English Springer Spaniel

   The English Springer Spaniel is as well known as one of the best ‘bird dogs’!

The English Springer Spaniel is a friendly and gentle dog. This breed is highly excitable and loves to play, yet is generally very obedient. English Springers love to be around people, and they are very intelligent.

Springer Spaniels are a medium sized dog breed. They make a great companion for children and pets, that is, with the exception of pet birds. When selecting an English Springer Spaniel as a pet, check for hip dysplasia and eye problems.

Common Name(s)

English Springer Spaniel, Springer Spaniel

Breed Type

The English Springer Spaniel is a sporting breed. Known as one of the best bird dogs, the English Springer Spaniel is great at hunting on land, in water, and in brush.

Background

The oldest type of spaniel, the English Springer Spaniel has been seen in art dating back to the 1600s. It is known as the original English hunting spaniel. The breed was originally used to hunt birds, and continues to be, but can also hunt waterfowl, rabbits, and other small game.

Description

The English Springer Spaniel has a flat or wavy coat, which comes in liver and white, black and white (possibly with tan markings), or blue and liver. The breed has long ears, average-sized hazel or brown eyes, and a compact build. Males are 19-21 inches tall and weigh 45-55 pounds. Females are 18-20 inches tall and weigh 40-50 pounds.

Care and Feeding

Corn, wheat, lamb and chicken-based foods are recommended for the English Springer. The English Springer Spaniel’s grooming needs depend largely on the length of its coat. Both types or coats, flat or wavy, need regular brushing. Give baths only as necessary. Springers with longer hair also require shaving on the underside of the ears and trimming on the feet. Tail docking is standard procedure in English Springer puppies where permitted. This should be done when one to three days old.
English Springer Spaniels need annual checkups. Vaccinations should be administered as follows:

• 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo, and Corona virus (DHLPPC)
• 10-12 weeks: Second DHLPPC
• 14-16 weeks: Third DHLPPC and rabies
• Annually: DHLPPC and rabies booster

English Springers shed constantly. Regular vacuuming is required if kept inside. It’s also important to keep the dog’s environment clean, especially if it shows signs of allergies.

Housing Your Dog

English Springer Spaniels can live indoors as long as they get plenty of exercise. They do well in the city or the country.

Social Behaviors

The English Springer Spaniel is very sociable with people. It needs plenty of human companionship. This breed is great with kids. They also do well with most other pets, except for birds.

Handling and Training

This breed is a quick learner, and is usually obedient. It is, however, important to make it clear that you are the master when training.

Activities

English Springers need lots of exercise. Daily walks are required, and they also enjoy running and playing as often as possible.

Breeding/Reproduction

When selecting a mate for your English Springer, check bloodlines for hip and eye problems, blood disorders, and autoimmune disorders.

Common Health Problems

The most common health problems in English Springer Spaniels are hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Ear infections are also common in this breed, but may be preventable with proper ear care.

Availability

English Springer Spaniels are reasonably easy to find. Prices are usually between $500 and $800.

References

“English Springer Spaniel“, Wikipedia, Copyright 2008
“English Springer Spaniel“, Dog Breed Info Center, Copyright 1998-2008
Cusick, William D., “What to Feed an English Springer Spaniel“, Referenced online, 2008
“English Springer Spaniel Puppies for Sale“, Copyright PuppyFind.com, LLC, Referenced online, 2008

Featured Image Credit: D_Theodora, Pixabay