About English Springer Spaniels

The English Springer Spaniel is a little bit larger than its cousin, the Cocker Spaniel. It is a breed to consider if you are looking for a hunting dog or a family companion. The dog can be trained to show or take part in agility trials.

  1. History

    • The exact date of the origin of the English Springer Spaniel is not known, but they have been around since at least the 1700s. It is believed that the other spaniel breeds, like the Cocker Spaniel, are descendants of the Springer. English Springer Spaniels were recognized by the Kennel Club of England in 1902 and by the American Kennel Club in 1910. They are in the sporting group.

    Features

    • The English Springer Spaniel is medium-sized. It has a medium-length coat and the long ears that are a hallmark of all spaniel breeds. But as the English Springer is one of the taller of the spaniels, it carries those ears very well. English Springers come in a variety of colors: liver-and-white, black-and-white or white with blue or roan markings. They can have freckles in their white fur, and their legs have long feathering. They love being with people. Their average life span is 12 to 14 years. Males grow to between 10 and 21 inches and 45 to 55 lbs., and females from 18 to 20 inches and 40 to 50 lbs.

    Function

    • The English Springer Spaniel is a hunter and retriever. The breed is also very agile, and is used in agility-trial competitions. The dogs are very loyal, great with children and make excellent watchdogs. English Springer Spaniels are bred in two ways. If they are bred from hunters, they will be classified as field dogs; if they are bred from show dogs, they will be classified as bench dogs and have the composition and markings the AKC requires for showing. The bench variety is generally calmer. It is more suited to house and apartment living.

    Considerations

    • An English Springer Spaniel does not like to be left alone. It does best if there is someone at home with it during the day, because the animal will bark. These dogs can live in an apartment, but they will need to exercised a couple of times a day. They can also inherit hip displasia, and they need to have their food intake monitored, because they can put on weight quickly. You also need to watch for epilepsy, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (which is inherited and causes blindness) and Canine Phosphofructokinase, another genetic disease that can destroy red blood cells. These conditions are rare, but you need to know the genealogy of the pup.

    Potential

    • English Springer Spaniels make excellent pets, and they get along with most other animals. Responsible breeders will avoid breeding a dog that has genetic diseases, in an effort to eliminate the danger in the future and make the breed stronger.