English Springer Spaniel

Family: gundog, spaniel

Origin: England

Date of Origin: 1800s

Breed For: bird flushing and retrieving

Lifespan: Approx. 12 - 15 yrs

Recently Used For: bird flushing and retrieving, spaniel field trials

Avg Size of Male: Height: 19-21 inch Weight: 20-25kg

Avg Size of Female: Height:18-20 inch Weight: 18-23kg

Temperament:

The English springer spaniel is cheerful, playful and energetic, ready for a day in the field and an evening by the hearth. It does everything with gusto and can be overly enthusiastic unless given plenty of exercise. The typical springer is the ideal family companion.

History:

As the spaniels became increasingly specialized, the larger land spaniels that ranged farther afield became extremely useful at flushing or "springing" game. Before the advent of shotguns, the game was flushed into nets or then chased by falcons or greyhounds. The first reference to springers referred to land spaniels in the late 1500s. Around 1800, distinct strains of carefully bred springers began to develop; one of the best known was bred by the Duke of Norfolk. His dogs so heavily influenced the breed that for a while the breed was called Norfolk spaniels. The name was changed to springer spaniel in 1900. The matter is complicated by the fact that the larger springer and smaller cocker spaniels were simply size variations of the same breed. Only in 1902 did the English Kennel Club recognize the springer as a distinct breed. In America, the American Spaniel Club was formed in 1880 and began the task of separating the springer and cocker sizes. After separation, the springer continued to thrive. It has remained popular with hunters demanding a versatile gun dog that ranges fast and far and that can also flush and retrieve. It is also a popular show dog and pet.

Upkeep:

As an energetic and inquisitive dog, the springer needs daily mental and physical exertion. Hunting is the first choice to satisfy both needs, but an outing in the field, long walk on leash and good obedience lesson can go far to making the springer a calm and well-behaved house dog. This breed does best if allowed to live in the house with access to a yard. Its coat needs brushing or combing one or two times weekly plus clipping and scissoring every three months. Springers from field, rather than show, lines tend to have less coat.

Health:

• Major concerns: otitis externa, Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD), Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), elbow dysplasia • Minor concerns: ectropion, entropion • Sporadic Cases: phosphofructokinase deficiency, skin fragility, gastric torsion, rage syndrome • Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye, DNA for phosphofructokinase deficiency