Breed of the Month--Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniel

Colors:  Black & white, liver & white, blue or liver roan
Height:  Males:  20 inches/  Females:  19 inches
Weight:  Males:  50 lbs/  Females:  40 lbs
Life Span:  12-14 years

Breed health concerns:  ear infections, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and epilepsy.

Coat:  Double coat with straight, medium-length, weather-resistant outer coat.
Country of Origin:  England

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

Used to flush game from cover in England, this breed gained the name "Springer" from the way they jumped into the brush.  In the late 1800s, the Spaniel breeds (Cockers, Fields, and Springers) were officially separated.  The English Springer Spaniel was official given breed status in England in 1902.  Today there are two types of English Springer Spaniels, the field and show varieties. 

The English Springer Spaniels are very playful and affectionate dogs.  They are quick learners, even-tempered, and respectful of their owners.  Springers make excellent hunting dogs.  These dogs are very attracted to water, and will gladly swim in any body of water.  Springers are good with kids but may sometimes become overly attached to the person they spend the most time with.  Because Springers become so attached, they can sometimes create a barking problem when left along.


Exercise:
To keep a Springer happy and healthy, several energetic walks per day are required.  The more exercise a Springer gets, the better.  Springers are happy to accompany their owners everywhere.  And of course swimming is always a favorite for the Springer!

Grooming:
A Springers' ears should be kept clean and frequently inspected for signs of infection.  The Springers coat needs regular brushing, and the long fur on the ears must be kept free of tangles and knots.

Training:
Springers very quickly catch on to training because they aim to please their owners.  This breed is very athletic and loves to participate is many activities like hunting, obedience, agility, flyball, tracking, swimming, and anything else the owner might want to do.  Springers need good socialization from an early age.

Water!  Yippy!

I will bring this to you because I love you.

Our oldest dog, Nekita, is a Springer Spaniel/ Lab mix.  She most definitely exhibits the love of the water from both breeds!  Nekita's most favorite thing in all the world to do is go swimming.  Nekita also exhibits the Springer Spaniel's breed characteristic of being very happy-go-lucky.  Most Springer Spaniels or Springer mixes I have come across tend to be very happy dogs that enjoy meeting new people and playing with new friends.  Nekita is also very attached to the person she first bonded with, me.  

Here is Nekita (right), our Springer Spaniel mix,

playing with some friends at the beach.

Someone please throw this ball!