|
Check out our
suggested books
for dog owners
|
|
Sporting breeds: English Springer Spaniel
Origin
The English Springer Spaniel is part of the original, basically generic, English Hunting Spaniel. During the 1800s, Cockers and Springers were born in the same litter. Size being the only determining factor. Adults over 28 pounds were Springers and those smaller were Cockers.
In 1902 the English Kennel Club recognized the Springer as an individual breed. The Spaniel breeds had been popular in America since the 1700s. In 1880 the American Spaniel Club was formed, and it was their job to sort out the difference between the Springer and Cocker. In 1924 he English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association was formed, and in 1927 it became the breed parent club. The Springer was accepted into the AKC at that time. Adherence to the standard has made the Springer a well respected breed.
General description
Height: 19-20 inches
Weight: 49-55 pounds
Color: The color may be black or liver with white markings, tri-color (w/tan markings) or blue or liver roan. Off colors such as red, lemon and orange are not preferred.
Grooming requirements
The English Springer Spaniel needs to have his body and his ears brushed daily. A metal comb must be run through the coat after brushing, and it needs to touch all the way to the skin in order to be sure there is no matting present. He needs to be groomed by a professional groomer every 4-8 weeks in order to keep him in the proper cut for the breed. As for the ears, food does get caught in them if a spaniel bowl is not used when feeding. This needs to be removed with a slicker brush and a metal comb. Wetting the area will help the debris come out. The ears must be cleaned every two weeks, in order to avoid any type of infection. The top one-third of the ear must be shaved in order to allow air to flow to the ear canal.
Health considerations
The Springer Spaniel has a large range of health problems. This is not an uncommon problem with very popular breeds. Overbreeding, backyard breeding and puppy mills produce many, many health problems through lack of proper genetic breeding practices and just plain common sense. Special care must be taken to only get a puppy from a very reputable, experienced, responsible breeder with healthy tested stock. Good genetic breeding practices are the cure for most health problems.
The Springer is prone to two specific breed problems: Rage Syndrome, a behavioral problem, and Phosphofructokinase Deficiency, which causes chronic anemia.
Breed characteristics and personality
The Springer is an affectionate and good-natured family dog, but its primary function is to hunt and find game. The Springer is attentive and precise in its hunting style over all types of terrain, especially thick brambles. This is a hardy, long-legged spaniel, more powerful and quicker than other spaniels.
Cheerful, courageous, affectionate, good-natured, and sincere, the Springer should be friendly, eager to please, and quick to learn and willing to obey. The Springer can live in or outside. He does not require a large yard. He's not a particularly effective watchdog.
Uses
The Springer is attentive and precise in its hunting style over all types
of terrain, especially thick brambles. This is a hardy, long-legged spaniel, more powerful and quicker than other spaniels.
Web links
AKC English Springer Spaniel page
English Springer Spaniel Club of Canada
Chattahoochee English Springer Spaniel Club of Greater Atlanta, Inc.
| |
|
