The English Springer Spaniel is friendly, eager to please, quick to learn and willing to obey. He is a gundog with unlimited stamina so he thrives on physical activity. The English Springer is of medium size, built to cover rough ground with speed and agility. These dogs are good with children and other animals. Springers that are left alone too much may become destructive and/or aggressive. Some Springers may warm up a little bit slowly to strangers but are not usually aggressive toward them.
The English Springer Spaniel is a sporting dog of medium size and athletic build, member of one of the oldest family of dog breeds - Spaniels which now includes 17 breeds. Spaniels are thought to originate in in Spain as hunting dogs more than six hundred years ago. They were brought to the British Isles and soon became very popular with gamers and hunters for their their endurance and willingness to work. The springing spaniels were used to flush the game from the cover, and not holding a scent. In the 18th century, the term springing spaniel referred to all land spaniel breeds which now include Clumber, Field, Cocker, Welsh, Springer, and Sussex varieties. It took approximately a hundred years of careful selective breeding to create a distinctive breed with outstanding working abilities which was officially recognized at the turn of the 20th century.
The Springer has a dense double coat with the water-proof ubdercoat and straight or slightly wavy outercoat. Springers are very energetic and athletic dogs that love to be part of all family activities. They are active, inquisitive and make excellent playmates for children. His sweet disposition, reliability with children, devotion to his family and watchfullness made him a perfect family companion.
Photo courtesy of ELEVAGE - Du - CLOS - BECASSIER
English Springer Spaniel Breed Outline
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Country of Origin: | Great Britain |
| FCI Classification: |
Group 8 Retrievers; Flushing Dogs (with working trial) |
| AKC Classification: | Sporting Group |
| Utilization: | Flushing dog, Retriever |
| Size: | Medium |
| Height: | 20 inches at shoulders |
| Colors: | Liver and white, black and white, or either of these colors with tan markings. |
| Other Names: | Springer, ESS |
| Average Litter Size: | 5 |
| Life Span: | 9-15 years |
| Personality: | Friendly, sweet, playful. The field-bred type seems to be more vivacious and spirited. The show-bred type tend to be more laid-back. |
| Grooming Requirements: | Brush once a week to keep the coat free from tangles and matting. The show-bred Springer Spaniels usually have a longer and heavier coat than field-bred type. |
| Shedding: | They shed somewhat year-round. Regular brushing will help minimize shedding. |
| Social skills: | Very sociable with other pets. |
| Suitability for Children: | They adore children.
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| Exercise Needs: | Two hours daily. This breed was developed for running all day long. Whenever possible they should be walked around the woods and retrieve objects that you throw a long distance. |
| Train Ability: | Intelligent, quick learner, easy to train. |
| Health & Behavior Issues: | Hip dysplasia, retinal dysplasia (progressive blindness), seborrhea (skin disorder), mineral deficiencies, ear problems. With eye and ear problems, regular grooming and veterinary checks will help prevent some diseases. |