English Springer Spaniel - Breed Introduction

The English Springer Spaniel is a not only a member of the Sporting Group but is the founder of the English hunting spaniels. Also known as a “Springer”, they should look, behave and move like a sporting dog. They are considered the consummate gun dog, companion and show dog.

A medium-sized dog, the male English Springer Spaniels will measure about 20 inches (50 cm) at the shoulder, and weigh approximately 50 (21 kg) pounds. The females will measure about 19 inches at the shoulder and weigh approximately 40 pounds.

History of the Breed

The Spaniel originated in, where else?, Spain. It soon found its way to England where it became the forerunner for the English Springer Spaniel. How did it earn its name? Because it was used for hunting by flushing or “springing” birds for the hunters. The larger Spaniels became the setters and pointers.

During the Renaissance it was a companion dog. Its image is seen in many paintings, but thought to be a Cocker. In the 1700s it was imported to the Americas and quickly became a favorite of the hunters. It’s size and coat made it ideal for hunting the wild game that people ate as a staple.

The English Springer Spaniel was named because the ancestral stock for all spaniels did “spring” off their bloodlines. In the 1880s both Springers and Cockers were in the same litter and were distinguished only by size. Today the Springer’s breed standard has a uniform size and unmistakable difference in physical features and conformation.

The American Spaniel Club was formed in 1880s and helped distinguish the breed by selecting the larger dogs out of litters. In 1902 the Springers and Cockers were granted separate breed status by the Kennel Club of England. Then in 1924 the English Springer Spaniel was recognized as a sporting dog and the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association was formed.

Dogs bred for the show ring are heavier boned, stockier and longer in torso. They also have thicker coats. There are very few Springers that show in the ring, and compete in the field.

Color and Coat

What makes the Springer ideal for hunting and retrieving is its undercoat. The outer coat is medium length, flat or wavy, while the undercoat is short, soft and dense. The coat is glossy and has a “live” appearance (which indicates good health).

The undercoat is affected by climate and season, being thicker during the colder months and “blown” (or thinning out) during the warmer months. The combined coat makes the Springer waterproof, weatherproof and thorn proof.

The Springer is recognizable for its fringe of feathering on its head, forelegs and below the hock on the hind legs. On ears, chest, legs and belly the Springer is nicely furnished with a fringe of feathering of moderate length and heaviness.

The Springer can be black or liver with white markings or predominantly white with black or liver markings; Blue or liver roan; or Tricolor: black and white or liver and white with tan markings, usually found on eyebrows, cheeks, inside of ears and under the tail.

Any white portion of the coat may be flecked with ticking. In the show ring the preferred colors are the Tricolor white and liver or white and black, with or without shadings.

Personality and Temperament

The English Springer Spaniel is cheerful, courageous, and meticulous. In the family it is affectionate, good natured and sincere. No matter what you use your English Springer Spaniel for—showing, hunting, obedience or just as a companion—he is attentive and will do what you ask of him. In the search for game and in retrieving, he will “stay on it” until he finds the kill and brings it back to you.

It is used in hunting and retrieving in all kinds of terrain, especially that which is thick with brambles. A hardy, relatively long-legged dog, it is more power and faster than the other spaniels. Its behavior as a companion dog is much like that of the cocker spaniel.

Show Characteristics

Judges look for type which includes general appearance and outline, and soundness of movement and temperament The Springer suggests power, endurance and agility; endowed with style, symmetry, balance and enthusiasm. He looks like a dog that can go and keep going.

Key things the judges look for in the English Springer Spaniel are:

Size – Medium in overall proportion, the body is slightly greater than the height at the shoulder. The dog should not be too long in body, nor too short, is undesirable as it will affect the balance and gait. It should have good bone, but not be too coarse.

Head – Strong and refined, it should be in proportion with its body. It’s eyes, large and luminous, make it a beautiful and characteristic expression which is alert, friendly and trusting.

The eyes should be hazel in the liver and white dogs, and black or brown in the other colors. The ears are long and wide on the head, but not too far back on the head. The nose is fully-pigmented, liver or black in color, depending on the color of the coat. T

Body - The neck is moderately long, muscular, clean and slightly arched at the crest, but blends smoothly into sloping shoulders. The portion of the towline from withers to tail is firm and slopes very gently. The body is short-coupled, strong and compact.

The chest is deep, reaching the level of the elbows, with well-developed fore chest; efficient movement in front calls for proper forequarter assembly. Its hindquarters are hard and muscular with well-developed hips and thighs. His whole rear assembly suggests strength and driving power.

Typical Health Concerns

The Springer tends to put weight on very easily, so a good diet, supplements and plenty of exercise are needed to keep him or her slim and trim, and in peak condition.

The Springer is subject to hip dysplasia, eyelid abnormalities, progressive retinal atrophy (which can cause blindness), hemophilia, and von Willebrand’s disease (which is a blood clotting disorder).

Before purchasing a Srpinger, it’s advised to have them tested for hemophilia and von Willebrand’s disease; and also have an annual eye exam.

Grooming

The Springer should be combed frequently so it’s silky fine, long hair does not bet matted. The ears need to be checked regularly too since they can get dirty.

Since the coat is designed to be waterproof, he should not be bathed too much as it will dry out his coat. Bathe him if dirty, or being shown. You can also thin and shorten excess feathering on his head and legs.

Average Life Span

The English Springer Spaniel’s average life span is 10 to 15 years.