English Springer Spaniel Information from Brendael English Springer Spaniels

Breed Overview

The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized sporting dog. Springers are friendly, eager to please, very intelligent, quick to learn, and willing to obey. They require a reasonable amount of exercise and mental stimulation for physical and mental well being. It is important to understand that Springers learn very quickly with little instruction. This degree of intelligence can make them a real pleasure and companion, however, it can be the source of real trouble. They must be trained -- if you do not train them, they will learn on their own and it might not be what you want them to learn.

As family companions Springers can be excellent. Springers are very people oriented and do best when they are with people as much as possible. You should expect your Springer to follow you around the house and want to be with you. Sometimes known as "velcro" dogs, they are unhappy when shut outside, tied, or isolated most of the time. Although most can be left alone all day while you're at work as long as they get good attention and exercise when you're home.

For more information follow the link to the AKC English Springer Spaniel breed standard.

History

The English Springer Spaniel is an ancient breed, mentioned in Britain as early as 300 A.D. Sometime during the turn of the 20th century the smaller dogs in the litter were used to hunt woodcock, and became known as "cockers". The larger littermates were used to flush game, therefore became known as "springers." Today Springers have evolved into two divisions, field & show. By the 1940's fanciers started choosing characteristics in their breeding stock according to their interest in either field trials or conformation shows. The field bred dogs specialize in hunting ability, athleticism, and performance. These dogs tend to be almost completely white, carry a lighter coat, have more ticking (freckles), and can be higher energy. The bench/show bred dogs specialize in breed type and soundness according to the written standard. These dogs tend to have a dark blanket, less ticking, and a fairly long coat. One variety of dog is not better than the other, they are just different. Whether field or show, a properly socialized and trained Springer can make an excellent companion.

Training

Springers are versatile dogs that train easily. Because of their intelligence and willingness to please, reward based training will produce the best results. Because Springers learn quickly and bore easily, they usually see little point to endless repetition. A Springer in the field is expected to show initiative and independent thinking when working. After the third try they will begin to think and make things up on their own. They think that there must be some reason you keep asking them to do the same thing again. If it is correct, quit and go onto the next "exercise." To turn a Springer into a robot is inappropriate as well as difficult and frustrating. Go to the training page for more information.

Exercise and Conditioning

The English Springer Spaniel is an active dog and needs regular exercise - more than just turning them out in the back yard. Teach them to chase a ball, Frisbee, or other toys. Start slowly and build up to exercising for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times a day to help to keep them from getting bored. Follow the link to further information on exercise and conditioning.

Health

The average life span of a Springer is twelve to fourteen years. Health issues occur in every breed. Genetic based disorders in Springers include hip dysplasia, retinal dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), hypothyroidism, and epilepsy. Most hereditary disorders are not life threatening and can be managed. Even the best breeding program and the soundest breeding stock can produce dogs with hereditary disorders. To decrease the risk of these things happening to your puppy, purchase your puppy from a breeder who checks for these health issues. For a more complete explanation of the various health disorders go to the health disorders page.

Grooming

Springers are a double coated breed, shedding year round with increased shedding in the spring when they blow their winter coat. They require regular brushing and trimming or they become matted and overgrown. Ideally your Springer needs daily brushing, but an once or twice a week grooming session will maintain them in good condition. A Springer also requires periodic professional clipping about every two to three months unless you would like the fun of learning to do this yourself.

Any dog with floppy ears has the potential for ear problems caused by poor ventilation of the ear canal and accumulation of ear wax inside. To prevent this problem from occurring, keep the hair around the ear opening clipped short and clean any visible ear wax out of the ear with witch hazel or an ear cleaning solution. If your dog's ears are clean and don't smell there is no need to put ear cleaning solution into the ear canal.

Nails need to be trimmed every week as they grow quickly. Once this occurs it is very difficult to get them short again. You can trim nails in several ways. We use nail clippers and/or a sanding drum on a cordless Dremel for most of our dogs.

Books

Many book are available about English Springer Spaniels. I would start with Carol and Don's Callahan's book is my very favorite book on English Springer Spaniels. It is a small, relative inexpensive book covering a wealth of information on care, training, and health of Springers. In fact it is required reading for anyone who gets a puppy from us. Go to the recommended reading page for further information.

Updated March 25, 2008