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Description
Appearance
The English Springer Spaniel represents perhaps the greatest
divergence between working and show lines of any breed of dog. A
field-bred dog and a show-bred dog appear to be different breeds,
but are registered together. In fact, the gene pools are almost
completely segregated and have been for at least 70 years. A
field bred dog would not be even remotely competitive in a modern
dog show while a show dog would be unlikely to have the speed or
stamina to succeed in a field trial.
Field-bred dogs tend to have shorter, coarser coats than the show-
bred dogs. Their ears are less pendulous. Field-bred dogs are wiry
and have more of a feral look than those bred for showing. The tail
of the field bred dog is only docked by a few inches in comparison
to the show dog to provide a "flag" for the hunter. Docking also
prevents laceration of the tail during hunting. Field-bred dogs are
generally selected for nose, hunting ability, and response to
training rather than appearance.
Show dogs have longer fur and more pendant ears, dewlaps and
dangling flews. The tail is docked to a short stub in those countries
that permit docking. They are generally more thickly boned and
heavier than field-bred springers.
Coat
Field-bred dogs tend to have shorter, coarser coats than the show-
bred dogs, which should have longer fur. They normally only shed
in summer and spring months, but shed occasionally in the autumn.
Colors
The coat comes in black or liver (dark brown) with white markings
or predominantly white with black or liver markings; Blue or liver
roan; Tricolour: black and white or liver and white with tan
markings, usually found on eyebrows, cheeks, inside of ears and
under the tail. Any white portion of the coat may be flecked with
ticking.
Sizes
Males in the show dog line average approximately 18–20 inches
(46–51 cm) at the withers and weigh on average 50–55 lb (23–25
kg). According to the UK (FCI) Breed Standard, the English
Springer Spaniel should be 20 inches (51 cm) at the withers. The
females should be 17–19 inches (43–48 cm) and usually 35–45 lb
(16–20 kg). Working types can be lighter in weight and finer in
bone.
Temperament
The typical Springer is friendly, eager to please, quick to learn and
willing to obey. The Springer is an affectionate and easy-going
family dog, and its alertness and attentiveness make it the ideal
hunting companion. An intelligent dog, active and eager to please,
an English Springer is easily incorporated into a family setting. The
English Springer Spaniel ranks 13th in Stanley Coren's The
Intelligence of Dogs, considered an excellent working dog.
This spaniel tends to have a moderate energy level. It has
exceptional stamina and needs moderate amounts of activity, to
focus its mind and to provide exercise, although this is different for
each dog. English Springers need plenty of exercise in order to run
off their excess energy. Its long-legged build makes it among the
fastest of the spaniels. These dogs can be over excitable but
adequate walking can prevent this.
In general, the breed is good with other pets, such as cats and
ferrets. However, some English Springer Spaniels may not be
suitable for homes with pet birds without additional training, due to
their natural hunting instinct. As with all breeds, dogs must become
accustomed to other pets, and it's better to introduce to pets when
they are both very young.
English Springer Spaniels are energetic, cheerful, happy and
playful animals; many owners find humour in their play. As with
many playful dogs or hunting dogs bred as retrievers, these dogs
will play with things as simple as empty plastic bottles, socks, or
towels. These spaniels easily remember where such things are
kept and are good at getting them out. They need a lot of regular
exercise and mental stimulation for optimum mental health.
Health
As in most breeds, there are some health problems that are more
likely to occur in this breed. Hip dysplasia and progressive retinal
atrophy (PRA) are two such diseases for which veterinarians are
working on genetic markers to determine carriers. Retinal
dysplasia (RD) and Phosphofructokinase deficiency (PFK) are two
other hereditary conditions the English springer spaniel should be
screened for prior to breeding. Canine Eye Research Foundation
(CERF) and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
certifications for the father and mother of a litter of pups provides
some information about eye and hip wellness.
Some English Springer Spaniels are prone to ear infections.
Susceptible individuals should have their ear canals cleaned
weekly with a solution that will leave the ear in an acidic state to
retard the growth of yeast and bacteria. Keeping the hair trimmed
around the ear can also help.
Other health problems include autoimmune diseases, which
include allergies and other sensitivities to the environment. These
are not common, but are found in the breed.
Some Springer Spaniels can be prone to the condition Springer
Rage. Springer Rage is an often misdiagnosed condition due to
the fact there is very little known about this condition despite plenty
of research. It is where the dog suddenly attacks or shows
uncharacteristic bouts of aggression that are totally out of
character. Springer Rage often manifests itself when the Springer
attacks for no apparent reason; the dog can even be asleep and
then attack without warning.
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