If you’re in the market for a Springer Spaniel, and you just don’t want to look like every one else at the dog park, you may want to consider adopting an English Springer Spaniel.
Because…
If you do, you’re basically going to get a dog with many of the same characteristics of his more “popular” cousins only wrapped up in a “bigger” package!
But be warned…
Just because “spaniels” make great pets for a lot of folks, this doesn’t mean that a “spaniel” will be right for you. This is why we wanted to take a moment a discuss the Springer Spaniel in a bit more detail so that if you’re really considering getting one you’ll have a much better idea if that’s a good idea.
Because the last thing…
That we here at IndulgeYourPet want to see is a “great” dog put into the wrong home. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!
English Springer Spaniel Dog Breed Fast Facts
Country of Origin: England
Original Purpose: Bird flushing and retrieving
Height: 18 to 21 inches
Weight: 40 to 55 pounds
Dog Breed Classification: Sporting Group
Lifespan: 11 to 14 years
Origin of the English Springer Spaniel
While it is true that the English Springer Spaniel originated in England, it is also generally accepted that all “spaniel” breeds stem from original ancestors living in Spain.
Presumably…
These early “Spanish Spaniels” were then exported throughout the world via trading ships. And in the case of the English Springer Spaniel, this must have happened a very long time because these particular “spaniels” have been mentioned in “Welsh law” dating back nearly 1700 years ago. Which gives us a clue as to how “valued” these guys were back them
You see…
Back then, before the advent of modern weaponry, these animals were often used to “flush out” game allowing hunters easier access to either trap, or kill animals that they were hunting, particularly birds.
These skills…
Remained valuable as man became more proficient hunters and substance hunting slowly morphed into sport. Which is why, these sturdy little dogs are still very popular today. It’s also why they’re commonly referred to as one of today’s “best” gundogs around.
Now while…
“Springers” have been popular for 100’s of years all throughout England, the specific English Springer Spaniel really didn’t come into existence until the early 1800’s when the Duke or Norfolk began to specifically target the traits and characteristics which now represent the breed we know and love.
Now few folks…
Have ever heard of a “Norfolk Spaniel” but this is only because the name Norfolk was dropped back in the early 1900’s when the name was changed to the English Springer Spaniel to represent the “country” where a spaniel was created rather than the “region” (which was common practice back in those days).
Right around this same time…
The English Springer Spaniel made the leap across the Atlantic where he was immediately appreciated by US and was quickly recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1910.
English Springer Spaniel Physical Characteristics
The English Springer Spaniel is a compactly built dog that stands with a proud carriage even though he’s a bit longer than he is tall.
But what he lacks…
Even though he may not be all that tall, he does have fairly long legs with a deep body which makes him “appear” a little bit “bigger” than he actually is.
And even if…
His legs don’t fool you into thinking he is bigger than he actually is, once you actually wrap your arms around one of these guys, you’re going to quickly realize that these guys are built tough!
This is why…
They seem to have an endless amount of energy and endurance all packed into a very agile and compact little frame. It’s no wonder why generation after generation have choose to make one of these awesome animals their own.
Now, no discussion…
Of the English Springer Spaniel can be complete without at least mentioning they’re beautiful medium-length outer coat which can be either flat or wavy supported by the dense and soft undercoat which will keep them warm in just about any kind of weather!
And while…
Most English Springer Spaniels you’ll see are going to be either black and white or tan/brown and white, it’s important to note that they can also come in:
- Black, white and tan,
- Liver, white and tan,
- Liver and white,
- Black and white,
- And white and liver (whoa!).
Temperament and Personality of the English Springer Spaniel
There are a couple of things you’re going to want to know right away about the English Springer Spaniel. First of all, these guys are eager to please, quick to learn, friendly, and willing to obey.
Which is great…
Because these dogs make for an excellent, easy-going family dog if trained and socialized right.
But…
When theses guys are properly trained or left on their own for too long, they will find a way to keep the active bodies and minds busy. Ways that you may not always approve us like tearing apart your couch, eating your shoes or seeing if they can dig a hole through your hardwood floors!
Now they’re not…
Doing this because they’re bad or because they can’t be taught not to do it, they’re doing it because they’re bored and they just can’t think of anything else to do all day.
This is where…
The responsible dog owner won’t have a problem owning an English Springer Spaniel, because a responsible owner will have taught their Springer not to “act out” this way and will have given their Spaniel plenty of opportunities to run and play so they don’t have a ton of pent up energy!
You should also be aware…
That these dogs also make great watchdogs, however they don’t always get along well with cats especially if they don’t grow up with a cat in the home.
English Springer Spaniel Health Concerns
Any time you decide to own a pet whether you realize it or not, you are agreeing to be their care taker in sickness and in health. And while all animals can potentially become sick or injured during their life, choosing to adopt a pure breed can potentially increase your risks of owning a dog that could develop an inheritable disease that is common to his or her breed.
Now in the case…
Of the English Springer Spaniel, there are a few medical conditions you should be aware of and discuss with your English Springer Spaniel so that you can “minimize” your risk as much as possible.
Potential health risks to the English Springer Spaniel dog breed include:
And while…
Some of these “conditions” may not be life threatening, they can all be quite expensive if you need to pay for the full cost of treatment out of pocket.
This is why…
We here at IndulgeYourPet always advise any new pet owner to take a moment and see what it might cost to purchase a pet insurance policy on their new loved one. This way if they ever do become sick or injured in the future, you won’t be on the “hook” for 100% of the cost of treatment.
For more information on who we “feel” currently offers some of the “best” pet insurance policies on the market right now, be sure to check out our Top 10 Best Pet Insurance Companies article.
