The English Springer Spaniel is a distant descendant of dogs Spaniel type who arrived from Spain to the British Isles more than 1.500 years.

Already in 1576, the Dr. John Caius described the descendants of these dogs from the Iberian Peninsula in his Treaty of English Dogs, but it wasn't until 1801 and Cynographia Britannica de Sydenham Edwards, naturalist and illustrator, when a distinction was made between Cockers smaller and Springers Taller.

However, litters used to be a mix of both types, and the difference in names was simply based on the size. Both types were used to hunt game birds; his job was to detect and flush out the animal, which was then caught in a net, shot with a bow or, sometimes, captured by a specially trained hawk. The current names of the breeds derive from these hunts.: the Cockers excelled in hunting woodcock, While the English Springer Spaniel excelled at finding, make the game birds fly and collect the prey for the armed hunter.

In the 19th century, breeders began to select dogs, so that the lines of dogs differed from region to region. The most imposing dogs were found in the region of Norfolk and they took the name of Norfolk Spaniel about 1850. This was the name by which all the greats were shown Spaniels at dog shows.

This changed in 1902, When the Kennel Club (KC), Britain's leading organization, recognized the English Springer Spaniel as an independent race. It was given its own standard, very different from other similar looking dogs, and the breeding program became stricter.

Only eight years later, in 1910, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The reputation of the breed grew considerably in North America from the decade of 1920. In 1932, was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC), the other leading organization in the United States. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) followed him in 1954. In the news, the English Springer Spaniel is accepted by all major canine organizations, including Canadian Kennel Club (CKC).

With a little less than 10.000 registrations per year in the CKC, the English Springer Spaniel is still one of the 10 Britain's most popular dog breeds. However, has been in decline since the early 1990s 2010, when they were almost born 13.000 each year.

The trend is much more stable in France, where some 1.700 births in the Livre des Origines Français (LOF) since the early years of the 21st century. This figure had previously doubled in just a decade., since at the beginning of the years 90 it was rather around the 800, and even below 500 in the early 80.

The same stability is found in the United States, where it has fluctuated, at least since the beginning of the 21st century, between the post 25 and the 30 AKC Breed Classification, based on the number of annual registrations in the organization. The UKC also produces a classification based on the number of births reported to it, in which it is among the 20 first.

Photo: An eight year-old, male, liver and white English Springer Spaniel named by Xandercary, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The English Springer Spaniel has a compact and harmonious appearance. However, there is a real difference in morphology between individuals in lines destined for dog shows and those whose specialty is hunting and field trials: the former are much more massive than the latter

In both cases, the English Springer Spaniel he is tall on legs, so much so that it is the tallest of the Spaniels of British origin. Her body, slightly rectangular, muscular and symmetrical, exudes power and agility. The legs are muscular and of solid bones, and end in round, compact legs.

The tail has fringes, it is short and very mobile. It has long been docked to avoid hunting accidents, but now docking is prohibited in most countries.

The head of the English Springer Spaniel it is quite wide, with a well-proportioned muzzle and well-developed nostrils. The eyes are medium in size, almendrada form, with a lively and soft expression. They must be dark hazel in color, but a light color is also possible, although it is considered a fault. The ears are long, wide and lobed. They fall back along the head and have attractive fringes.

The undercoat is short, smooth and dense, while the top layer is longer, smooth and closed. The set is made to withstand inclement weather, but it also protects you from the various thorns and twigs that could hurt you in the undergrowth. The individuals of the working lines, however, generally have shorter hair than those of the beauty lines.-

His fur is black and white or liver and white, and may have tan markings. Also in this case there is a certain divergence between show dogs and those intended to be pets or hunting dogs., since the fur of the former has more marked colors.

Last, sexual dimorphism is not very marked in this breed: males are only slightly larger and heavier than females.

▷ Male size: 48 – 51 cm.
▷ female size: 48 – 49 cm.
▷ Male weight: 18 – 22 kg
▷ female weight: 18 – 19 kg

Varieties:

From the age 40, the breeders of English Springer Spaniel have tended to distinguish between lines intended for dog shows and those intended for hunting or company.

In effect, when it became apparent that the individuals who stood out on beauty pageant podiums and those who won job tests were never the same, this led some breeders to specialize, selecting their players either for their aesthetics or for their physical abilities.

In fact, individuals destined for podiums are generally more massive, have stronger colors and less need to strain. However, no official organization considers them a variety in their own right: no standard distinguishes between show dogs and working dogs.

The English Springer Spaniel he is incredibly sociable, open and loving. They love the company of humans in general, and his family in particular. If left alone for a long time, may suffer from separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behavior and incessant barking.

On the other hand, can express his joy at seeing his master come back urinating on the carpet. To get rid of this bad habit, it is necessary to avoid that the return home is an event. Therefore, it is advisable not to pay immediate attention to the dog, but take a few minutes to take off your shoes, hang up the coat, keep the keys… encouraging you to wait without undue excitement.

If you bark when a person approaches, generally it is less to warn him than to invite him to come and pet him and play with him. Therefore, can play the role of a warning dog, because he is listened to in every visit, but certainly not that of a guard dog that drives malicious people back. Welcomes both adults and children, with which you can spend hours running and playing in the garden. However, it is important to remember that, regardless of race, a dog should never be left alone with a small child, even though i have known him for years; all interactions must be under adult supervision.

His sociable character also extends to his fellow men, although some signs of aggressiveness may appear, especially between individuals of the same sex. Living with cats and rodents is also usually without problems, but the same cannot be said for birds. Anyone who adopts this dog while keeping chickens or ducks in the garden will quickly understand why his hunting skills are unanimously recognized.…

To feel good and show the full range of your interpersonal skills, the English Springer Spaniel need to be able to exercise. One hour of intense physical exercise (footing, games…) is necessary for your well-being, and appreciates taking long walks of several hours from time to time. It is, because, from a perfectly adapted companion for a person who wants to regularly take their dog for a walk. On the other hand, your outings in an urban environment should always be done on a leash, to prevent him from rushing after all the pigeons and birds he finds. During long walks in nature, it is better to let it evolve freely so that it can fully enjoy, but then it is wise to equip him with a GPS collar to be able to locate him at any time, for example if you wander off in search of woodcocks or other game.

Although they have a reputation for being less active, dogs on show lines should also exercise for a minimum of one hour a day.

As long as its owner is active and takes it out enough, can live in an apartment, even if it is not ideal for him: you better have access to a garden. You better have access to a garden, but this must be well fenced to prevent it from escaping if it sees birds or follows a friendly passerby who gives it a treat. In any case, you shouldn't spend most of your time alone in the garden: its place is inside, with his family.
It also, physical exercise is not enough for it to be balanced: you also have to stimulate it mentally, especially because he is very intelligent and has a desire to learn just as great. If these qualities are not stimulated, you are likely to get bored, and then he can find something to do biting his master's shoes, throwing things or digging in the garden.

Dog sports are a great way to keep your dog engaged both physically and mentally. Any activity works, but they are especially good at obedience competitions, track and search.

Last, although some individuals never give voice to their dogs, the English Springer Spaniel tends to bark quite frequently. They do it to signal the approach of a person or to greet him, to warn of boredom or simply to attract attention. If this trend is not stopped at an early age, can cause problems with neighbors.

Like any dog, the English Springer Spaniel must be socialized from the first weeks of life. If you don't have the opportunity to meet different people, to meet other animals and to face all kinds of situations, runs the risk of becoming shy or, on the other hand, to develop some aggressiveness.

It is also necessary to get used to walking on a leash as soon as possible, as well as teaching him not to bark untimely. If their masters are absent often or for a long time, they should also help you understand that you can spend several hours alone without worrying, because his family will always return to him.

With his above-average intelligence and willingness to do anything to please, the English Springer Spaniel is capable of achieving wonders, even under the guidance of a novice trainer. Like this, beyond the basic teachings, his thirst for learning allows him to assimilate many tricks. However, you have to be patient and be constant, as with any dog, and know how to detect when he starts to get bored to stop the session or move on to something else.

In any case, traditional training methods are not at all suitable for this emotional dog, who has unlimited trust in humans, since they could traumatize him. Better to use positive reinforcement, that allows you to learn while having fun and takes advantage of your natural sociability.

The English Springer Spaniel is generally quite robust and has a good life expectancy, to the point that many representatives of the breed reach the 15 years.

Originally from Great Britain, the English Springer Spaniel has a waterproof coat that is not affected by the weather. Their undercoat is more or less dense depending on the climate of the region in which they live., and are equally resistant to cold and heat. However, they do not like extremes and should be able to shelter in the shade when it is hot, and have a cozy place to stay when the temperature drops.

Given its popularity around the world for more than a century, no wonder so many different diseases have been recorded in this dog. The most frequent problems are :

• The Hip Dysplasia, a malformation in the joint that is usually inherited and can cause locomotor difficulties. Genetic testing can greatly reduce risk;
• Patellar luxation (or dislocation of the patella), when the kneecap moves out of position, causing a limp. It can be congenital or occur after an impact;
• Progressive retinal atrophy, leading to retinal degeneration and total loss of vision. This disease appears to be increasing in the breed's population, although it is still rare;
• The retinal dysplasia, a congenital malformation of the retina that, In most cases, does not affect vision;
• The entropion, when the eyelid folds over the eye and causes irritation. This problem can be corrected by a simple surgical intervention.;
• Phosphofructokinase deficiency, an enzyme responsible for the assimilation of glucose in the blood, that usually has no consequences and is often undetected. However, in severe cases, can lead to muscle loss, fever and hyperventilation;
• Skin problems, either hereditary or due to an allergy.

Other rare diseases have been reported in some individuals, like autoimmune diseases, the fucosidosis canina and the very rare and surprising rabies syndrome (not to be confused with rabies disease), when a peaceful dog is suddenly overcome by an attack of hyperagression for no apparent reason.

It also, dogs used for hunting are more prone to accidents, lesions and parasites than other dogs.

However, do not be fooled by the long list of diseases that can affect a English Springer Spaniel, most of which are very rare. A study conducted by the Kennel Club and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association in 2004 about almost 100 breed deaths showed that the main causes of death in this breed are various forms of cancer and advanced age.

In any case, adopt from a breeder of English Springer Spaniel serious and responsible maximizes the chances of getting a healthy puppy, above all thanks to the tests that the animal or its parents will continue to carry out to ensure the absence of congenital or hereditary diseases -or susceptible to being so- like dysplasia, for example. The professional must also provide a certificate from a veterinarian who has examined the puppy and certifies that it is in good health., as well as the data of the administered vaccines, registered in your health or vaccination card.

However, There is no use adopting a healthy puppy if you do not do what is necessary to keep it healthy, especially through appropriate preventive actions. One of the points to pay more attention in this matter is your ears: like any dog ​​with hanging ears, has a higher risk of infections at this level.

Regular vet visits are another essential part of prevention. They should be scheduled at least once a year to detect the beginnings of a potential health problem and to make sure your dog is up to date on his vaccinations.

Life expectancy

Of 12 to 14 years

The maintenance of the coat of the English Springer Spaniel is simple, but it takes some effort. In fact, molts throughout the year, and it should be brushed once or twice a week to keep its coat in good condition. During spring and fall molts, it is even necessary to brush it daily to remove excess dead hair.

It also, as his fur is quite tight, does not hesitate to get into the puddles, so it can be useful to bathe him after a hunting trip or a particularly muddy trip to the forest, to prevent it from getting dirty and / or smells bad. Then you have to be careful to use a mild shampoo specifically designed for dogs., at the risk of damaging your skin.

In general, It is also strongly recommended that you get into the habit of thoroughly inspecting your dog every time you spend long hours outdoors, either during a hunting day or a long excursion. This allows any injury to be detected immediately, spoilage or parasites, and act accordingly.

It also, although he doesn't really tend to drool, not a very clean diner, mostly because it turns out that her long ears get soaked in her bowl. Therefore, it is advisable to get in the habit of wiping your face with a towel after every meal.

Your floppy ears deserve special attention, since this morphological characteristic makes moisture and dirt easily accumulate in them, with an increased risk of infection. Therefore, should be examined and washed at least once a week.

Take advantage to check that the eyes are clean, and clean them with a damp cloth if they are not.

Your weekly maintenance session is also an opportunity to brush your teeth, to prevent the formation of dental plaque. Plaque can cause bad breath, tooth decay and other oral diseases. Ideally, do it more often..

Last, even if your activity level makes natural wear and tear is enough to file your nails, it is advisable to take a look at them every 4 or 6 weeks to make sure they're not too long. Yes they are, could get in the way of walking, or even break and hurt you, so they need to be trimmed manually with a dog nail clipper. The first time, it may be a good idea to do this under the eye of a vet or groomer to make sure you are doing it right.

The English Springer Spaniel was developed for hunting, especially birds (mainly the woodcock), and it must be admitted that he continues to excel in the location and the fright of the hunt, and then return it to the hunter once he has killed it. They are still used for hunting around the world, tracking both small game birds and small game animals.

They are also excellent companion dogs., loyal and loving, suitable for a home active enough to satisfy your need for plenty of exercise.

His propensity to bark also makes him a good alert dog.. However, as it does more to welcome intruders (or even to be happy if they give him some goodies) that to repel them, he's a poor guard dog.

When not used for hunting, physical and mental qualities of English Springer Spaniel can be admired at dog sports competitions. They tend to excel in disciplines such as flyball, obedience, agility, crawl and crawl.

They have long been used in law enforcement and the military, and are currently used in Great Britain, United States, Canada, Sweden and Finland. In fact, his excellent sense of smell makes him a very good dog at detecting explosives, drugs, but also illegal immigrants at the borders.

It is also common to find them as rescue dogs and search for accident victims., either in the mountains or in urban areas.

Last, his closeness to humans and his sociable nature also make him a very good therapy dog, sometimes found in hospitals and nursing homes.

The price of a puppy English Springer Spaniel is of some 800 EUR, without much difference in price between males and females. This average hides a range of values ​​that go from about 500 euros for dogs with characteristics that are far from the standard, up to approximately double for those with prestigious ancestry and intended for dog shows.

The price varies depending on the reputation of the breeder, the prestige of the lineage from which the animal comes, but also and above all its intrinsic physical characteristics.

Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a dog of the breed "English Springer Spaniel" you know certain factors. Not all breeds of dogs are apt to live in an apartment, you must take into account his character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.

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Photos:

1 – English Springer Spaniel by Heinz Höfling, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
2 – Coffee, English-Springer-Spaniel, 8 Months by photo taken by Heinz Höfling [User:Hhoefling], CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
3 – A black English Springer Spaniel named Oliver. by racermd5, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
4 – English Springer Spaniel by https://pixabay.com/de/photos/hund-englisch-springer-spaniel-317039/
5 – Mimi, English Springer Spaniel by Pedro Lopez
6 – Tallinn, Estonia, duo CACIB 2013 August 17-18 by Thomas, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

La Raza English Springer Spaniel

THE ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL

Why To Get An English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniel Dog Breed Guide

• FCI CLASSIFICATION:
• Group 8: Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs
• Section 2: Flushing Dogs. With working trial.

Federations:

• – FCI – Group 8: Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs – Section 2: Retrievers ⓘ
• – AKC – Sporting ⓘ
• – ANKC – Group 3 (Gundogs) ⓘ
• – CKC – Sporting Dogs ⓘ
• – ​KC – Gundog ⓘ
• – NZKC – Gundog ⓘ
• – UKC – Gun Dogs ⓘ

FCI - English Springer Spaniel

1. Springer Spaniel (English).
2. English Springer Spaniel (French).
3. English Springer Spaniel (German).
4. (em inglês: English Springer Spaniel) (Portuguese).
5. (en inglés English Springer Spaniel) (español).