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The English Springer Spaniel is a gun dog traditionally used for flushing and retrieving game. It is one of many spaniel breeds.
Appearance: The English Springer represents perhaps the
greatest divergence between working and show lines of any
breed of dog. A field-bred dog and a show-bred dog appear to
be different breeds, but are registered together. In fact, the
gene pools are almost completely segregated and have been for
at least 70 years. A field bred dog would not be even remotely
competitive in a modern dog show while a show dog would be
unlikely to have the speed or stamina to succeed in a field
trial (Fergus, 2002).
Field-bred dogs tend to have shorter, coarser coats than
the show-bred dogs. Their ears are less pendulous. Field-bred
dogs are wirey and have more of a feral look that their
show-bred cousins. (Fergus, 2002). The tail of the field bred
dog is docked longer than the show dog to provide a
"flag" for the hunter. Field-bred dogs are generally
selected for nose, hunting ability, and trainability rather
than appearance.
Males in the show dog line average approximately 18 to 20
inches (45 to 50 cm) at the withers and weigh on average
between 50 and 55 pounds (23 to 25 kg). Females are generally
smaller, averaging closer to 40 pounds (18 kg). Show dogs have
longer fur and more pendant ears, dewlaps and dangling flews.
(Fergus, 2002) The tail is docked to a short stub in those
countries which permit docking. They are generally more
thickly boned and heavier than field-bred springers.
The coat comes in three different color combinations.
Black-and-white, liver-and-white, or either of these
combinations with tan markings (usually on the cheeks and
above the eyes). Dogs bred for show are generally more colour
than white, whereas sporting dogs tend to have more white in
their coats for visibility.
Temperament: The Springer is an affectionate and
easy-going family dog, and its alertness and attentiveness
make it the ideal hunting companion. An intelligent dog, and
eager to please, a Springer is easily incorporated into a
family setting. Although good with children, it tends to have
a moderate to high energy level. Its long-legged build makes
it among the fastest of the spaniels. It has unlimited stamina
and needs plenty of activity to focus its mind and to provide
substantial exercise.
Like any breed described as "good with children",
a Springer Spaniel must be accustomed to children. Any dog
that is not well socialised with children will not behave
predictably around them.
English Springer Spaniels are playful animals; many owners
find humor in their play. As with many playful dogs or hunting
dogs bred as retrievers, these dogs will play with things as
simple as empty plastic bottles, socks, or towels. These
spaniels easily remember where such things are kept and are
good at getting them out. English Springer Spaniels need a lot
of regular exercise and mental stimulation for optimum mental
health.
Some people say that English Springer Spaniels are like
Velcro, because they want to be in the immediate vicinity of
their owner. If the owner walks to the other side of a room,
so does the English Springer Spaniel. Unless trained from a
young age, some may become agitated and whine if they cannot
get near people that they know are nearby.
Health: As in most breeds, there are some health
issues that are more likely to occur in this breed. Hip
dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) are two such
diseases for which veterinarians are working on genetic
markers to determine carriers. Canine Eye Research Foundation
(CERF) and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
certifications for the father and mother of a litter of pups
provides some information about eye and hip wellness.
English Springer Spaniels are prone to ear infections.
Susceptible individuals should have their ear canals cleaned
weekly with a solution that will leave the ear in an acidic
state to retard the growth of yeast and bacteria. Other health
issues include autoimmune diseases, which include allergies
and other sensitivities to the environment. These are not
common, but are found in the breed.
Temperament issues can include dog aggression and people
aggression, which appears to be genetic, and in many cases
does not manifest until the dog is an adult. Choosing dogs
with parents that do not display this kind of behavior will
reduce, but not eliminate, its occurrence. Another cause of
aberrant behavior can be epilepsy.
History: This spaniel is an older breed, appearing
in paintings as early as the 1600s. It is possibly the
ancestor of most modern spaniels; Springer Spaniels and Cocker
Spaniels were not recognized as separate breeds until the
1800s.
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