English Springer Spaniel

• The English Springer Spaniel dog breed is hearty, compact, and medium-sized with a proud bearing. Their medium-length coat is wavy and feathered or flat and may be black and white, blue or liver roan, or liver and white.

• The head is refined and strong, with powerful jaws, long pendant ears, and hazel or brown eyes that have a kind expression.

• The front legs are straight with compact feet, and the always-wagging tail is docked.

———————— Temperament ————————

• English Springer Spaniels are sociable, even-tempered, friendly, and gentle dogs that are wonderful with children. They are known for their willing, obedient, intelligent, playful, energetic, and skillful natures. They are cheerful and will meet anyone with a happy wagging tail.

• Springers like to be around people as much as possible, and may get themselves into trouble if left alone for too long. They do well with other pets, with one notable exception: birds (they are natural bird hunters).

• They love the water and are notorious for getting themselves wet and muddy. Springers need guidance and a soft, firm hand in training to prevent them from becoming destructive or overactive. Show types are generally calmer than field types.

———————— Height and Weight ————————

• Adult males tend to be 19-21 inches tall and weigh around 45-55 pounds.

• Adult females are generally 18-20 inches tall and weigh about 40-50 pounds.

———————— Living Conditions and Exercise ————————

• The English Springer Spaniel dog breed can do very well in an apartment setting as long as they receive sufficient exercise. They adapt well to city or town life, and are mostly inactive inside.

• Dogs enjoy as much exercise as you can give them and are happiest if they have the chance to play and run off-leash. They love to swim and retrieve, and need at least a long daily walk to stay healthy.

———————— Life Expectancy ————————

• Well-cared for dogs can be expected to live 12-14 years.

———————— Grooming ————————

• Field-type Springers require regular brushing; their show-type cousins will need more grooming attention. Bathe and dry shampoo only as necessary, and check the ears frequently.

• Prevent matting in longer-haired dogs by brushing often, paying close attention to the feet and ears. Trim the hair on the feet, and check dogs carefully for burrs and foxtails after outdoor exercise.

• They are average shedders.

———————— History ————————

• The English Springer Spaniel dog breed is the father of all English hunting spaniels. Considered ideal companions for hunters in Europe during the Renaissance, they gained popularity in America in the early 1700s.

• The Springer Spaniel name is a description of its hunting method: it flushes out game by spring forward to scare birds out from their hiding spots. They work well both on land and water and are skilled in hunting in brush.

• Bred for both their talent - they are good hunters, trackers, retrievers, and watchdogs - and their disposition - they are gentle and merry - these dogs are considered by many to be ideal family dogs.

———————— Group and Recognition ————————

• Grouping: Gun Dog, AKC Sporting

• Recognition: CKC, ACR, NKC, APRI, FCI, KCGB, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NZKC, CCR

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