Breed At A Glance

Classification
Sporting

Personality
Gentle, even-tempered and obedient

Life Expectancy
12-14 years

Average Height
Males 19-21 inches; Females 18-20 inches

Average Weight
Males 45-55 lbs; Females 40-50 lbs

Coat Color
Liver and white, or black and white (may have tan markings)

Coat Length/Texture
Medium-length and flat or wavy/feathered

Shedding Propensity
Consistent year-round

English Springer Spaniel

This breed is not yet identified by our thirty-eight breed test

General Temperament
Affectionate, sociable and well-mannered, the English Springer Spaniel revels in the love and attention of it’s family. It’s active and gregarious nature make it a very entertaining family pet. The English Springer Spaniel loves activity and exercise, and many enjoy a good swim. It is alert and attentive on the hunt, and easy-going and even-tempered in the home. English Springer Spaniels are intelligent and energetic, and with proper training can excel in agility, fly-ball, tracking, retrieving, obedience, and hunting and field trials.

This breed is playful and gentle, a great companion for children. In fact, they love everyone, friends and strangers alike. They need plenty of attention from their human companions, and can become destructive or bark excessively out of boredom if left alone for long periods. They will get along well with most other dogs, although some can be slightly aggressive towards dogs of the same sex that they aren’t raised with. They also get along well with other household pets, with the exception of birds, which they often see as prey.

The English Springer Spaniel is intelligent and eager to please, so training can be an enjoyable experience for both the dog and the owner. Special attention should be paid during the dog’s energetic adolescence to ensure an obedient, well-behaved individual in adulthood. They respond best to consistency, firmness and plenty of praise. This breed can be happy in an apartment if they are given plenty of exercise and playtime, but are not likely to be happy with a sedentary owner.

Like many traditional hunting breeds, the English Springer Spaniel has been bred along two separate guidelines: field types and show (or “bench”) types. The field type tends to have more energy and less hair than the bench type. When purchasing this breed, be sure to locate a line that best suits your lifestyle.

Breed History
The English Springer Spaniel is the largest of the Spaniel breeds and is considered to be the founding ancestor of modern Spaniels. Originally, all hunting Spaniel types were grouped together as the same breed, but eventually were separated into separate distinct groups according to hunting specialty: land spaniels versus water spaniels. The land spaniels were further differentiated and bred along separate lines according to specific hunting ability and size. The American Spaniel Club was founded in 1880, classifying anything over 28 pounds a Springer, although both Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels could be present in the same littler, only differentiated by size (Cockers being significantly smaller than Springers). Ultimately, the Springer was bred along separate lines from it’s Cocker litter mates, leading to specialization of both breeds. The Springer Spaniel got its name from his method of flushing game: he sprang forward to drive birds out of hiding, where a trained falcon or hawk would return the game to the hunter.

The breed standard for the English Cocker Spaniel was established by the American Kennel Club in 1927, but was revised in 1932.

Body Structure and Composition
The English Springer Spaniel has a medium-sized compact body capable of covering rough group with speed and agility. The muzzle is approximately the same length as the skull, but only about half as wide. The long, pendulous and feathered ears are set level with the eyes. The long, muscular neck leads down to a sloping topline. The front legs are strong boned without appearing heavy, and the rear legs are well muscled and denote strength and power. The tail is typically docked for show purposes, although docking has been banned in many countries.

Medical Information
The English Springer Spaniel is prone to various eye abnormalities, and are especially susceptible to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). PRA is characterized by a degeneration of cells of the retina, leading eventually to blindness, often beginning with a loss of night vision. Breeding stock may be certified annually by the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF).

Like with many medium and large breeds, the English Springer Spaniel has a significant incidence of Hip and Elbow Dysplasia. These conditions occur when the head of the bone deteriorates, no longer fitting into the cup provided by the socket, causing lameness and arthritis-like symptoms. Responsible breeders will have their stock certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) prior to producing a litter to help prevent the spread of this disease.

Phosphofructokinase deficiency (or PFK) occurs in some English Springer Spaniel lines. Also known as “Glycogen storage disease type VII” or “Tarui's disease,” PFD is a metabolic disorder causing muscle cramps and weakness (especially after exercise), as well as with hemolytic anemia. Like with Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, screening is available to breeders to help avoid spreading this disease into new litters.

Recently, an epileptic disorder called “Rage Syndrome” has afflicted the English Springer Spaniel. This disease is rare, but will cause an otherwise normal dog to go into a sudden rage and viciously attack. During these episodes, the English Springer Spaniel will not respond to commands, but luckily is treatable with anti-seizure medication.

Dogs bred for hunting tend to be prone to bacterial infections and parasitic infestations, due to their time in the open field. Owners should check the ears of both field and bench types alike to help prevent infection. Both types can also experience skin disease and allergies.

The coat of the field-bred English Spring Spaniel is easy to care for by simply brushing them periodically, paying special attention to the ears and feet, particularly after outdoor exercise. The bench type takes a little more effort, as the longer fur is prone to matting. The fur on the ears and feet of both types should be kept trimmed to minimize ear infections and prevent burrs becoming imbedded in the paws.

Anecdotal Information
President George W. Bush and his father, George H.W. Bush, have both owned English Springer Spaniels. George W.’s dog, “Spot Fetcher” is the son of George H.W.’s dog Millie.

An English Springer Spaniel named Buster is credited with finding an Iraqi extremist group’s secret arsenal of weapons and explosives, and was awarded the Dickin Medal by the Lord Mayor of the City of London in 2003.

The English Spring Spaniel has remained a relatively popular breed according to American Kennel Club registrations, remaining in the top 30 breeds between 1997 and 2007.