What an English Springer Spaniel looks like: description of the breed and maintenance features + reviews from owners

Spaniels are a large group of breeds that mainly include hunting dogs, but also include decorative and even dwarf representatives.

The most famous breeds of this group are Cocker Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Russian Spaniels and English Springer Spaniels.

English Springer Spaniels are one of the most ancient gundogs, bred specifically for hunting and retaining this instinct.

These dogs can be used for work and hunting, but most often they are simply kept as pets, since they are distinguished not only by their pleasant appearance, but also by their friendly character, loyalty and complaisance.

Origin story and what it looks like in the photo

The English Springer Spaniel breed was developed in the 14th century. in Norfolk, England . The ancestors of these dogs are considered to be massive Field Spaniels, similar in appearance to setters.

The dogs were bred for aristocratic hunting pleasures, their purpose was falconry.

At first, springer spaniels only looked for and drove game, but over time they were trained to fetch, bring prey in their teeth and became just good companions.

Nowadays, ancient paintings have been preserved that depict springer spaniels with white-brown or white-red hair; these are the colors that are recognized as classic for representatives of this breed.

Over the course of many centuries, the appearance of these dogs has undergone changes, and even today dogs belonging to the working and exhibition class, as well as individuals born in different countries, have significant differences in appearance.

The breed was officially recognized only in 1902 . At the same time, a breed standard was developed, and the name “English Springer Spaniel” was assigned to the dogs.

General characteristics of the breed

The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized dog, strong and muscular. Characteristic features of appearance are silky fur, square muzzle, long ears. In the description of the breed, special attention is paid to working qualities. This dog was bred to hunt birds.

You won't be able to use her as a guard or watchman. Due to the lack of aggression, she treats all people kindly. Thanks to its keen sense of smell, it is often used by the police and customs to search for prohibited substances. Springer spaniels enjoy participating in various sports and love to learn tricks. They easily overcome obstacles and swim well.

Options	Characteristic
breed name	English springer spaniel
a country	Great Britain
group of breeds according to the ICF classification	retrievers, spaniels, water dogs
size	average
appointment	hunting dog, companion
character traits	cheerful, sociable, non-conflict, intelligent, independent, balanced
life expectancy	12-14 years old
height	female 46-51 cm, male 48-56 cm
weight	female 18-23 kg, 20-25 kg
activity	high
attitude towards people	benevolent
intelligence	very smart, easy to train
difficulty of care	average, doesn't shed much
conditions of detention	apartment, private house
health	strong

pros

Representatives of the English Springer Spaniel breed have many advantages:

• unpretentious, easily adaptable to any living conditions;
• thanks to its medium size, it can be kept in an apartment;
• love children, are patient and careful with them;
• not conflicting, not prone to dominance;
• the character is soft, they do not show aggression at all;
• smart and quick-witted, quickly learn commands and rules of behavior;
• hunting qualities are well developed.

Minuses

The English Springer Spaniel is a very active dog. It is not suitable for elderly people or homebodies; it requires an energetic owner. If not a hunter, then at least an athlete or outdoor enthusiast. This breed is also not suitable for those who work a lot and are rarely at home. English Springer Spaniels need human companionship. There are a few more disadvantages that you need to consider before getting this dog:

• she cannot stand loneliness;
• out of boredom he can bark loudly and spoil things;
• sometimes runs after birds on the street;
• prone to obesity;
• does not get along well with small pets.

Interesting Facts

1. Springer spaniels are excellent jumpers, catching game by jumping out of cover. Even the word “springer” itself in the name of the breed emphasizes this quality of dogs.
2. There are approximately 11,000 representatives of this breed registered in England.
3. In London, springer spaniel Buster became a hero of the Iraq War and was awarded the highest animal honor after leading him to an Iraqi insurgent armory.

Description and standard

Springer spaniels have a strong, athletic build . These are quite proactive dogs, natural hunters who are not afraid of the sounds of gunfire, capable of serving game and searching the area.

Standard requirements:

• the skull is moderately long, rounded and rather wide;
• the feet and brow ridges are moderately expressed;
• cheekbones are flat;
• the muzzle is proportional to the skull;
• medium-sized, almond-shaped eyes, dark hazel-colored irises;
• scissor bite;
• the neck is long, straight, with well-developed muscles, slightly tapering towards the head, there is no dewlap on the chest;
• the ears are long, with rounded tips, of medium width, set at eye level, close to the head;
• limbs of medium length, straight, strong and muscular;
• the chest is deep, the ribs are convex;
• The tail is set low and is traditionally docked in England, but may be kept at a natural length in countries where this is prohibited.

The coat is dense and straight. Slight waviness is allowed, but not curl. The hair is longer on the ears, paws and body.

Appearance

In terms of the appearance of the two respective dog breeds, a quick look shows that they have a lot in common, but they also have a number of notable differences.

English Springer Spaniels stand up to 51 cm tall at the withers and can weigh up to 25 kg, while Welsh scrapers are shorter and lighter in weight, reaching a height of up to 48 cm and weighing up to 20 kg.

Welsh spruers are proportionately longer in body length than English sprinters, and are also lighter in build and not as tall. The head of the Welsh Sprinter is described as slimmer than the English Princess, and the English Sprinter is lighter, being the tallest of all the British Ground Spaniel breeds.

In terms of the coats of the two respective breeds, English Sprinters have a straight, soft coat with moderate feathering, while Welsh Sprinters have flat, dense and silky coats with moderate feathering on the legs, but lighter feathering on the ears.

However, coat color is perhaps the main difference between the two breeds: English Spaniel Spaniels can be found in a variety of shades, black and white or stove and white, or any of these variations with some shades.

On the other hand, Welsh sprinters have only one color - red and white. The shade of the red coat areas is very different from the English liqueur liver, bright, rich and much lighter.

Character traits

Welsh Springer Spaniels can be excellent working dogs, hunting dogs, or just pets and loyal friends and companions.

These are affectionate animals that get along well with all household members and are friendly towards guests, but they choose one person as their owner..

Representatives of this breed have a lively, easy-going disposition, they are playful and obedient, energetic, cheerful and fearless. These dogs quickly adapt to life in a family, understand its hierarchy and learn the norms of behavior established by the owner.

Springer spaniels need constant contact with their owner . If the pet seems to be given little attention, he tries to attract him by any means, sometimes being overly intrusive.

As a rule, these are rather silent dogs, but a visit from a stranger or some unfamiliar sounds provoke them to bark loudly.

Springer spaniels are smart and quick-witted, they quickly remember commands and carry them out with pleasure, trying to please their owner..

At the same time, puppies are very curious and it can be difficult for them to concentrate during exercise. Therefore, the owner’s task is to show patience and persistence in order to attract and retain the pet’s attention, rewarding it not only with praise, but also with treats.

Expert opinion

Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich

Expert dog handler.

The peculiarity of representatives of this breed is their late maturation - the physical and psychological development of springer spaniels is completely completed only by 2-3 years. This affects the duration of the pet's training, which may take a little longer. Also, even before purchasing a puppy, you should take into account that these are active dogs and the lack of walks and physical activity negatively affects not only their physical health, but also their character.

Selection rules

Before buying a puppy, you need to study information about the chosen breed, evaluate your ability to provide the dog with all the necessary conditions

It is also important to assess your readiness for a dog in the family, the ability to devote time and effort to it

It is better to buy a purebred puppy from trusted kennels, where they will provide all the necessary documents for the dog - passport and pedigree

When choosing a pet, you need to pay attention to its appearance and behavior. A Welsh puppy should be active, friendly and playful.

The baby's nose should be moist, eyes and ears clean. The puppy should not smell unpleasant. You should definitely inquire about the puppy’s health status and whether its parents have any genetic diseases that could be inherited.

For more information about the Welsh Singer Spaniel, watch the video below.

Advantages and disadvantages

English Springer Spaniels, like other dog breeds, have both advantages and disadvantages.

Among the positive qualities of these dogs are::

• cheerfulness;
• intelligence and intelligence;
• devotion;
• endurance;
• obedience;
• ability to learn;
• communication skills;
• ability to get along with children;
• good adaptation to new living conditions;
• developed hunting instinct.

Disadvantages of the breed:

• intolerance of loneliness;
• hyperactivity;
• tendency to run away;
• inability to get along with other pets.

For many, the downside of these dogs is their complete lack of aggression, which makes them unsuitable for protection..

In addition, it should be remembered that representatives of this breed need the constant and undivided attention of the owner; its lack provokes destructive behavior in springer spaniels.

Color variations

The breed standard allows any coat color typical of spaniels: black, black and white, black and white with specks, coffee, coffee and white, red, red and white.

Moreover, depending on the genotype, the nose can be brown or black.

NOTE!

Any color can be complemented with red tan.

The most preferred coat color for English Springer Spaniels is white with spots of coffee or black.

Breeding

Breeding English Springer Spaniels is a very responsible and expensive process. Dogs of this breed have small litters, so the investment does not always pay off completely. The main difficulty is finding a suitable male with a good pedigree. It is not recommended to breed with individuals who do not have a birth certificate and health certificates.

You can also evaluate a dog and a bitch based on previous litters. A dog can be purebred and outwardly beautiful, but at the same time it is difficult to pass on its characteristics to its offspring. If possible, it is necessary to evaluate at least the external characteristics of the puppies in the previous litter.

As for colors, it is customary to breed females with a single-color coat with males of the same color, and multi-colored individuals, in turn, are crossed with colored dogs. It’s not limited to getting healthy and beautiful offspring.

Sources

• https://dogfact.ru/anglijskij-springer-spaniel/
• https://vplate.ru/spaniel/anglijskij-springer/
• https://DogCentr.ru/porody-sobak/anglijskij-springer-spaniel.html
• https://PetGuru.ru/porody/anglijskij-springer-spaniel
• https://domashnij-zapovednik.com/sobaki/porody-s/spaniel/angl-springer.html
• https://sobaka.guru/porody/srednie/springer-spaniel/
• https://petsi.net/dog-breeds/english-springer-spaniel
• https://pets2.me/bok/1081-sobaka-springer-spaniel-prirozhdennyy-ohotnik.html
• https://prokamen.com/porody/srednie/springer-spaniel.html
• https://givotniymir.ru/springer-sobaka-opisanie-osobennosti-uxod-i-cena-porody-springer/

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Is he good with children and does he get along with other pets?

Representatives of this breed are not aggressive and get along well with children. They share the kids’ love for outdoor games and enjoy spending time with them.

As for other pets, springers are unlikely to be friends with them.

These dogs do not have a pronounced territorial instinct and a tendency to start conflicts, so they do not start fights with other dogs, but this only means that, with proper upbringing, they will be able to get along with them, nothing more.

Springers do not get along with cats, rodents and birds, since the hunting instinct takes over and these pets become the object of hunting for them.

How to properly care

Grooming springer spaniels is not too difficult . The main thing is to do this regularly, and to accustom the puppy to all hygiene procedures from an early age.

Wool and bathing

Comb the coat with a hard comb or brush every 2-3 days, and daily during shedding. This helps not only to get rid of dead hairs, but also to eliminate the possibility of matting and tangles.

Also, grooming involves regular haircuts at least once every six months (show animals have their hair trimmed monthly) and trimming the hair under the ears and between the paw pads.

You should bathe your pet using shampoo appropriate for its coat type as needed, approximately once every 3-4 months, for show dogs - every 10-15 days.

Teeth

To avoid the formation of plaque and stones, teeth should be brushed 2-3 times a week with a special brush and toothpaste for dogs.

Ears

Clean several times a week using a cotton swab and special drops or lotion.

Claws

Trim with a guillotine nail clipper once every 3-4 weeks, smooth the sharp edge with a nail file to eliminate the possibility of cracking the nail.

Eyes

Every 2-3 days, wipe with a lint-free cloth soaked in tea leaves or chamomile infusion.

It is also necessary to promptly deworm and vaccinate your pet..

Caring for an English Springer Spaniel

Proper care of the English Springer Spaniel consists, first of all, of taking care of the pet’s beautiful coat. Combing is done at least twice a week. You will need to use a special brush and a massage glove. After working with a brush, which easily removes faded hair, massage with a glove. The procedure is extremely important for the pet; the fur is brought into complete order. The skin, thanks to massage, increases blood flow, which has a beneficial effect on the condition of the dermis.

Many recommendations regarding the care of the English Springer Spaniel boil down to regular inspection of the pet's ears. The presence of scratches, wounds or dirt requires immediate intervention, otherwise ear disease will lead to long and difficult treatment.

During the spring-summer and autumn periods, it is recommended to constantly inspect your pet for ticks, otherwise the slightest oversight will lead to death. You should not wash your Springer Spaniel regularly; dandruff and irritation may form. It is better to clean with a damp towel.

Life expectancy, health and major diseases

The average lifespan of these dogs is 12-14 years.

English Springer Spaniels have good health, but are still prone to developing certain diseases, including:

• progressive retinal atrophy;
• cataract;
• glaucoma;
• fucosidosis;
• ear infections;
• entropy;
• hip dysplasia;
• phosphofructokinase deficiency;
• skin pathologies;
• obesity;
• allergy.

In addition, some individuals may experience the so-called “rage syndrome,” which is a rare form of epilepsy manifested by outbursts of unreasonable aggression, in which the dog does not respond to commands and may even attack the owner.

Nutritional Features

English Springer Spaniels can eat both natural products and industrial feeds, the choice depends on the preferences of the owner.

The main thing that needs to be taken into account when preparing a diet is that it must be balanced, high in calories and contain all the necessary macro- and microelements.

The number of daily feedings depends on the age of the pet. So, up to 8 months they should be fed about 6 times a day; dogs 9 months and older are transferred to twice feeding.

With a natural type of feeding, the springer's menu should include:

• lean meat;
• offal;
• sea ​​fish;
• rice, buckwheat, oatmeal;
• greens, vegetables and fruits;
• dairy products.

The list of products prohibited for representatives of this breed includes:

• River fish;
• bones;
• milk;
• fat meat;
• sweets, baked goods;
• bakery and pasta products;
• fried foods;
• cabbage;
• sausages, smoked meats, pickles, marinades;
• onion;
• potato.

If the diet is based on industrial feeds, it is important to ensure that they belong to the premium, super-premium and holistic categories.

Representatives of this breed are suitable only for high-quality food made from natural raw materials and enriched with vitamins and minerals.

The most suitable diets for these dogs are manufactured by the trademarks Go, Probalance, Savarra, Royal Canin, Pro Plan, Acana, Hills.

Popular nicknames

Pet gender	Name
Male	Sancho, Lorrie, Maurice, Tom, Archie, Luke, Micky, Oscar, Lucas, Tisha, Louis, Dani, Ricky, Patrick, Bruce, Bruno, Jerry, Leo, Hector, Derek, Watson, Lester, Lucky, Casper, Chaplin, Scooter, Elwood, Rimbaud, Pegasus, Scout, Forex, Wally, Ripley, Hiro (generous), Arata (new), Hoshiko (star child), Hayato (falcon), Katsu (victory)
Bitch	Sarah, Doni, Chloe, Floris, Tina, Mimi, Irma, Lana, Christy, Tracy, Anise, Grace, Pixie, Jena, May, Ruby, Nancy, Sherry, Lily, Hannah, Molly, Cleo, Megan, Belle, Linda, Daisy, Juno, Plush, Wendy, Sophie, Snowball, Tenderness, Fifa, Michiko (child of beauty), Shinju (pearl), Kiku (chrysanthemum), Masuru (victory), Miyako (beautiful child of the night)

How to train correctly? What needs to be taught?

English springer spaniels are highly trainable, so experienced dog breeders can handle raising a pet on their own, but beginners may need the help of a professional dog handler and undergo a training course.

IMPORTANT!

First of all, it is necessary to master a set of basic commands: “lie down”, “sit”, “come to me!”, “stand”, “place” and “near”.

Further training must be adjusted depending on what functions are assigned to the dog.

So, pets have enough basics, show animals may need the commands “give paw” and “show teeth”, and dogs intended for hunting need to be trained to hunt game, trained to find, catch and bring back prey.

It is best to conduct classes outdoors, after a walk, when the dog is tired enough and will no longer be distracted..

You should not punish your pet, yell at it or hit it - this will not help achieve the desired results. For each correctly executed command, the springer must be praised and treated with a treat.

Dog training

The first skills of fetching a ball, sitting, and lying down are taught to puppies from the first month of life. Gradually, as dogs grow older, they begin to undergo regular training. First, the commands “sit”, “lie down”, “come towards me” are taught.

The main skill learned should be serving. They choose a toy for fetching and throw it nearby. It is best if it is a feather doll. The puppy should be in a lying position. Initially, the exercises are repeated 3-4 times.

When the dog has learned to fetch an object, it is hidden and learning to search begins. The toy is hidden and given the opportunity to search, but not allowed to play with or fiddle with it. A little later, at 4 months, they begin to bathe the puppy and get used to water. At this point, you can move from a simple search for a toy to a search with a shuttle. The dog should move 20-40 steps to the side when the owner moves straight.

There is no need to accustom springers to loud sounds; they perceive shots calmly. From 5 months you can start training. By this point, the basic commands should already be tested in an open space, not in the yard or dog park.

How to choose? Boy or girl?

You should only purchase a puppy from a specialized nursery to avoid the possibility of purchasing a mixed breed or a pet with developmental pathologies from unscrupulous breeders.

A springer should be inspected carefully before purchasing.

He must have:

• clean skin;
• clear eyes of dark color;
• shiny wool;
• scissor bite.

Any symptoms of pathologies (rash, increased lacrimation, unpleasant odor from the ears, exhaustion) indicate that the puppy is sick and it is better to choose another.

Little springers should be active, curious, sociable, and affectionate. Showing aggression or cowardice is unacceptable.

It is important to determine the gender of the puppy in advance. So, you should buy a bitch if you plan to participate in breeding the breed, and also if there are very young children in the family - girls are more docile and calm.

Males are more suitable for exhibition careers and hunting, but have a more obstinate character.

Exterior

The most noticeable differences between American and English breeds appear in appearance. The difference is already evident in such a noticeable parameter as the dog’s height at the withers. For the British, this figure reaches 42 centimeters, while Americans rarely grow above 37 cm. Accordingly, the weight of the animals also differs - if dogs from the USA usually weigh up to 12 kg, then their counterparts from Foggy Albion reach 15 kg.

While inferior in size, the “Americans” are superior to their counterparts from another continent in such an important indicator for predominantly decorative dogs as coat length

The shape of the head also differs between the two breeds - while dogs of the American variety are more likely to have a round head of a small size relative to the body with a slightly upturned nose and a shortened “square” muzzle, then the British usually have a large head and a relatively elongated muzzle. Despite the fact that all cockers usually have a body shape close to square, the breed from the USA most often has a higher sternum, while the British usually have an almost flat back from the withers to the croup.

But, unfortunately, it will not be possible to immediately understand by color whether this is an “American” or an “English”, since the standards of both varieties allow for many variations in the color of a dog’s coat. The most common colors of both breeds are:

• black;
• redheads;
• golden;
• chocolate;
• fawn;
• mixed (most often black and white, red and white, brown and white).

The length of the ears does not differ between both cocker breeds - except that in dogs of the American variety they may be covered with a slightly thicker six.