English Springer Spaniel
Dogs
English Springer Spaniel
English Springer
Spaniel |
An English Springer Spaniel. In countries where
docking is illegal.
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Alternative names |
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Country of origin |
United Kingdom |
Common nicknames |
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Classification and breed standards |
FCI: |
Group 8 Section 2 #125 |
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AKC: |
Sporting |
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ANKC: |
Group 3 (Gundogs) |
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CKC: |
Group 1 - Sporting Dogs |
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KC (UK): |
Gundog |
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NZKC: |
Gundog |
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UKC: |
Gun Dog Breeds |
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Not recognized by any major kennel club |
This breed of dog is
extinct |
Notes |
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The English Springer Spaniel is a
gun dog
traditionally used for flushing and retrieving game.
Appearance
Solid liver and white coat color.
Like many breeds including the closely related
English Cocker Spaniel, these dogs have been developed for specific work, in
modern times the
show dog
lines have diverged from working dog lines, depending on which aspect of the dog
the breeders
have chosen to focus on.
Males in the show dog line average approximately 18 to 20 inches (45 to 50
cm) at the withers and weigh on average between 50 and 55 pounds (23 to 25 kg).
Females are generally smaller, averaging closer to 40 pounds (18 kg). Dogs in
the working dog line tend to be smaller and lighter boned.
The working lines, often refered to as "Field-Bred", tend to have shorter,
coarser coats than the show-bred dogs. Their ears are less pendulous. Show-bred
dogs tend to have a longer, more silky coat and are often predominatly dark
colored.
The coat comes in three different color combinations. Black-and-white,
liver-and-white and either of these combinations with tan markings (usually on
the cheeks and above the eyes). Dogs bred for show are generally more colour
than white, whereas sporting dogs tend to have more white in their coats for
ease of the hunter to see them in long grass.
Temperament
This Springer is enjoying a bone.
The Springer is an affectionate and easy-going family dog, and its alertness
and attentiveness make it the ideal hunting companion. An intelligent dog, and
eager to please, a Springer is easily incorporated into a family setting.
Although good with children, it tends to have a moderate to high energy level.
Its long-legged build makes it among the fastest of the spaniels. It has
unlimited stamina and needs plenty of activity to focus its mind and to provide
substantial exercise.
English Springer Spaniels are playful animals; many owners find humor 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.
Some people say that English Springer Spaniels are like
Velcro, because
they want to be in the immediate vicinity of their owner. If the owner walks to
the other side of a room, so does the English Springer Spaniel. Some may become
agitated and whine if they cannot get near people that they know are nearby.
Health
A black and white Springer.
Spot Fetcher, U.S. President George W. Bush's dog (now deceased).
As in many breeds there are health issues for which the breeder should be
careful. People acquiring new puppies can avoid some issues by asking the
breeder for health clearances of the father and mother of the litter, in
particular, Canine Eye Research Foundation (CERF) and Orthopedic Foundation (OFA)
certifications for the father and mother. However, health issues can still show
up.
Hip dysplasia and
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), are two such diseases for which
veterinarians are working on genetic markers to determine carriers.
English Springer Spaniels are very prone to having 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.
Other health issues include
autoimmune
diseases, which include
allergies and
other sensitivities to the environment. These are extreme, but are found in the
breed.
Temperament issues can include dog and people aggression, which appears to be
genetic, and in many cases does not manifest until the dog is an adult. Choosing
dogs with parents that do not display this kind of behavior will reduce, but not
eliminate, its occurrence. Another cause of aberrant behavior can be
epilepsy.
History
This spaniel
is an older breed, appearing in paintings as early as the
1600s. It is
possibly the ancestor of most modern spaniels; springer spaniels and
cocker spaniels were not recognized as separate breeds until the
1800s.
Famous Spaniels
-
Spot Fetcher, pet of
President of the United States
George W. Bush, now deceased.
- Millie Bush,
pet of former President
George H. W. Bush.
See also
External links
Home | Up | English Cocker Spaniel | English Foxhound | English Mastiff | English Pointer | English Setter | English Shepherd | English Springer Spaniel | English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) | Entlebucher Mountain Dog | Estrela Mountain Dog | Eurasier | Eurohound
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