English Springer Spaniel

In the late 1800s, spaniels were divided into two separate breeds, smaller cockers, used to flush woodcock from dense underbrush, and larger springers that specialized in bigger game. Springers in turn separated into the smaller Welsh Springer Spaniel (see p.148) and the larger English Springer Spaniel, now the most popular of its kind as a hunter’s companion, family pet, and increasingly as a service dog. Whether bred for work or companionship, English Springers have an intense desire to please and a seemingly obsessive need to do stuff: to flush and retrieve, or, working with police and immigration officers, to scent out illicit goods or illegal immigrants at borders.

Dog name synonyms: Field Spaniel

HISTORY

The English Springer Spaniel probably originated in Spain, but later on arrived in England via Roman trading ships. He is considered to be the founder of all English Hunting Spaniels. During the Renaissance times, the Springer Spaniel was thought to be the ideal companion for modern European hunters. One of the most popular Springers were bred by the Duke of Norfolk in 1800s. His dogs influenced the breed, so heavily, that for a while the breed was known as Norfolk Springer.
The English Springer Spaniel is the ancestor of many modern Spaniel breeds such as the Clumber, the Sussex, the Welsh Springer, the Field, the Irish Waterand the Cocker Spaniel.
English Springer Spaniels are multitalented dogs capable of hunting, tracking, retrieving and performing tricks. In addition they are excellent companion dogs.

PERSONALITY

English Springer Spaniels may be kept as hunting dogs, field trial competitors or show dogs. Whatever is the case, one thing is for sure – they are family dogs. The Springer craves human companionship and enjoys being part of family activities. On the field, they show impeccable scenting and retrieving skills.

English Springer Spaniels have loud barks, used as anticipation signs, rather than alert alarms. The typical Springer is friendly, sociable, gentle, skillful, playful, brave, eager to please, quick to learn and willing to obey.

English Springer Spaniels need adequate amount of both physical and mental stimulation in order to prevent boredom vices, such as barking and destruction. If left alone, they almost always develop separation anxiety.

TRAITS

Although English Springer Spaniels are the tallest member of the Spaniels family, they are still considered a medium-sized dogs. They are compact and well-proportioned with graceful and elegant appearance. Springers have dark brown or dark hazel eyes and intelligent, alert expression. Their ears are long, wide and pendant.

English Springer Spaniels have double coats, with medium length hairs, that can be straight or wavy. Coat colors include liver and white, black and white, tricolor and blue or liver roan. The chest area, the limbs and the tail have featherings.

Female Springer’s height at withers is 19’’ (48 cm), while male’s is 20’’ (51 cm). Females weight 40lb (18 kg) and males weight 50lb (23 kg).

TRAINING

English Springer Spaniels are extremely intelligent and because of their people pleasing nature – highly trainable. They love to learn and are capable of mastering several commands in a short period of time.

If not properly socialized and from an early age, they might become shy and timid. Springers need early exposure to new people, sounds, sights and experiences.
In the literature there are reports of a so called ,,Springer Rage Syndrome,,. The term is used to refer to an aggressive behavioral characteristic present in some breed members. It is believed that is a dominance related aggression, possibly due to low serotonin levels.
HEALTH

English Springer Spaniels are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be affected by certain health conditions. Common health issues include ocular conditions (entropion, progressive retinal atrophy, retinal dysplasia, cataracts, persistent pupillary membranes, glaukoma), musculo-skeletal conditions (hip and elbow dysplasia, patella luxation, pectinate ligament dysplasia), skin conditions (seborrhea, pyoderma, sebaceous adenitis, pemphigus foliaceus, lichenoid-psoriasiform dermatosis, food induced allergies) and neoplastic conditions (mammary gland tumors).
English Springer Spaniels are genetically predisposed to phosphofructokinase deficiency which causes improper sugar metabolism, hemolysis and severe hemolytic crisis. Because of the specific ear anatomy, the Springer often suffers from chronic otitis.
The average lifespan of the English Springer Spaniel is estimated to be 12-15 years.

The English Springer Spaniel may be the rootstock of all working spaniels, and they certainly have a long pedigree. Identifiable members of this breed are portrayed in paintings from the 1600s onwards, as, for example, here in Jan Brueghel the Elder’s 1616 Study of Hounds, which also demonstrates their early hunting functions.