English Springer Spaniel

Breed: Gun dog

Height: 18 - 21 inches

Weight: 40-55 pounds

Coat: Thick, feathery coat

 

The English Springer Spaniel is a classic breed, lauded for its style and fervor. Known for its will to please and eagerness to learn, the English Springer Spaniel is a breed of land spaniel that was primarily used to spring game for sportsmen. Believed to be of a Spanish origin, the English Springer Spaniel was introduced in Britain as early as 1570. English Springer Spaniels are medium-sized breed of spaniels that are easy-going and affectionate. These dogs are extremely active and agile and love to fool around. They get along well with children, but are usually wary of other animals. English Springer Spaniels move with pride and are much loved for their cute furry appearance. They have an inexhaustible stamina and are known for their high enduring capacity. The canines are a master’s pet and are totally loyal to them, to the extent that it might take some effort at times to keep the dogs away from their masters. To get more information on English Springer Spaniels, read on.

 

The origin of English Springer Spaniel goes back to hundreds of years in Spain, which is supposedly believed to be its birthplace. However, it was England that gave these dogs their real identity. The English Springer Spaniel was introduced into the region by the Romans. It is noted that in 16^th century England, the dogs were bred and modified to their present form. The English Springer Spaniel actually derives its name from its unique hunting technique, that of springing or jolting when hunting. This breed was officially acclaimed by the Kennel Club in the year 1902. The canines were later divided into two branches, in the mid-twentieth century - the ‘show breed’ and the ‘working breed’. The show breed was heavy-boned and thickly furred with docked tails as compared to its working counterpart.

 

Touted as the fastest field spaniel, the English Springer Spaniel is tallest of all cockers. Born with a medium-sized compact build, the English Springer Spaniels carry themselves gracefully. They have a strong, distinguished head that is perfectly in sync with their moderate build. The dogs have medium-sized eyes that are usually brown or hazel in color. They have pendulous ears, muscular legs and gentle expression. They usually have a medium-sized feathery coat that is either flat or wavy. The coat color usually varies from white, black, blue or liver roan with flecks of white. The dogs usually have docked tails.

The English Springer Spaniel is a cute, enthusiastic, cheerful breed with an amiable spirit and an unending will to please. The dogs are loving and playful and are forever high on energy.  They are very affectionate and gentle and make for a loving canine companion. They are very approachable and receptive, love to socialize and make excellent playmates for kids. However, English Springer Spaniels do not get along very well with other dogs. It is important to train these dogs to be independent, since they tend to be clingy at times. They are very sensitive and grow up to be shy and subservient, if not trained properly. The fact that the English Springer Spaniels are quick learners makes training sessions less rigorous for their masters.

 

The English Springer Spaniel is a healthy dog with no history of genetic disorder. However, this breed of dogs, like most of its canine breeds, is prone to hip dysplasia, eyelid abnormalities, hemophilia, progressive retinal atrophy and von Willebrand’s disease.

 

The short-coated variety of English Springer Spaniels is far easier to groom as compared to its long-haired counterpart. The English Springer Spaniels need to be brushed twice a week to avoid mats and sticky debris. A good diet and regular brushing with a soft bristled brush is all it takes to keep the canines glowing with good health. They are moderate shedder and thus don’t require meticulous care. Special care is to be given to their ears as this breed of dogs is prone to ear infections.