English Springer Spaniel
This spaniel has been in paintings dating back the the 1600’s, and quite possibly the ancestor of today’s spaniels. Until the 1800’s Cocker Spaniels and Springers were not considered separate breeds. English Springer Spaniels were used as hunting dogs and in conjunction with Falcons. The Springer would flush (spring) game-birds from hiding, and the falcon would kill and surrender the game-bird to his handler. Even though the shotgun took the place of the falcon the Springer remained a hunters companion. Eighteen to twenty in. in height at the withers and fifty to fifty five pounds the Springer comes in two types. Longer coated dogs are for show, and the shorter coat is for hunting. They come in a wide variety of colors…black, liver with white markings, Tri-colored, white with large patches of a darker color and the white coat may be freckled or flecked with color… also called ticking.
Temperament
This is a happy, playful dog with a willingness to please its owners. Springers make good family pets, but owner beware of bringing a Springer into a home with a pet bird…remember first and foremost this is a bird dog. Springers generally get along well with all other family pets with proper socialization. Being a retriever the Springer will fetch anything and find enjoyment playing with all kinds of things…hats, milk jugs, and other articles of clothing.
Grooming/Exercise
The short coated Springer needs little maintenance. Regular brushing and bathing. The longer coated Springer also needs regular brushing and bathing, but will also require trimming. Special attention needs to be paid to both ears and feet on both dogs. The hair in the ears needs to be kept trimmed so infections does not set in, and the feet needs to have the hair trimmed to prevent burrs and foxtails from imbedding themself into the dog. These dogs need lots of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Health
Possible Issues
Life span 12 to 14 years.
- Hip Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Retinal Dysplasia
- Phosphofructokinase Deficiency (hereditary)
- Ear Infections
- Autoimmune Diseases (allergies, and other environmental sensitivity issues)
