Tri Color English Springer Spaniel: A Comprehensive Guide

The Tri Color English Springer Spaniel is a stunning variation of the breed, with a unique coat pattern that sets it apart from its solid and roan counterparts. Its distinctive tri-color coat features a mix of black, white, and tan markings.

The Tri Color English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized dog, typically weighing between 35-50 pounds and standing between 19-24 inches tall at the shoulder. This size range makes them an ideal companion for families with smaller living spaces.

Their friendly and outgoing personalities are just as impressive as their physical appearance, making them a great addition to any family. With proper training and socialization, they can thrive in a variety of living situations.

The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized dog with a rich history. They typically stand between 19 to 20 inches tall.

Their weight can range from 40 to 50 pounds, making them a sturdy yet agile breed. They have a medium-length flat or wavy coat that's quite beautiful.

Their coat color can vary, but common colors include black or liver with white markings, or the opposite. Blue or liver roan are also common, and tricolors can occur.

English Springer Spaniels are known for their cheerful, attentive, and intelligent nature. They're also affectionate, alert, and active, which makes them great companions.

Their lifespan is relatively long, with an average of 12 to 14 years. This breed originated in England, where they were bred for hunting.

In fact, their ancestors were used to flush gamebirds up into the air for hunters. The breed gained recognition from the Kennel Club in the U.K. in 1902.

There are two types of English Springer Spaniels: the Bench or Show ESS and the working, field-type ESS. The Bench ESS tends to be larger with a heavier coat and a calmer personality.

Their intelligence and sensitive noses make them well-suited for scent work and search and rescue missions.

Additional reading: Bench English Setter

The Gundog breed group is a wonderful category of dogs that were originally trained to find live game and/or to retrieve game that had been shot and wounded. They make excellent companions and are ideal all-round family dogs due to their great temperament.

As a member of the Gundog breed group, the English Springer Spaniel has a rich history and is known for its versatility. Many breeds within this group are capable of doing the same work as others, making them a delight to work with.

The breed standard colours of the English Springer Spaniel include Black & White, Black White & Tan, Liver & White, and Liver White & Tan.

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The Gundog Group is a fascinating category of dogs that were originally trained to find live game and/or to retrieve game that had been shot and wounded.

These dogs are incredibly versatile, with many breeds capable of doing the same work as others in the group, making them ideal all-round family dogs.

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The Gundog breed group is divided into four categories - Retrievers, Spaniels, Hunt/Point/Retrieve, Pointers and Setters.

Many Gundog breeds make good companions due to their temperament, which is perfect for families with children.

Their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature make them a joy to be around, and with proper training, they can thrive in a variety of living situations.

In the Gundog Group, the standard refers to the traditional and well-known colours accepted within the breed standard.

Breed standard colours are an essential aspect of the breed's identity, and they play a crucial role in determining a dog's eligibility for breeding.

For example, the breed standard colours in this breed include Black & White, Black White & Tan, Liver & White, and Liver White & Tan.

These colours are not just aesthetically pleasing, but they also have a significant impact on a dog's temperament and characteristics.

Here are the breed standard colours in this breed:

English Springer Spaniels are generally a healthy and robust breed, but they can be prone to certain genetic health conditions.

Hip Dysplasia is a common issue in many breeds, including English Springer Spaniels, and can lead to mobility issues and pain. A good breeder will perform hip score testing on parents to minimize the chances of this condition.

Eye problems, such as Retinal Dysplasia, Entropion, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), can also affect English Springer Spaniels. These conditions can be minimized by securing your puppy from a reputable breeder that performs appropriate health checks.

Phosphofructokinase (PFK) Deficiency is a relatively rare condition that can be tested for by responsible breeders. This condition relates to a lack of an enzyme that is used to convert glucose into useable energy, and can result in dogs becoming weak and lethargic.

A high-quality and properly portion-controlled diet is essential for the health of your English Springer Spaniel. With active dogs, a diet specifically formulated for working or high-energy breeds can help ensure they're getting enough nutrients and proteins.

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English springer spaniels are generally considered a healthy and robust breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain genetic health conditions.

You can minimize the chances of your puppy developing these conditions by securing them from a reputable breeder that performs appropriate health checks on prospective parents.

Hip Dysplasia is a common issue in many breeds, including English springer spaniels. A good breeder will perform hip score testing on parents.

This condition involves the abnormal formation of one or both hip joints, and can lead to mobility issues and pain. Depending on the severity of the case, surgery may be required to improve your dog's quality of life.

Eye problems are also a concern for English springer spaniels, with conditions like Retinal Dysplasia, Entropion, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) being potential issues.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a more serious condition that can cause blindness in affected dogs.

Phosphofructokinase (PFK) Deficiency is a relatively rare condition that can be tested for by responsible breeders. It's a recessive trait that's only developed if both parents have it.

This condition relates to a lack of an enzyme that's used to convert glucose into useable energy, and can result in dogs becoming weak and lethargic.

English springer spaniels need a high-quality and properly portion-controlled diet to stay healthy.

A diet specifically formulated for working or high-energy breeds is a good idea, especially for active dogs.

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Taking care of your English springer spaniel's grooming needs is relatively easy, but it does require some regular attention.

A weekly brush will help keep loose hairs at bay and the coat in healthy condition.

They can get mats around their ears and on their feathering more easily, so be sure to pay extra attention to these areas when brushing.

A bath every two or three months should be enough, unless your dog has been playing in muddy puddles.

Their pendulous ears can trap dirt and water, so check them regularly to keep them clean and dry.

Checking their ears is especially important if your dog enjoys swimming.

You should also check their nails monthly to see if they need a trim.

Brushing their teeth daily is also crucial to maintain good oral health.

English Springer Spaniels are highly trainable dogs, responding well to reward-based training methods due to their eagerness to please.

Their intelligence and biddability make them a great fit for various activities, from hunting to therapy work. They can be trained for a wide range of tasks that require athleticism, a strong nose, and mental focus.

Twenty minutes of mental exercise can be just as effective as 40 minutes of physical exercise in tiring your dog.

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English Springer Spaniels are highly trainable dogs that thrive on mental and physical activity. They require a job to do, which makes them perfect for hunting and other performance sports.

Their biddability is a key component of their trainability and hunting capabilities, making them perform best with a clear job to focus on. This is why they excel in AKC-sanctioned events and other activities that challenge their minds and bodies.

Springers have a natural quartering pattern that helps them locate game within gun range, making them excellent flushing dogs. They work with a windshield wiper pattern, allowing them to use the wind to their advantage in finding birds.

Their strong noses and athleticism make them capable of a wide range of tasks, from helping the Coast Guard to serving as therapy dogs. With the right training, they can learn to do just about anything.

English Springer Spaniels are smart and pick up commands quickly, making them a joy to train. They respond well to reward-based training methods and are eager to please.

However, they can get overexcited and try to take things too fast, so clear direction and patience are necessary. They also need to learn good manners, such as not jumping up or barking excessively.

Their hunting background means they may chase small animals, so it's essential to socialize them well and teach them to respect other pets in the household. A rock-solid recall is also crucial to prevent them from taking off after a squirrel or other small furry creature.

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Springers are natural retrievers for water work, and they excel at it regardless of terrain or water conditions.

They're required to complete back-to-back retrieves in field trials, which is a crucial part of the scoring process.

To be titled, Springers must pass a water test, which involves two open water retrieves of dead game, typically 30-40 yards apart.

A soft mouth is a valuable trait in Springers, as it ensures the returned game is undamaged.

Springers are permitted to run in AKC retriever hunt tests as of 2022.

Their ability to retrieve game in water is a testament to their intelligence and athleticism.

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The Tri-Color English Springer Spaniel is a rare and exquisite variation that features black and liver coloring with white markings.

This tri-color pattern often includes tan markings usually appearing over the eyes, on the cheeks, and underneath the tail.

The rarity of the Tri-Color makes it highly prized and a breathtaking sight in any circle, capturing the hearts of many Springer aficionados.

Tri-Color Springers are especially valued for their beauty and uniqueness, which is why they're often sought after by breed enthusiasts.

Tri-Color English Springer Spaniels can participate in dog shows as long as they meet the breed's standard color criteria, which typically include well-defined, clear markings and overall appearance that align with the breed standards.

However, dogs with non-standard colors or patterns may be penalized or disqualified from competitions, so it's essential to ensure your dog meets the breed standards.

Prospective owners should consider that while coat color can be a factor in choosing an English Springer Spaniel, it should not be the only consideration - health, temperament, and compatibility with the owner's lifestyle are far more important.

If you're considering showing your tri-color English Springer Spaniel in dog shows, you'll want to know that they can participate as long as they meet the breed's standard color criteria.

English Springer Spaniels can participate in dog shows with coat colors like Liver & White, Black & White, Blue Roan, and Liver Roan.

Rarer colors like Tri-Color and Lemon & White may also be shown if they conform to the specific guidelines of the registry.

Dogs with non-standard colors or patterns may be penalized or disqualified from competitions.

Health, temperament, and compatibility with the owner's lifestyle are far more important than coat color when choosing an English Springer Spaniel.

Potential owners should seek reputable breeders who can provide health clearances and information about the lineage of the puppies.

If you're looking for resources and clubs to connect with other English Springer Spaniel owners, there are several options available. The English Springer Spaniel health website provides husbandry advice on topics like ears, teeth, and weight.

The English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association and Eastern English Springer Spaniel Club are just two of the many clubs dedicated to the breed. You can also check out the English Springer Spaniel Club – UK, Spaniel Club Français, and Spaniel Club Deutschland e.V.

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The breed clubs are actively involved in research opportunities for the breed, including ongoing studies into incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (IOHC). You can find more information about the IOHC research on the breed clubs' website.

Here are some clubs and groups to consider:

If you're looking to bring home a tri-color English Springer Spaniel, you have two main options: adoption or buying from a reputable breeder.

You can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,500 for a puppy from a quality breeder.

Researching a breeder is crucial to ensure you get a healthy puppy with proper early socialization.

Opening your home to a dog in need is a great alternative to buying from a breeder.

Here are some organizations to consider for adoption: