English Springer Spaniel
Description
The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-size sporting dog with a neat compact body and a docked tail. English Springer Spaniel is one of the largest of the spaniels. English Springer Spaniel’s coat is moderately long and glossy with feathering on his legs, ears, chest and brisket. Handsome and robust he excels in the field at flushing out game. English Springer Spaniels make an excellent family companion as well as a working dog. He must have human companionship and the freedom to take regular exercise running off a lead.
Size of Male: Height: 19-21 inches Weight: 45-55 pounds
Size of Female: Height: 18-20 inches Weight: 40-50 pounds
Temperament
Most English Springer Spaniels are even-tempered, gentle, friendly, and sociable dogs that are great for kids. English Springer Spaniel is intelligent, skillful, willing and obedient. English Springer Spaniel is playful, energetic and a quick leaner. Merry, brave and sweet tail-waggers. English Springer Spaniels are also cheerful and courageous. They are affectionate, good natured and sincere, this dog loves everyone. Springer spaniels do best when they are with people as much as possible. They can get into trouble if left alone too long. They love water and may constantly get themselves wet and muddy. Usually they are good with other pets with the possible exception of birds. Sometimes argumentative with same sex dogs. This breed can be destructive and bark a lot if left alone. Springer Spaniels need wise guidance through what is called their “teenage” period. Some are highly packed with energy and they are all intelligent. They need a soft, but firm hand so they always know who is in control. There are two types of Springers – field and bench. The field type are bred for hunting and field trial work. They tend to have more white coat than the bench type, much less hair, and are more high energy. The bench type are bred for conformation shows and have more liver or black than white, they have much more coat, but are usually calmer.
Living Conditions
English Springer Spaniel will do ok in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. English Springer Spaniels adapt well to town or city life. English Springer Spaniels are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. So do remember to bring your dog out for socialization and exercise every day.
Upkeep
As an energetic and inquisitive dog, the English Springer Spaniel needs daily mental and physical exertion. Hunting is the first choice to satisfy both needs, but an outing in the field, long walk on leash and good obedience lesson can go far to making the English Springer Spaniel a calm and well-behaved house dog. English Springer Spaniel does best if allowed to live in the house with access to a yard. Its coat needs brushing or combing one or two times weekly plus clipping and scissoring every three months. Springers from field, rather than show, lines tend to have less coat.
Health
Major concerns: otitis externa, Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Minor concerns: Progressive retinal atrophy, retinal dysplasia
Life expectancy: 10 – 14 years