A dog for all seasons (English Springer Spaniel)

Member Name: cloudbuster

Product:	English Springer Spaniel
Date:	04/07/03 (3857 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: not scared of rain, great family dog, loving

Disadvantages: working breed same energy as a collie, easily bored, ears ger matted

The breed was recognised by the KC of England in 1902. However it took 20yrs for the Engish Springer Spaniel Field Association to form in America. The breed standard was agreed in 1932 approved by both the American and English KC. The breed ranks amongst the most pop of all spaniels - overtaken only by cocker spaniel. This is due to the breeds sweet nature, handy but not too small size, handsome looks, alertness, active hunter and reliable companion.

Please remember that these are designed to be hunters and they are similar to border collies in their desire to be kept busy. I believe and so do members of the KC that I have spoken to that the more field training they have be it fake or real the better show and pets they will become. If you want to own an English type of dog as opposed to american type then having a heavier type of bone structure will lower the price of a pet.

They bark at strangers and get on well with children. I have personal experience of this. They require lots of exercise especially through woods and in rivers and should be allowed to retrieve objects on walks as this is what their nature has been bred for.

The breed came from spain and got its name from springing game from cover.
A history of the springer as well as the breeds present day status can be found in The Book of the English Spinger Spainer (H-1060), this is an eloborately illustrated and fully documented account of the breed.

KC Standard: Used for springing and finding game for the net, falcon or greyhound. A symmetrical,compact,strong,upstanding,merry and active dog. Skull of medium length and fairly broad and rounded. Divided by a fluting between the eyes dying out allong the forehead. Eyes medium size and well set of an alert expression. Colour should be dark hazel. Ears lobular and set close in line with the eye. Mouth: jaws strong and perfect regular and complete scissor bite. Neck strong and muscular, nicely arched and tapering towards t
he head. Forelegs straight and feathered. Body strong with deep chest. Hind quaters well let down fron hip. Feet tight and compact with rounded full pads. Tail carried low. Coat close straight and weather resisting. Colour liver and white, black and white. Weight 50 pounds and 20 inches.

Character loves people and the world. will ewndure eye poking and ear pulling. Very loyal do not warm well to strangers. Good watch dogs bark can be alarming. Usually cheerful always interested and curious. Tail wags merrily all the time ready at a moments notice.
Can stand minus temps if out in kennels hence their hunting nature.

Grooming: has a natural silky coat. can get knotty. Toenails need attention as can grow curly. Add codliver oil to food to add silky coat. No matter what the dish ears hang in then so need regular cleaning and keep an eye open for canker - waxy yellow smelly discharge.

They do chew so watch table legs.

Springers are a working breed and although make great family pets I would not reccomend unless you have a large garden or have time each day for long long walks in any weather.

Overall great breed for the active family. Cost £300 +

Useful book English Springer Spainels by Diane McCarty, and the one mentioned in the article. Kennel Club and American Kennel Club.

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