English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is a very common breed of gun dog that was originally created in England (probably bred from the Norfolk or Shropshire Spaniels in the mid-19th century) as a hunting companion to flush out and retrieve game. It is characterized by big drooping ears, bright, round eyes, medium-length fur, and elegantly shaped legs. The coat color is typically a combination of black or liver (brown) and white, and may also include blue or liver roan, or tricolor patterns with tan markings.

The name describes both the country of origin and the use for which it was bred. Springer is the name of the tactic (flushing or springing) that it uses to chase birds up into the air. The name spaniel is thought to derive from the Old French ‘espaigneul,’ meaning ‘Spanish (dog),’ reflecting a belief that the type originated in Spain, though the true origins are debated.

There are generally two different types: the bench type and the field type. The bench type is a show dog with a thicker coat and more feathering around the legs. The field type is more of a hunting gun dog with a shorter coat and less feathering. According to the American Kennel Club, it is also one of the more popular breeds in the United States.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning an English Springer Spaniel

Evolution and Origins

The first appearance of English springer spaniels occurred in paintings completed as far back as the 1500s. Those early appearances, notwithstanding, it was only in the 19th century that the breed received a specific name.

During the early 19th century, the Boughey family of Shropshire bred a notable early English Springer Spaniel named ‘Mop 1,’ contributing to the development of the modern breed alongside other breeders. By the 1920s, these pets had become rather popular in the United States.

Currently, these spaniels are especially efficient as K-9 operatives, thanks to their keen intelligence, focus, and excellent sense of smell.

Size and Weight

The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized dog with a muscular frame. Males typically reach a height of 20 inches and weigh about 50 pounds, while females are about 19 inches tall and weigh around 40 pounds.

Common Health Issues

This is a healthy breed of dog with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. That does not mean it is free of health problems, however. This breed is prone to many genetic disorders, such as progressive retinal atrophy (the degeneration of the eye), hip dysplasia (a developmental disorder of the hip socket), and elbow dysplasia (a similar condition that affects the elbow joints).

Other potential problems include autoimmune disorders (in which the body’s immune system attacks its own cells), ear infections (especially because of the big, floppy ears), allergic sensitivities, eye problems, and cancer. These problems affect both the bench type and field type in almost equal measure.

Temperament and Behavior

The first characteristic you may notice about this breed is the very trusting and sweet eyes. This is perhaps a reflection of the spaniel’s eager personality and obedient behavior. The breed is keenly intelligent, fiercely loyal, and incredibly alert. It wants nothing more than to please its owner by performing tasks with its inspiring can-do spirit. The English Springer Spaniel may have the tendency to single out one person to bond deeply with. It will then suffer from anxiety and worry if it’s separated from its special friend for a long period of time.

The English Springer Spaniel is a very talented hunting gun dog that will find and retrieve game with incredible intelligence and athleticism. You do not necessarily need to take it hunting to enjoy this breed’s presence, but you should make sure that you have plenty of open space and lots of activities for it to do. If it doesn’t have a task to focus on, then it may become slightly lost or anxious.

How to Take Care of an English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is probably not ideal for an owner who wants a low-maintenance dog. It requires a fair amount of time and work to properly care for in terms of meeting its dietary, exercise, and grooming needs. Your pet will need annual checkups at the vet from the time it’s a puppy to catch potential health problems as early as possible.

The Best Dog Food

The English Springer Spaniel requires high-quality dog food to support its active lifestyle. Ideally, you should purchase food specifically targeted for the dog’s age and activity level. Also, many allergy-support and limited-ingredient dog foods can help you address any allergies in your dog.

Treats are fine for obedience training as long as you don’t overdo it, and table scraps should be given only rarely. This breed is fairly fit, but it may have a tendency to become overweight. The typical calorie consumption is around 1,300 per day. If you think that your dog is beginning to gain weight, then you should immediately restrict calorie intake or change the dog’s food and eating behavior.

Maintenance and Grooming

Despite the length of its elegant hair, the English Springer Spaniel does not shed heavily. It probably requires no more than a weekly brushing to remove loose hair and dirt and keep the coat healthy and shiny. A slicker brush or metal comb should be sufficient to eliminate any small tangles from the dog’s coat. The areas around the head, neck, tail, and feet may require particular attention. The nails should be trimmed regularly as well to prevent pain and discomfort when the dog is walking or running.

Training

The English Springer Spaniel is a very trainable breed thanks to its deep roots as a hunting dog. Owners should strive to put their dogs through obedience training as early as possible for the best outcomes. Tricks, games, hunting, and other tasks are all activities in which it excels. However, this breed can become easily lost or discouraged without clear directions, so you should endeavor to keep its focus placed squarely on the task in front of it.

Exercise

Due to its energetic nature, regular exercise of at least two hours a day should be sufficient to keep your dog occupied. This breed loves long walks or hikes, swift runs, swimming, toys, ball games, sports, and agility training. Thanks to its versatile nature, the English Springer Spaniel is willing to engage in almost any activity. Although this breed works well in many different types of living situations, the English Springer Spaniel is most ideal for owners with large yards or open spaces nearby.

Puppies

Regardless of its health condition, your new English Springer Spaniel puppy needs an early visit to the vet. This routine examination is necessary to check for common health problems and keep it up to date with vaccinations. If your puppy begins to experience unusual symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, irregular urination, eye problems, or extreme irritability, then it may be a sign of a more serious condition, and you should have your puppy checked at the vet immediately.

Children

The English Springer Spaniel is a natural friend and companion for all families. This breed will not overwhelm or frighten your children with its size or overly aggressive nature, but it’s also sturdy and good-natured enough to tolerate any rough play. It loves being around people of all ages, and it should be a good opportunity to teach your children a sense of responsibility while taking care of it.

Breeds Similar to the English Springer Spaniel

If you are a fan of spaniels, then you might want to check out the following breeds of dogs:

• American Cocker Spaniel: Featuring a similar appearance as the springer, the American Cocker Spaniel (and by extension the closely related English Cocker Spaniel) is a sporting dog with an alert and diligent personality. The modern version of this spaniel has been bred more for show than hunting, so it makes for a good family pet.
• Field Spaniel: Featuring big, floppy ears and a darker coat compared to the typical spaniel, this breed was designed more as a show dog than a hunting dog. With its intelligent, loyal, and friendly personality, it is a good companion dog for the entire family.
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: This breed combines the gentleness of a toy dog with the athleticism and alertness of a hunting dog. Its affectionate nature makes it a good overall companion for the entire family.

Famous English Springer Spaniels

The English Springer Spaniel is a fairly common breed with an excellent historical pedigree. Some of the most famous individuals are listed below.

• President George W. Bush owned an English Springer Spaniel named Spot Fetcher between 1989 and its death in 2004. She was the daughter of another famous spaniel called Millie, which belonged to President George H. W. Bush in the 1980s.
• Other famous owners include the singer Bing Crosby and the Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly.
• Buster, an English Springer Spaniel, was awarded the British Dickin Medal for devotion to duty in military conflict.