English Springer Spaniel

ATTRIBUTES: Friendly, Playful, Obedient

GROUP: Sporting Group

ACIVITY LEVEL: Needs Lots Of Activity

BARKING LEVEL: Medium

COAT TYPE: Double

COAT LENGTH: Medium

SHADDING: Occasional

SIZE: Medium

TRAINABILITY: Eager To Please

CHARACTERISTIC: Medium Dog Breeds

Breed Overview

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Ancestry

Spaniel

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Origin

England

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Registration

1910

Ancestry Icon
Size

20 Inches (Male)

19 Inches (Female)

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Weight

50 Pounds (Male)

40 Pounds (Female)

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Expected Life

12 - 14 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
+
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
+
COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
+
PATTERNS
+
CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
The degree of affection a breed is inclined to show towards its family members or familiar individuals greatly varies. Certain breeds may appear distant and reserved towards everyone except their owner, whereas others tend to treat everyone they know as if they were their closest companion.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
The extent to which a breed demonstrates tolerance and patience towards children's behavior and its general family-friendly nature are significant considerations. It is essential to supervise dogs around young children, as well as children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
The overall friendliness of a breed towards other dogs is an important factor to consider. While it is crucial to supervise dog interactions and introductions, some breeds naturally have a higher tendency to get along well with other dogs both in domestic settings and public spaces.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
The amount of fur and hair a breed tends to shed is an important aspect to consider. Breeds that have a high shedding tendency will require more frequent brushing have a higher likelihood of triggering specific allergies and may necessitate more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
The grooming needs of a breed, including bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance, should be taken into account. It is important to consider the amount of time, patience and budget you can allocate for such care when assessing the grooming effort required. It's worth noting that regular nail trimming is necessary for all breeds.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
The tendency of a breed to drool is an important factor to consider. If you highly value cleanliness and are particular about maintaining a neat environment, then breeds that are prone to leaving ropes of slobber on your arm or creating big wet spots on your clothes may not be the most suitable choice for you.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Double
COAT SPECTRUM
Medium
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
The level of friendliness a breed tends to exhibit towards strangers is worth considering. Certain breeds may be reserved or cautious around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the setting. On the other hand, some breeds are generally open and happy to meet new people whenever the opportunity arises.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
The level of enthusiasm a breed exhibits towards play even beyond the puppy stage is something to consider. Some breeds will maintain a strong desire to play tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. Meanwhile, other breeds may be content to spend most of their time relaxing on the couch with you, showing a preference for low-key activities.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
The inclination of a breed to alert you about the presence of strangers is noteworthy. Such breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat be it the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Additionally, these breeds are prone to becoming more receptive to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
The adaptability of a breed to changes in various aspects of life is an important factor to assess. This includes changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily schedules and other day-to-day variations. Consider how easily a breed can handle and adjust to these changes when making your decision.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
The ease of training a dog and their willingness to learn new things should be taken into consideration. Certain breeds have a strong desire to please their owner and are generally more receptive to training. Conversely, other breeds may exhibit a more independent nature, preferring to do as they please, when and wherever they want to.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
The exercise and mental stimulation needs of a breed are crucial factors to consider. High-energy breeds typically have a strong inclination for physical activity and are often eager for new adventures. They enjoy running, jumping and playing throughout the day. In contrast, low-energy breeds tend to have a more relaxed disposition and are content with spending their time lounging around and snoozing. Matching a breed's energy level to your own lifestyle is important for ensuring their well-being and overall satisfaction.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Medium
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
The mental stimulation needs of a breed are important to ensure their overall happiness and well-being. Purpose-bred dogs designed for specific tasks or jobs often require ample mental exercises involving decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other qualities. Without sufficient mental stimulation, these dogs may become bored or restless leading them to create their own activities and projects, which may not align with your preferences. Providing appropriate mental stimulation for such breeds is crucial to keep their minds engaged and prevent behavioral issues.
COLORS

Description

Registration Code

Black & White

019

Black White & Tan

034

Liver & White

125

Liver White & Tan

127

White & Liver

212

White & Black

202

Red & White

146

Orange & White

134

Lemon & White

115

PATTERNS

Description

Registration Code

Ticked

013

Spotted

021

Roan

036

About The Breed

The English Springer Spaniel is a delightful and affectionate bird dog known for its high energy, endurance and intelligence. This breed is adored by sport hunters for its dual nature - being well-mannered and loving pets during the week and reliable hunting companions on weekends. They are designed for long days in the field, with a sturdy and muscular build standing around 19 to 20 inches tall and weighing between 40 and 50 pounds. 

English Springer Spaniels have a double coat that comes in various colors and patterns. They have long lush ears and a kind trusting expression in their eyes which is a characteristic trait of the breed. These spaniels move with a smooth and efficient gait that allows them to cover ground easily. 

Bred to work closely with humans English Springer Spaniels are highly trainable and eager to please. They thrive on companionship and become unhappy if neglected. They are generally well-behaved, good with children and get along well with other animals. They love being part of family activities, whether it's going for long walks, participating in games of chase and fetch or enjoying a swim. These robust spaniels are always up for some outdoor fun.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your English Springer Spaniel: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

+

English Springer Spaniels are typically in good health although there are specific health and genetic screening aspects that deserve attention for this breed. Certain conditions such as elbow and hip dysplasia and eye ailments are occasionally observed in English Springer Spaniels. It is crucial for responsible breeders to perform screening tests on their breeding stock to identify these potential health issues. Furthermore, it is recommended to regularly inspect the Springer's ears for any signs of infection as well as maintain good dental hygiene by frequently brushing their teeth with dog-friendly toothpaste.

Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

  • Hip Evaluation

  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Cone-Rod Dystrophy 4 (crd4/cord1) (PRA-crd4/cord1) - DNA Test

  • Glycogen Storage Disease VII, PFK Deficiency (GSD VII, PFK deficiency) - DNA Test

  • Elbow Evaluation

  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Health

Grooming

+
Regular brushing on a weekly basis is highly recommended as it not only eliminates dirt and loose hair but also promotes a healthy lustrous coat for English Springer Spaniels while preventing matting. In case of any tangles, a slicker brush or a metal dog comb can easily untangle the hair. For a well-groomed appearance, owners can either trim their Springer's coat themselves or seek the assistance of a professional groomer specifically for areas like the feet, head, neck and under the tail. It is essential to maintain proper nail care for these dogs, just like any other breed, by trimming the nails regularly. Overly long nails can cause discomfort and hinder their ability to walk and run comfortably.
Health

Exercise

+
English Springer Spaniels have a preference for living indoors with their human families but they truly enjoy outdoor activities and excel as companions on long walks or hikes. With appropriate exercise, this breed is suitable for owners residing in small houses or apartments although a home with a spacious fenced yard where the dog can freely run and play with their family members would be ideal. Regular exercise is crucial to keep the Springer healthy and content. This can be achieved through long walks and engaging play sessions. Additionally, participating in activities such as obedience training, tracking, agility, rally and other dog-centered pursuits not only provides physical exercise but also stimulates their mind, fostering a strong bond between dog and owner.
Health

Training

+
Initiating early socialization and enrolling in puppy training classes are crucial steps in raising an English springer spaniel to become a well-rounded and well-behaved companion. Due to their lively and highly intelligent nature ongoing training and gentle guidance are essential throughout their lives. It is important for the owner to establish and maintain control at all times since Springers are naturally active and curious explorers. They have a strong desire to be with their family and leaving them alone for extended periods can lead to undesirable behaviors. Ensuring regular companionship and avoiding prolonged isolation greatly contributes to their overall behavior and emotional well-being.
Health

Nutrition

+
Provide your English Springer Spaniel with a high-quality dog food that is suitable for their specific age (puppy, adult, or senior) and activity level. While treats can be valuable for training purposes, it is important to exercise moderation to prevent obesity. Table scraps should be given sparingly, or better yet, avoided altogether, particularly foods with high fat content and cooked bones, as they can pose serious health risks. Educate yourself on which human foods are safe for dogs and which should be avoided. If you have any concerns regarding your dog's weight or diet, consult your veterinarian for guidance and professional advice.

Historiography

Throughout the extensive history of Britain's land spaniels, it was common for dogs referred to as 'cockers' or 'springers' to be born together in the same litter. However, it would require numerous generations of intentional and careful breeding before distinct breeds such as the English Springer Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel and Field Spaniel could be established as we recognize them today.

The English Springer Spaniel, specifically developed for upland game bird work originated many centuries ago. In the times preceding the 17th century invention of the wheel-lock firearm, springing spaniels worked alongside hunters who utilized nets, falcons, bows or a combination of these methods to capture their prey. Following the revolutionary introduction of the hunting rifle, springers swiftly gained a reputation as enthusiastic and dependable gundogs.

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