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Springer Spaniel dog breed
 | The English Springer Spaniel is a gun dog
traditionally used for flushing and retrieving game. It is one of many spaniel
breeds. |
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Photo of
Springer Spaniel dog breed
An English Springer Spaniel in a country where
docking is illegal. |
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Information about
Springer Spaniel dog breed
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Appearance
The English Springer represents perhaps the greatest divergence between working
and show lines of any breed of dog. A field-bred dog and a show-bred dog appear
to be different breeds, but are registered together. In fact, the gene pools are
almost completely segregated and have been for at least 70 years [1]. A field
bred dog would not be even remotely competitive in a modern dog show while a
show dog would be unlikely to have the speed or stamina to succeed in a field
trial (Fergus, 2002).
Field-bred dogs tend to have shorter, coarser coats than the show-bred dogs.
Their ears are less pendulous. Field-bred dogs are wirey and have more of a
feral look than their show-bred cousins. (Fergus, 2002). The tail of the field
bred dog is only docked by a few inches in comparison to the show dog to provide
a "flag" for the hunter. Field-bred dogs are generally selected for nose,
hunting ability, and trainability rather than appearance.
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). According
to the UK (FCI) Breed Standard, the English Springer Spaniel should be of the
following size, 51 cm, or approximately 20 inches at the withers. Show dogs have
longer fur and more pendant ears, dewlaps and dangling flews. (Fergus, 2002) The
tail is docked to a short stub in those countries which permit docking. They are
generally more thickly boned and heavier than field-bred springers.
The coat comes in three different color combinations. Black-and-white,
liver-and-white, or 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
visibility.
Temperament
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, as much as 2 hours per day, to focus its
mind and to provide substantial exercise.
Like any breed described as "good with children", a Springer Spaniel must be
accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will
not behave predictably around them.
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. English Springer Spaniels need a lot of regular exercise and
mental stimulation for optimum mental health.
Springers are known for their affectionate companionship and playful nature.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. Unless trained from a
young age, some may become agitated and whine if they cannot get near people
that they know are nearby.
Health
As in most breeds, there are some health issues that are more likely to occur in
this breed. Hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) are two such
diseases for which veterinarians are working on genetic markers to determine
carriers. Canine Eye Research Foundation (CERF) and Orthopedic Foundation for
Animals (OFA) certifications for the father and mother of a litter of pups
provides some information about eye and hip wellness.
English Springer Spaniels are prone to 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 not common, but are found in
the breed.
Temperament issues can include dog aggression 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.
Skills
A springer spaniel is first and foremost an upland flushing dog. In performing
this task there are some skills the dog must be trained to perform.
Retreive to Hand The majority of hunters and all hunt test or field trial judges
require that a dog deliver a bird to hand, meaning that a dog will hold the bird
until told to give it to the hunter directly.
Quarter A flushing spaniel's primary role is often as an upland flushing dog.
Dogs must work in a zig-zag pattern in front of the hunter seeking upland game
birds. The dog must be taught to stay within gun range to avoid flushing a bird
outside of shooting distance. This pattern is one of the primary criteria used
to judge a dog in a field trial.
Hup This is the traditional command to sit and stay. To be an effective hunter
the dog must comply with this command absolutely. When hupped the dog can be
given direction called to the handler. The ability to hup a dog actively working
a running bird allow the handler and any gunners to keep up without having to
run.
Follow Hand Signals Upland hunting involves pursuing wild game in its native
habitat. Gun dogs must investigate likely coverts for upland game birds. The dog
must be responsive to hand signals in order for the hunter to be able to direct
the dog into areas of particular interest.
Steady When hunting upland birds, a flushing dog should be steady to wing and
shot, meaning that he sits when a bird rises or a gun is fired. He does this in
order to mark the fall and to avoid flushing other birds when pursuing a missed
bird.
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 English Springer Spaniels in life and fiction
Felicity's Diamond Jim, the 2006 AKC Eukanuba National Champion and winner of
over 46 Best in Show titles!
Spot Fetcher, pet of President George W. Bush
Millie Bush, pet of former President George H. W. Bush and mother of Spot
Fetcher.
Merlin MacDonald, pet of Celtic lore that aided William Wallace in the defeat of
the English army in the Battle of Stirling Bridge
Smith, a main character in the manga and anime series Ginga: Nagareboshi Gin
See also
Welsh Springer Spaniel
References
Fergus, Charles. Gun Dog Breeds, A Guide to Spaniels, Retrievers, and Pointing
Dogs, The Lyons Press, 2002. ISBN 1-58574-618-5
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