush birds hard, and their biddability makes them highly trainable. With proper training, they can learn to stop at the flush and be steady through shot and fall.
Their range of skills is impressive, and they can be trained for various tasks beyond hunting, such as serving as therapy dogs or helping with pest control. In fact, they can even be trained to deliver birds to hand and have a soft mouth, meaning they won't damage the game.
Some key skills that breeders train English Springer Spaniels for include:
- Retrieve to Hand
- Soft Mouth
- Quarter
- Scenting
- Flushing
- Hup
- Follow Hand Signals
- Steady
- Blind Retrieve
Their ability to scent game is crucial, and they can use the wind to their advantage in locating birds. They're also fearless in cover, making them well-suited for hunting in various terrains.
Breed Standards and Health
The Kennel Club's Breed Health and Conservation Plans (BHCPs) are a valuable resource for English Springer Spaniel breeders and owners. These plans use evidence and data to identify health issues in the breed.
Breeders can use the BHCPs to understand the health issues found in their breed and make informed decisions about breeding. The plans also provide tools and expertise to help manage genetic diversity and prevent the passing on of health problems to future puppies.
By following the BHCPs, breeders can help preserve the population of the English Springer Spaniel breed while also ensuring the health and welfare of their dogs.
Breed Standard Colors
Breed standard colors are an essential aspect of any breed's identity. They're the traditional and well-known colors accepted within the breed standard.
If you're looking to get a dog from this breed, you'll want to know what colors to expect. The breed standard colors include Black & White, Black White & Tan, Liver & White, and Liver White & Tan.
These colors are a result of the breed's history and development. They're not just random combinations, but rather a reflection of the breed's heritage.
Here are the breed standard colors in a concise list:
- Black & White
- Black White & Tan
- Liver & White
- Liver White & Tan
Breed Health and Conservation Plans
Our breed health and conservation plans use evidence and data to understand the health issues in each pedigree dog breed.
These plans help breeders and owners identify health and welfare problems in their breeds. They use information, health tests, and health schemes to prevent passing on those problems to future puppies.
Breeders can use these plans to manage genetic diversity, understand the impacts of close breeding, and preserve their breed's population. This is crucial for maintaining a healthy and thriving breed.
By using evidence and data, breeders can make informed decisions about breeding and help prevent inherited health problems. This is a vital step in ensuring the health and well-being of their dogs.
Ownership and Care
Choosing the right breed is crucial, and the English Springer Spaniel is a great choice for many owners. You should choose a breed that fits your lifestyle and living situation.
To ensure you're getting a healthy puppy, it's essential to find a responsible breeder. They will help you find the perfect puppy for your family.
Getting a dog can be a life-changing experience, and it's great to have a reason to get one. Whether you're looking for companionship, exercise, or a new hobby, a dog can bring so much joy to your life.
If you're interested in dog sports, the English Springer Spaniel is a great breed to consider. They are known for their athleticism and love of running.
All About Puppies
As a new puppy owner, it's essential to know what to expect. Puppies require a lot of care and attention, especially during the first few months.
Here are some essential things to consider when bringing a new puppy home:
- Provide a safe and comfortable space for your puppy to rest and play.
- Establish a routine for feeding, exercise, and training.
- Spend quality time with your puppy, including playtime and cuddling.
- Be patient and consistent when training your puppy.
Remember, every puppy is unique, and it's essential to tailor your approach to your puppy's individual needs and personality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a working springer spaniel and a show springer spaniel?
Working Springers tend to have a shorter, low-maintenance coat and a more athletic build, while Show Springers are bred for their larger size and distinctive head shape. This physical difference reflects their distinct breeding purposes.
Are English Springer Spaniels good house dogs?
English Springer Spaniels can make excellent indoor dogs with proper care and attention. They thrive in family environments and form strong bonds with their owners.
Sources
- standard (fci.be)
- 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2010.00974.x (doi.org)
- the original (springerspaniel.org.uk)
- English Springer Spaniel (curlie.org)
- UK English Springer Spaniel breed clubs' health website (englishspringerhealth.org.uk)
- HUP! (dogwise.com)
- https://www.birddogfoundation.com/ (birddogfoundation.com)
- Spaniel Club Deutschland e.V. (spaniel-club-deutschland.de)
- Spaniel Club Français (spaniels.fr)
- English Springer Spaniel Club – UK (englishspringer.org)
- Eastern English Springer Spaniel Club (eessc.org)
- English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association (essfta.org)
- English Springer Spaniel Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- English Springer Rescue America (ESRA) (springerrescue.org)
- English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association (ESSFTA) (essfta.org)
- according to the ESSFTA (essfta.org)
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